More than he ever remembered wanting anything. More than was rational or reasonable. “Yes, Cassie. I want this. And when you’re not thinking of all the reasons why you shouldn’t, I think you want it, too.” He kissed the top of her head and tightened his arm around her. “Now, sleep. Let go of your worries. We’ll deal with tomorrow when it gets here. Tonight, we rest.”

She nodded. An almost childlike motion that made him want to hide her behind the highest walls where nothing and no one could ever hurt her. An odd and slightly perplexing response he acknowledged wasn’t at all logical and wasn’t entirely sure how to contend with.

He stared through the darkness toward the ceiling, wondering at the fierceness behind his unexpected surge of protectiveness and savoring the feel of her next to him. How her body slowly eased and softened against his, and the way their legs entwined. Only when her breathing deepened to that of a person drifting into sleep and her head was weightless against his chest did he close his own eyes.

And let the promise born between them carry him into dreams of tomorrow.

Chapter Eleven

A ding. A pleasant, yet out of place sound in the realm of Cassie’s dream-quiet mind that lifted her slowly upward. Not quite awake, but no longer asleep either.

Had she heard something? Or had she imagined it?

She shook the thoughts off. She felt too good to care. Relaxed. Content and warm. Safe and protected.

Kir.

It was his arms around her. The strength and warmth of his body blanketing her back, and the steady rise and fall of his breath creating an almost meditative cocoon. She didn’t want to move. Didn’t want to think about anything except this exact moment and everything about last night that had led them to it.

She was so in over her head. A baby lamb tottering on shaky legs alongside a full-grown lion. All she’d been able to hear on the drive home and while they’d talked was a cacophony in her parents’ voices.

Are you insane?

Why are you standing here listening to this man?

He admitted he was mafiya.

You don’t fraternize with dangerous people. You stay away from them.

This situation is dangerous.

Be smart.

Run.

Run.

Run.

But she didn’t want to run. Didn’t want to listen to the voices in her head anymore. Not even a little bit. She liked being with him. Had always felt a little more alive in his presence. More centered and aware. She’d marveled at the sensation even from the beginning. How easy everything from conversation to chemistry flowed with him. How even the simplest experience felt richer and more vibrant with him in the equation.

And then there was his family.

They’d been kind. Thoughtful. Inquisitive and accepting. Aside from that initial, piercing stare, even Sergei had seemed to lower his guard and allow her a glimpse into the man behind the stern exterior. Maybe it made her stupid or naive, but she wanted what they had. Wanted to be around people who didn’t judge. Who didn’t appear to give two figs about how successful she was, or offer incessant opinions on how she should or shouldn’t be.