Page 87 of Ruined

That was the plan. “I’m hoping I can start next fall. Santino knows a guy, Alessio Salvatore. Says he can help me get into Bourton, but I’m not sure if I should go. I’ll probably flunk out of an Ivy League.”

“You won’t.”

“I don’t know, Dom.”

“You can do this,” he said, stroking my hair. “I’ll help you study every day if that’s what it takes, and you’ll go to college. I don’t want to hear about how you don’t deserve it. You do.”

Dominic pulled me into his chest, caging me in his arms. I let him hold me. It was like an anchor keeping me from drifting too far into the dark. For once, I didn’t feel like I had to run.

But the stillness never lasted.

His breathing evened out, and the weight rushed back. I didn’t deserve the comfort of being held when so much of me still belonged to them.

Property of the Bratva.

I lifted my hand, fingers ghosting over the tattoo Dominic had touched. I couldn’t decide to become someone else. The past wouldn’t let me walk away.

Neither did men like Alexei.

My body tensed. Alexei wouldneverlet me go. If he knew about Dominic, he’d make me pay for it in ways I didn’t want to imagine. I had no doubt he’d carve his vengeance slow.

And Dominic?

Alexei wouldn’t just kill him. He’d make an example of him. He’d break Dominic apart piece by piece, and he’d do it in front of me.

My stomach turned. I clenched my fists against Dominic’s chest, barely breathing. Dominic didn’t understand what men like Alexei did when they had nothing left but spite.

I need to find him.

I had to kill Alexei before he found out aboutus.I wouldn’t let Dominic pay the price for my weakness. Dominic was already at risk just by being near me.

I let my gaze drift to Dominic’s face, softened by sleep, his hand still tangled in my hair. He looked so peaceful. I shifted carefully, kissing his shoulder. Then I settled back against him, letting him hold me for a little while longer.

Tomorrow morning, I’d start hunting Alexei.

Tonight, I’d let myself have this.

TWENTY-ONE

DOMINIC

I woke up to Luca’s empty bed—again. I sat up, scrubbing a hand over my face, and glanced at the clock. Seven a.m. He hadn’t even left a note.

I reached for the spot where he’d been, running my fingers over the dent in the mattress. I swung my legs off the bed, grabbed my briefs off the floor, and tugged them on.

Last night had ruined me for anyone else.

Luca had been perfect. The way his body moved against mine, the desperate sounds spilling from his lips, the way he obeyed. God, the way hetook me—tight, hot, andhungryfor it, like he’d been starving for years. Every broken moan had lit me up inside.

I’d never been with anyone who gave so much while trying so hard to hold back. That mix of surrender and resistance was a drug, and I was addicted.

I want you.

Luca didn’t say shit like that unless he meant it, but he was already running again.

I grabbed my phone and sent him a text.

Where the fuck are you?