38. Wesley
38
WESLEY
When Nina went back to bed last night, I realized how far gone I am.
She is intoxicating. I’m at her mercy and I have been for months. It launches me into a dangerous game of balance; there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her. She inspires me to become a better person, but I’d do unspeakable things if it meant keeping her happy and safe. In the underground, love is a liability and always will be.
During the four-hour drive from my grandparents’ house to Corsos, I listed possible threats from my time underground. My work was thorough. While Santiago’s death inconvenienced his employees and associates, the ones who knew me either hated him or feared me enough to stay away.
Even with heavy security at the mansion, I remain outside Nina’s room. Employees are dotted around the property and we can’t take the risk that one of them works with Lo Revínastí.
My phone rings with a call from my colleague and I answer, “Mason.”
“Wrong,” Maia says. “Nina’s phone’s off and I don’t want to walk across the damn country in these heels. Where is she?”
“Inside her suite.”
“Tell her that we’re waiting,” she instructs. “She needs to get down here. Now.”
“Yes, madam,” I reply, knocking on the door after Maia hangs up. Once Nina gives me permission to enter, I see her pacing. She wears a light pink pantsuit, her hair in a bun with curls framing her face, which I now realize is my favorite hairstyle of hers.
“The Higher Court is waiting for you.”
“Okay,” she exhales, shaking out her hands. “Just—I need a minute.”
“Nina—”
She stops in the middle of the room and stares at me. “Please tell me if my plan is bad and I am begging you not to be impartial on this because you’re the only one I trust to give me honest advice.” She holds her hands against her stomach, entire body tense.
I hate seeing her like this, especially because of her brilliance. I’ve long known this, but listening to her talk to Maia on the way here showed me in a completely different way. She’s compassionate, wise, and strong. People are drawn to her in ways she doesn’t realize.
She’s nearly my height in heels, so I don’t dip my head to catch her gaze. I remove her hands from her stomach, folding them in mine.
“Nina Antonia Laffley, you are one of the smartest people I know,” I begin. “Definitely the most stubborn. And charming. And out-of-this-fucking-world beautiful.” She blushes. “This country is my home and the only place that felt right—until I met you. Which is how I know there’s no one better to wear its crown.”
Nina blinks away sudden tears, nodding. I almost panic that I said the wrong thing until she kisses me deeply. My head spins from her lips on mine. Since the day we met, I craved her taste. We’ve kissed three times in twenty-four hours and it’s only the start of catching up.
But we’re on a time limit.
I want her to succeed—and I may not be in the final picture. I’m not the person the Higher Court or her family would want by her side. Their input doesn’t matter to me; Nina’s does, and a good man wouldn’t force her to pick between them and me.