Chapter 19 - Rebuilding the Empire"The Bratva is in chaos," Cassian informed her, leaning against the console.
"With Viktor gone, his lieutenants are fighting for control."
"They won't bother us for a long time."
"Good," Elena said, setting her coffee down.
"That gives us time to rebuild the outer defenses."
Cassian reached out, gently tucking a stray lock of auburn hair behind her ear.
"You never stop working, do you?" he murmured.
"I need to keep you alive, Cassian," she replied, using his first name effortlessly.
"It is my job."
He stepped closer, his presence warm and overwhelming.
"I want you to be more than my security," he said openly, laying his cards on the table.
Elena looked up at him, her breath catching slightly.
She had fought trained killers without flinching, but this man made her nervous.
"I am complicated, Cassian," she warned.
"I come with ghosts."
"I am a syndicate boss," he replied with a dark laugh.
"My closet is entirely full of skeletons."
He leaned in, his lips hovering dangerously close to hers.
May you like
"We match perfectly."
She didn't pull away.
