His jaw worked left, then right. His eyes met mine, and he nodded. “My sister was taken last fall. My sister-in-law, Alessandro’s wife, as well. Consequences of our choices.”

“But you saved them.” My voice was barely above a whisper. “Like you saved us today.”

His jaw flexed, his head angling as he searched my face. “My hope is that you and Colin came into my life now because it’s safe for you to be in it.” He closed the space between us, his hand lifting to my cheek. “It’s the only thing that makes sense to me. Why you were kept away from me for so long, only to find your way back now.”

A stuttery exhalation from him pulled one out of me, too.

“I promise you, whether you stay with me or not, I will always watch out for you both. I will never let anything happen to either of you. You have my word.” His knuckles skimmed my cheek, his touch light but unwavering. “And you have my family, too. Any one of us would take a bullet for you.” His voice dropped, raw and unshakeable. “That’s non-negotiable.”

He waited for my nod of acceptance, and I knew when to pick and choose my battles. This was one I’d never win. So, I nodded, my throat too tight for words.

“We’ll go to Hell and back to keep you safe. We’re a package deal.” His voice cracked. “You get us all.”

Emotion surged through me, an unstoppable wildfire. “That sounds like a deal I’d be crazy to refuse.”

He searched my gaze, needing more.

I blinked, setting my tears free. “Do what I asked yesterday.” My voice wavered. “Ask me to stay. Ask us to stay.”

I reached between us, flicking the brim of his hat to better see his eyes.

His forehead creased, his body taut with emotion. A tear rolled down his cheek, touching his mouth as he rasped in a guttural tone, “Stay.”

35. Constantine

Chapter 35

Constantine

“Kiss me.” Juliette parted her lips as an invitation that I’d never refuse.

I shifted my hand up into her hair and leaned in just as Colin interrupted, “Shit, sorry!” which had me startling away from her.

“It’s okay,” I said, groaning under my breath.

“Later,” Juliette mouthed, and now later felt like forever.

We turned toward the door to acknowledge Colin. A hand covered his eyes as if he’d caught us having sex on my desk. Not a bad idea. Well, not the being-caught part.

I tugged at the brim of my hat, working to get my shit together. I’d told this woman my life story, and she didn’t run. She was still here, wanting me to kiss her and trusting me to protect her and our son. It was safe to say I was a fucking mess on the inside, but oddly, in the best possible way.