Page 71 of Obsessed by My Ex's Mafia Uncle

“Don’t cry,” I mumble to myself. “Don’t, okay?”

“Christine.” His voice is closer now.

I inhale slowly, forcing it down, forcing everything down, then turn back to him, my eyes still bright, my control thinner but not gone.

“You and him,” I start with no detours. “You’re related to Daniel.”

He nods.

“That was it?” My voice cracks at the edge despite my trying to keep it calm. “Some kind of sick arrangement? He hands me over and you what? Take what you want?”

“That’s not what happened.”

“That’s exactly what it looks like,” I shoot back immediately, stepping closer this time, anger pushing me forward instead ofback. “You expect me to believe that’s a coincidence? That you just happened to show up that night, that he just happened to…”

“He didn’t pass you to me.” He clips, his jaw clenching.

“Then explain it,” I challenge, my voice lower now, more dangerous. “Because it feels like I was passed between you.”

“I saw you.” His gaze holds mine. Unflinching. “And I wanted you.”

My heart flips.

“And you just happened to be with him,” he continues. “That’s where it starts and ends.”

“That’s supposed to make it better?” I laugh, but it’s weak, thin.

“It’s supposed to make it clear.”

“It doesn’t,” I shake my head, frustration rising again. “It doesn’t make anything clear.”

“It should.”

“It doesn’t,” I repeat, my voice bristling. “Because I didn’t ask for any of that. I didn’t ask to be dragged into whatever world you exist in.”

He closes the distance, slowly this time. Like he knows I’ll see it coming and still won’t step away.

His hand lifts, brushing lightly against my jaw, tilting my face just enough before his lips press against my cheek.

I turn my face away immediately, refusing it, refusing him, refusing what that almost does to me.

“You’ve done well with the event.” His breath lingers near my skin anyway. “Enjoy it.”

“Thank you.”

He presses another kiss, softer this time, and it feels like a parting kiss. And a part of me doesn’t want him to go yet.

This tug of war inside me is driving me insane.

I want him.

I don’t.

Both feelings are pulling in opposite directions, neither willing to give way.

I turn my face, catching his lips with mine before I can stop myself, before I can think better of it.

“Are you dating now?” His voice drops, brushing over my lips.