And you. Her heart skipped. Both in the same sentence? He turned toward her, lips curling faintly. They're connected now.
She looked down at her hands. That's not fair to you. He walked to her slowly, the city's light tracing his silhouette. Fair stopped mattering the second he put your name in his mouth. He crouched in front of her, resting his hands on her knees.
Tomorrow it's over. His people will fold, the story dies, and you He paused, searching her face. You start over. New name if you want it. New job.
Whatever you need. Her eyes filled again. Why are you doing this for me? He smiled slightly. Because you'd never do it for yourself.
"Marco." He stood, reaching for her hand, pulling her gently to her feet. You don't owe me anything, Lisa. But you do owe yourself peace. So when this ends, you go find it.
Understand? She frowned. What about you? He brushed his thumb along her cheek. I don't get peace.
Her voice trembled. Then take mine. He froze, actually froze, as if she'd just handed him something sacred. Then he did what he hadn't allowed himself to before. He kissed her again, slow this time, almost reverent.
When he pulled back, he whispered against her lips. You should sleep. I can't. He smiled softly. Then don't.
They stood there, foreheads pressed together, breathing in sync, the city lights flickering around them like stars too close to touch. For the first time in years, Lisa didn't feel small. She felt seen. She felt chosen. And somewhere deep down, she knew this was the point of no return.
Because when a man like Marco Conti decides to love you, the whole world bends to make room for it. But even peace doesn't last long in his world. At sunrise, Luca stormed into the room out of breath. "Boss," he said, "we've got a problem." Marco didn't even look up.
"Say it." Luca hesitated, then handed him a phone. "Bennett's not done. He's pressing charges. Not against you, against her.
Claims she blackmailed his daughter with footage." Lisa's blood turned to ice. ""What?"" Marco's jaw tightened. "Get the car." "Where are we going?" she asked, fear creeping back in. He looked at her, eyes blazing.
"To end this, once and for all." He took her hand, firm and protective. And as they walked out the door together, Lisa realized she wasn't just part of Marco Conti's world anymore. She was the reason it was about to burn. By the time the sun rose over the city, Lisa's world was spinning again.