Seeing her with Michael made my skin crawl with the need to break up their little breakfast date and pound him into the ground. I forced myself to stay put for what seemed like ages, watching them chat like it was the most natural thing in the world. It was important for me to see their dynamic before I could work on cutting him out of her life.

Every bit of patience I had expired when she began to cry. I couldn’t take it any longer. I didn’t know what the hell he’d said, but it was over. I was back in Sofia’s life, and there wasn’t room for another man in her world.

Especially a Russian.

I said we’d work it out, and I meant it, but I doubted my version of working it out would be her ideal scenario. The situation was delicate and would take finesse. Not exactly my forte, but I’d figure it out.

The morning passed quickly, making me forget about lunch until almost two. I ran to a nearby deli to grab a sandwich, and on my way back to the office, a loud whistle caught my attention before I reached for the front door. It could have been anyone whistling for any reason, but it snagged my attention like a fishing hook had yanked me straight from the stream.

Pausing, I scanned my surroundings and zeroed in on Michael almost immediately. He stood on the opposite side of the street with his hands tucked inside his jacket pockets as if he were a simple pedestrian out for a stroll. When my eyes landed on him, he lifted his chin at me, then made his way over. Every muscle in my body coiled in anticipation of a fight—it was a sensation my body knew well. If he planned to challenge me, he was going to regret it.

“Have a minute?” He wasn’t giving off any confrontational vibes, but I wasn’t letting my guard down.

“Let’s take a walk,” I offered in the cool tone of indifference, concealing the rage stirring inside me.

“I know I’m the last person you want to talk to, but I think it’s important we do this and not make Sofia act as a go-between,” Michael started conversationally. “You need to know that she and I are good friends, but it’s never gone past that. Don’t get me wrong, I would have if I could have, but there was never enough room in her heart for the both of us. That was clear from day one. The reason you need to understand that is because I know you’ll want me out of her life, but the only thing that’s going to do is hurt her.”

“And keep her safe,” I added smugly.

“Would you say she’s endangered by your mafia associations?”

“Not from my family.”

“Exactly. You and me, we’re no different. I care about Sofia too, and I’d never let anyone hurt her either. I want her to be happy. I’m not just arguing for my own benefit. If you try to come between us, you’ll break her heart without achieving any positive result. You’ve already hurt her unnecessarily once; don’t do it again.” His voice took on a hard edge, adding an extra threat to his warning.