Page 59 of Blood Vows

“Fine,” she lied.

“You sure?” he asked.

She smiled. “You’re asking a lot of questions.”

“You lie about being fine a lot,” he said.

“That’s fair.” Elena's smile faded. “What happens now?” Dante knew she wasn't asking about the investigation. He could lie and tell her it was just sex or even a bad decision made after a terrible day. That would be easier—safer even, but it would also be complete bullshit.

“I don't know,” he admitted. She nodded, and he felt her pull away emotionally before she moved physically from his side. Dante tightened his arm around her. “But you're not going anywhere.”

Her gaze lifted to his. “Because you're protecting me?” she asked.

“Yes.” Something flickered in her expression, and Dante sighed. “And because I don't want you to go anywhere.” That seemed to surprise her. Hell, it surprised him.

“That sounds dangerously close to admitting you like me,” she teased.

“Don't push it.” She smiled that fucking smile that seemed to always turn him inside out.

He touched her face. “Elena.”

“What?” she asked.

“If this becomes something—” he whispered.

“If?” she asked, glaring at him.

“If,” he repeated, “it doesn't change the job.”

“Meaning?” she asked.

“If I tell you to run, you run,” he said.

“If someone's shooting at us, sure. Then we both run,” she insisted. “But if you're just being bossy⁠—”

“I am always bossy,” he reminded.

“Then I'm ignoring you,” she said.

Dante shook his head. “This is going to be a nightmare.”

“Well, you’re the one who kissed me,” she said.

“You kissed me first,” he challenged.

“Technically, yes, I did,” she said.

“So this is your fault,” he said. She smacked his chest, and Dante caught her hand. For one stupid, impossible moment, he felt happy—actually fucking happy.

His phone rang, and Dante closed his eyes. Elena groaned. “Your phone has terrible timing.”

“You have no idea.” He reached for it and saw Luca’s name on the screen. Dante answered with his usual greeting. “What?”

“You sound pleasant,” Luca drawled.

“What do you want, Luca?” he asked.

“Marco called me.” Dante sat up slightly, and Elena did too.