Lured (Team Zero #1) - Rina Kent Page 0,47
and the deep sincerity in them undoes me. “I can’t let on much about it, but you were in danger. The people I work with for my research are… eccentric. They’re not afraid to threaten everything I love to have me do their bidding.”
My breath hitches. Samir’s words stab in my brain. He said Dominic got involved with the wrong people. Is this one of its consequences? “What do you mean?”
He shakes his head and takes my hand in his warm one. “The less you know the better. Believe me. I’m protecting you.”
“But —”
He places a finger on my lips. “What I need you to know is that I’m crazy for you, baby girl. You’re the only one who didn’t run the other way when you saw my true self. On the contrary, you were drawn to me because of it. I thought I could watch from afar while you live like a normal person, but I lied to myself. Every day, I stare at that mug you left behind and imagine you being a pain the arse with your constant teasing. How pathetic is that?”
I laugh despite myself. “Very. Is the sociopath growing a heart?”
“It’s always been there for you, Cam,” he says with an uncertain expression. “If you have me back, I’ll do everything to keep you happy.”
I jut out my chin. “What makes you think I haven’t moved on?”
His eyes darken. “I told you I would murder anyone who touches you.”
I bite my lower lip. “Have you… been with anyone?”
He shakes his head. “I told you. You’re the only woman for me.” He narrows his eyes. “Now tell me the name of the fucker I need to murder.”
“You ruined me for everyone, asshole.” I wrap my arms around his waist and bury my face in his hard chest. Oh, Dieu. I missed this embrace. I’ve been breathing in the past months, but this must be the first time I feel alive since I walked out of his flat.
Dominic’s arms encircle me in a strong hold and he inhales my hair. “I missed you so much, Cam.”
“Me, too,” my voice is muffled by his jacket.
We remain like that for a while, then he says, “I guess all that praying worked.”
I look up at him. “Praying?”
“About you being pregnant.”
My lips stretch in a wide smile. “Did you go to every church, mosque and temple and got down on your knees?”
“Sure did.” A gleam shines in his eyes. “Just like the good angel I am. I have the brightest halo, remember? My prayer was answered pretty fast.”
“What else did you pray for?”
“To burn any French lawyer interested in you.”
I laugh. “That’s not very angelic of you, Dom.”
He shrugs. “I need to eliminate any competition. I’m sure even angels get a pass for that.”
“I’m sure they do.”
He brushes his lips against my forehead. “For security reasons, you can’t return to England with me, but I can come here.”
“Why can’t I go?”
“I want you nowhere near those dangerous people.” His face is closed.
“There are more dangerous people than you?” I had meant to tease, but I can see the strain on his face.
“Yes, and they’re the violent type.”
My breath hitches. “Dom… you’re okay, right?”
“I will be.” He winks. “I’m smart, remember?”
“I’m worried. What have you gotten yourself into?”
“Something I can get myself out from, don’t worry.” He palms my cheeks. “You know that I will do every fucking thing to keep you safe, right? I don’t care who I have to burn in order for you to live.”
“I do.” He seems like he want to hear it.
“And you will be with me, anyway?”
“I don’t think I have a choice.” I smile, melting into him. “There’s something of me in you.”
“And something of me in you, baby girl.” His punishing eyes soften. “Only death will stop me from protecting you.”
“Hey, don’t say that.” I tiptoe and plant a quick kiss on his mouth. “Don’t let Eloise hear that.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Eloise?”
I grin and place his palm on my belly. “That’s our baby girl name.”
His expression turns affectionate. “I don’t get a say in naming her something that’s not so French?”
“Don’t be xenophobic, Dom.” I roll my eyes. “What’s so wrong with Eloise?”
“Nothing.” He smiles in full charming fashion. “I just want to see that fired up expression when you’re annoyed.”
“You’re such a sociopath, Dom.”
And I love him for it.
“Your favourite sociopath.” He leans in and captures my lips in a ravenous kiss.
Epilogue
Three years later,
The summer air ruffles my hair as I lie