I’d considered arranging a meeting with the Morellis and dismissed the idea. Poison was a coward’s weapon, and the Morellis weren’t cowards. If Lucian wanted to murder Tinsley, he would slit her throat during a dinner meeting while I watched.

My chest caved in as I grabbed my phone from the floor and read the messages.

Lucian and Elaine were in the hotel, being detained in an office while security awaited my orders.

Tinsley stood in the bathroom doorway, hands on her hips, emanating a powerful air of resentment. She knew I was going to send Elaine away. She fucking knew I would never agree to this, which was why she’d arranged it behind my back.

She was so young. Barely out of high school. But she’d grown up in a ruthless environment. She wasn’t naive and didn’t easily trust people. Not even members of her own family.

I trust my sister with this.

Fuck.

How could I expect her to run the business with me if I thwarted every decision that opposed mine?

Fucking fuck, fuck, fuck!

I shot off a string of texts to the security team and implemented all the safety protocols. That done, I snatched the suit off the bed and changed my clothes.

As she watched me from the doorway, her arms sagged at her sides, and a relieved breath escaped her lips.

“I’m going to welt your ass tonight.” I looped the tie around my neck, fighting with the knot.

“I look forward to it.” She approached and pushed my hands away, finishing the task.

“You won’t be able to walk tomorrow.” I inhaled her soft feminine scent, which compelled me to lean closer and breathe deeper.

“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. I kept a secret from you.” Her magnetic eyes lifted, making my cock stir. “I won’t do it again.”

“No, you won’t. And I’m no longer a priest.”

“You’ll always be my priest.”

Fuck me to hell, but I loved this wicked woman.

Spirals of white-blond hair fell like satin ribbons around her face. Long lashes fluttered over large, wraparound eyes. A tiny nose, delicate bone structure, flawless complexion—her elven features glowed with magic. Fucking enchanting.

My pulse thrummed, and my skin heated, burning off the edge of my anger.

“You look stunning.” I held out my hand.

“Thank you.” She grasped my fingers and followed me out of the bedroom.

I waited by the front door as the staff carried in the meal Tinsley had arranged. While they set up the dining room, armed guards flooded the penthouse.

Although I’d personally vetted every employee, I wouldn’t let Tinsley leave my side while they were here. Until I knew who was trying to kill her, everyone was a threat.

With the perimeter secure and the table set, I gave the green light to bring up our guests.