I glare after him, then snatch up my glass and throw it at the wall. It shatters.
"Fuck." I dig my fingers into my hair and tug.
Asshole is right, though. I shouldn’t have brought her here; it’s too dangerous—for both of us.
But fuck, if I didn’t want her in my space, in my bed. I wanted her to myself just for a few days before I have to face the world. Is that too much to ask?
With a little luck, the Sovranos will be too busy facing the aftermath of the problems I left them with to come after us right away. As for Freddie—fuck. It had been wrong to provoke the man. He’s dangerous. I should have known better, but everything he’d said had been intended to goad me, and for once, I had let him get to me. It had not been wise to throw him out, but goddam it, I am tired of being on the defensive. I want to take my destiny in my own hands. To face it like the man I am.
Enough hiding; enough planning. It’s time to put the final part of my plan into action. To bring down the Sovranos, once and for all, and to have my revenge.
I straighten, reach for the bottle, and pour myself a fresh glass, when the scent of orange blossoms wafts over to me.
I raise my gaze to find her standing in the doorway. She takes a step forward, but I hold up a hand, "Stop right there."
"What?"
"Don’t come in here."
Her jaw firms, "Why not?"
“Because I said so, woman.” I smirk at the flash of anger in her eyes before nodding toward the shards on the floor. "There’s glass everywhere,"
"Oh." She purses her lips, "I uh, heard the commotion and came to check."
"You should have stayed in the room, away from me, where it’s safest for you."
"Isn’t it safe for me here?"
"What do you think?" I raise the glass of whiskey to my lips.
"I think you’ve had enough to drink."
I chuckle, "I am just getting started." I grab the glass and the bottle, then walk out from behind the counter and toward her. "Go to bed." I brush past her, then head out of the living room and toward the study. I step inside, all too aware of her following me. I walk over to the chair in front of the fire and lower myself into it.
I raise the glass of whiskey to my lips, take a sip. She walks over to stand in front of me.
"What?" I growl, not raising my gaze.
"Who was that man who left? Was he a friend?"
"An associate."
"Why was he threatening you?"
I jerk my chin up, "Nothing you need to worry about."
"You kidnap me—"
"I married you."
"—and bring me here." She scowls.
"To my home, which is now your home," I add.
"Exactly, so if someone threatens you, then it means my life is also in danger."
I set my jaw. "I’ll say this only once, Theresa," I lock my gaze with hers, "you have nothing to fear. I will never let anyone harm you, you understand?"