Ruthless Games

LILY

I wait in the lobby,while Miles goes to get Nero processed and released. My mind goes back over the interview, heart still racing with adrenaline and pride.

I can’t believe I pulled it off.

But I know, my victory will be short-lived. Lydia Compton is a force to be reckoned with,and now she’s gunning for the both of us. She reminds me of Nero in that way: Both determined individuals, with the kind of raw intensity that lets you know they’ll do just about anything to get what they want.

You don’t want to get in the way of a person like that… But that’s exactly what I just did.

“It shouldn’t be long now,” Miles rejoins me, giving a weary sigh. He’s been up all night too, by the looks of things, and his tie is crooked; his blonde hair ruffled out of place.

“So, is this your usual job description?” I ask, curious.

“Whatever it takes to protect the Barretti businesses,” he says with a nod. “Nero put me through law school, he always said I would be wasted on the street. Can’t throw a punch to save my life,” he adds with a wry grin. “But file an emergency motion against extended custody proceedings? That’s my kind of game.”

I look at him again, surprised to hear he grew up in the organization. But maybe I shouldn’t be. Nero likes to keep people close. “And you never thought about leaving? Taking a job someplace else.”

He looks at me like I’m crazy. “I’m a Barretti,” he says simply. “Not by blood, sure, but they’re my family. I owe Nero everything, and I’m going to repay that debt.”

Honor. Loyalty. Nero inspires it in almost everyone. It’s no wonder his men didn’t rat him out.

A pair of doors swing open, and then Nero walks out, still wearing his tuxedo from last night. The tie has been removed and he looks a mess, but my heart still turns over at the sight of him.

“Nero.” I leap up, rushing to throw my arms around his neck.

He flinches back, anger radiating..

“Let’s get the hell out of here,” he says to Miles—looking straight past me like I’m not even here.

Is he serious?

My own anger rises as I follow them to the car and ride home. Nero doesn’t say a word to me, and I bite my own tongue, until we’re back at the house, and the door slams shut behind us.

We’re finally alone.

“What the hell is your problem?” I demand, throwing my bag down on the floor.

“That’s what I was going to ask you. They said I alibi-ed out for the raid. You told them I was with you all day. Lily, you lied.”

I gape at him in disbelief. “And now you’re mad at me? I did what I had to do to get you free!”

Nero scowls, his face dark with anger. “I never asked you to do that. In fact, I told you to stay the hell out.”

“Then it’s a good thing I have the ability to think for myself,” I shoot back. “Otherwise, you’d still be in custody right now.”

Nero rakes a hand through his hair, looking anguished. “But why, Lily? You just put yourself directly in the firing line. Why did you do that?”

“Because you’re my husband!”

My voice echoes, and then there’s silence. I see Nero’s expression shift from anger to something more passionate. Emotion flaring in his eyes.

He strides across the room and pulls me into his arms. Kissing me wildly, passionately, like a man possessed. I cling to him, already tearing at his shirt. I need him inside me.

“No.” he growls, pulling back. “Not here. This time, I’m taking you to my bed.”

He scoops me in his arms as if I weigh nothing and carries me upstairs—straight to the room he’s been sleeping in. The primary suite. He keeps walking, into the bathroom.

“I stink of jail,” he growls, depositing me on the counter, and turning on the shower spray.