We’ve made it.

We’re safe—for now.

I’ve got Sienna settled in her room, and now it’s time to get down to business.

Titus and James at my side, we walk through the penthouse. I have us split up and check different areas, making sure it’s totally secure. Any obvious breaches of security need to be handled immediately.

It’s not just me and my crew I have to worry about anymore. I must keep Sienna safe.

Now that we’re here in New York, I have a little bit of time to breathe and think about what to do next.

“All good on the south side,” Titus walks up, and James comes from the other end. “North side clear, too.”

“Good, now we just need to come up with our next plan. New York is safe, but it won’t be for long. I wouldn’t put it past Edison to track us down sooner rather than later. His network is fucking expansive. I want you guys to keep your ears to the ground. Let me know if anything seems fishy, or you get wind of Edison’s men nearby.”

“You got it,” they both nod.

“Another thing, make sure everyone knows not to let Sienna out on her own. She must always be accompanied. Chances are if she’s not with me, she’ll try to sneak off.”

“We’ll make sure the guys know,” Titus says and they both take their leave.

I walk to the bar and pour myself a glass of Macallan 50. Taking a long sip, I let the flavors roll over my tongue. The essence of spice and vanilla calm me, and the peat finish is just what the doctor ordered.

It’s smooth, yet strong.

Staring out at the New York City skyline, I can’t help but let my thoughts drift to Sienna.

She’s pissed. I get it. But she’s not letting me in, either.

I’m trying to envision what it’s like being in her shoes, but the reality is, I have no clue.

I’ve seen men murdered in front of me. Hell, I’ve taken lives, spilled blood with my own two fucking hands.

But this is her father we’re talking about.

I take another sip and wince.

The agony I see on her face is real, and every time I see it, I want to hold her.

I’ve had many women say they hate me, mainly because I wouldn’t commit. I’d shrug it off with a laugh and go on my way.

But, hearing it come from her was like having ice-cold water fucking dumped over my head.

I never want to hear those words from her.

She’s different from the rest. She’s the only one I’ll put everything on the line for.

I sigh, turning back to the bar.

Seems like these last few days, she’s been the only thing on my mind. Everything I’m doing is to keep her safe, to keep her close to me.

I‘ve longed to return to her for years, and while this isn‘t how I planned it, the fact of the matter is, she’s here by my side.

I’m never gonna let her go.

Safety has been the main priority, so we haven’t had much time to talk. I haven’t had time to explain everything that’s been happening.

Not that she’s in much of a state to listen to me.

Instead, we’ve been in the midst of forming plans or being on the run from Edison and his men.

There’s never gonna be a good time to have this conversation.

So, no time like the present.

I down the rest of my drink and head to her room.

There’s no need to knock, it’s my place, and so I just walk right in.

She’s cuddled up under the covers, her bare shoulder peeking out.

I want nothing more than to lean down and kiss it, then move up to her neck and her lips.

I’ve imagined many times over the last few days what it would be like to fuck her, to make her mine.

Mentally calming my raging cock, I sit on the bed, keeping a safe distance from Sienna.

I’m close enough to reach out, but I don’t dare.

I won’t be able to control myself the moment I lay my hands on her smooth skin.

I know nothing I say right now is going to change her mind, not with the state that she’s in. But I have to fucking try.

I need her to understand that I would never have ordered the murder of her father. He was always good to me during my youth. I haven’t forgotten that, not for a single fucking second. He treated me like I was his own, and the news of his death shook me too.

But Sienna is my priority right now. I have to handle the fallout, whether I like the outcome or not.

She stirs as I sit, and I can tell she’s awake, even if she’s not looking at me.

“Sienna, I’m sorry,” I let out a heavy breath, “I had no idea who the target of the kidnapping was, let alone that it was you.”

She finally rolls over, and the look on her face says it all. She doesn’t believe me. I can’t blame her. Things are so much different now than they were the last time we crossed paths.

“I never would’ve stood for it, them kidnapping you. And your dad—” she tenses up as I start talking about Hudson. “That wasn’t me. I didn’t give that order. It was made behind my back. You have to—”

“How did you turn into this, Nate? A hardened criminal…it’s like I don’t even know you anymore. Maybe I never really did,” her voice is soft, but laced with anger.

“It’s complicated, Sienna. Really complicated. This life happened to me, and I couldn’t get out. But regardless of what you think, I never forgot about you. Not for a single fucking second.”

I look her right in her beautiful blue eyes. They’re glimmering with a mix of emotions.

“Is that right?” The sarcasm in her voice is hard to miss, but I don’t let it shake me.

No matter what it takes, I’m going to make her fucking understand.

I’m going to make her understand that she’s important to me, then and now, now and forever.

“I’m not going to lie and say everything’s okay, because it’s not. We’ve got some shit to deal with. But, I’ll find a way to keep you safe, Sienna. You’re everything to me.”

The look in her eyes is questioning, yet defiant.

The spark that makes her Sienna is there, masked under the stress of the last few days.

All I can do is look at her. She’s gorgeous, and I’m overcome with desire. Desire to take her in my arms, to feel her against me.

All in due time.

“I want you to have dinner with me.”

“That sounds like an order.”

“That’s because it is. There are plenty of clothes in there,” I gesture to the closet. “I had them picked out just for you. Get dressed, and meet me in the dining room. Don’t keep me waiting.”

I leave no room for argument as I head toward the door.

She huffs behind me, but says nothing else.

I don’t turn and look at her, because doing so would force the rest of my fucking self-control out of my mind.

I close the door behind me and head to the kitchen.

I’m going to have the chef prepare a feast for us, and then see where the evening takes us. If all goes well, she’ll end up in my bed.

I’ll make her see reason, then finally make her mine.

I can’t wait any longer.