Page 91 of Hot Momosa

“I want to hear you say the words.” His voice flattened.

“You sounded like a mafioso. When I saw you with that gun… And then Gabe told me how he knew Artie…” I struggled to meet his gaze. “All I could think about was protecting Gunnar from the former family business.”

“I’m not part of that world anymore.” He sounded so defeated every fiber of my being wanted to hold him. To apologize for overreacting. To kiss him until the pain left his eyes.

I took a tentative step closer. “Promise me you won’t go to Marco for help.”

“I can’t. I’d sell my soul if it meant protecting you and Gunnar.” He caught me before I could turn away. “But I will promise to only call Marco as a last resort.”

“What Gabe said about Artie… Have you ever been in that kind of situation?” I wasn’t sure I wanted the answer, but I had to know.

“No.” His voice cracked. “And if I were, I would have made the same choice. I could never take an innocent life.”

“What about a guilty one?” Once again, I held my breath waiting for an answer I didn’t want.

“If it was self-defense or to stop that person from hurting someone else, then yes. I wouldn’t hesitate.” He tilted his head. “Wouldn’t you do the same?”

Would I?

I thought back to the night the stalker had broken into my house. I would have done whatever necessary to protect Gunnar. Even if that meant ending a life. “Yes.”

Leo pulled me into his arms. “I’m not a monster, Dahl.”

“I know.” I breathed in his scent and wrinkled my nose. “You smell like sweat, beer, and dead fish.”

“I’ve been on a boat all day and need a shower.” He flashed me a grin.

I fully expected him to propose we take one together, and if he kept looking at me with that twinkle in his eye, I’d have to reconsider my anti-sex mood.

“Speaking of dead fish. Dante’s bringing a replacement for Gunnar’s later tonight.” Leo chuckled.

“Can he pick up a tank with a lock on it?”