Dom #2
I could tell her. Could shatter that perfect image she carries. It seems like something she should know, not to hurt her or somehow make me look less bad, but because it’s the truth of who he was.
But I can't bring myself to do it.
Some truths are better left buried, especially when they'd only cause pain.
Olivia hesitates, studying me. "I’ve always had questions about how he died."
Oh hell. Where is this going to go? “Oh?”
“He died in the line of duty, but there is some suggestion it was your father who killed him.”
Fucking hell. “Is that why you’re sleeping with me, Agent Ricci? To find out if my father killed your father?” I try to keep it light, but it’s not easy. My pride will be bruised if she’s using me.
Her eyes flash with heat. “Please tell me you don’t believe I’d use sex—”
“But it’s why you keep investigating, isn’t it? This isn’t about me. It’s about your father.”
She looks down telling me I’m right.
“Why do you suspect my father?” And why fuck me if you think my father killed yours? Something isn’t adding up.
“I got the file that indicated he was investigating organized crime, your father in particular. And when I got your case, yes, I did think I might learn something.”
I laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“I don’t get why we’re here naked after a very good fuck if you think my father—”
“You’re not your father and…well…hormones.” An adorable blush comes to her cheeks that makes me want to fuck her all over again.
“Lust made you do it.”
She throws her pillow at me. “What’s your excuse?”
“Lust.” I waggle my brows.
“Yes, well, I’m not one to pass on the sins of the father, either. I can separate you from him.”
“What about your boss? Does he agree with your assessment? Is that why he gave you the case? Thought you’d work harder. Maybe bend a few rules to put the Vitales in prison as revenge?”
“I can’t speak for my boss.”
“Well, let me help you out. We don’t kill cops.”
She purses her lips. “People in your world eliminate anyone who gets in the way and cops definitely get in the way.”
“You’re not dead,” I point out, but then regret the flash of fear I see. “Look, my father was a ruthless bastard by any standard, but dead cops bring heat that no one wants." Now I have to shut up, so I don’t incriminate myself.
“I find that hard to believe.”
“Fine. I’ll look into it. I have resources, connections. If someone in my family was involved, I'll find out."
"Why would you do that?"
Good question. Why would I risk uncovering something that could potentially implicate my own family? I’m sure my father didn’t kill hers.
My father tended to buy off or extort cops. Not that he didn’t kill because he did.
His own brother included.
But I can’t deny there could be someone else in the family who killed Detective Ricci.
Or maybe someone in La Corona.
“Because I know it wasn’t us and you deserve the truth.”
She stares at me, and I get the sense that she wants to believe me, but doesn’t quite. It bothers me even as I understand her doubt.
I decide to change the subject. "So, the FBI. Was it always the plan, or did you consider other options?"
She shifts, pulling the sheet higher. "Like I said, I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps. But the Bureau has resources local police don't, reach, authority."
"Power," I add with a knowing smile.
"Justice," she corrects, but returns my smile. "Though I won't deny there's something satisfying about flashing that badge."
I laugh. "We have that in common, you know."
"What's that?"
"Enjoying the weight our names carry. When you say 'FBI,' doors open. When I say 'Vitale,' the same thing happens."
Her eyebrow arches. "Not exactly the same thing."
"Isn't it? Authority is authority, Olivia. The difference is just who grants it."
"And who granted yours? Your father?"
I tense, knowing this is dangerous territory for me. But I maintain an easy smile. "Family business is complicated."
"That's not an answer."
"It's the only one you're getting tonight." I keep my tone light.
"How did it happen?" she presses. "Taking over after your father died? Was there a ceremony? A vote?"
I trace my finger along her collarbone, deliberately distracting. "You trying to get me to incriminate myself, Agent Ricci?"
"Just curious about the man in my bed."
"Curious enough to put it in my file? Will you describe my dick?"
Her eyes flash. "That's not fair."
"Isn't it?" I lean closer. "You're asking questions you know I can't answer."
"Can't or won't?"
"Both. It works both ways, you know. You have your protocols and rules, and I have mine." I brush my lips against her shoulder. "Some secrets protect more than just me."
She falls silent. “Secrets can be deadly.”
“So can the truth.” I trace my finger down her sternum, feeling her heartbeat quicken. "We both have codes we live by. We both protect our people. We both believe the ends justify the means."
"I uphold the law.”
"And I uphold my family." I cup her face. "It’s one thing law enforcement doesn’t understand about us.”
Her brow furrows. “What?”
I hesitate, wanting to make sure I don’t give her something that will ultimately become my ruin. “Family is everything. The only thing.”
I don’t let her respond. I lean in, brushing my lips against hers. She responds immediately, her body arching into mine.
I deepen the kiss, sliding my hand down her side to grip her hip.
She moans softly against my mouth, and I feel the last of her resistance melting away. For now, at least.
"You're changing the subject," she murmurs as I trail kisses down her neck.
"Brilliantly observed, Agent." I nip at her earlobe. "Is it working?"
Her laugh vibrates against my lips. "You're impossible."
"Yet here you are." I pull back just enough to meet her gaze. "With the impossible."
Something unspoken passes between us.
I suppose it’s the acknowledgment of the absurdity of our situation, the danger, the inevitability that this is going to end badly.
But she pulls me back to her, and for tonight, we let our bodies say what our words can’t.
Tomorrow we'll be enemies again.