53

"Wait, what?" Loretta forced out laughter, praying it was a joke, but it wasn't.

"You're staying with me from now on," the Mafia boss stated clearly. From his furrowed brows, his mind was made up.

"What does that even mean? You said that I was safer at the bungalow and not here. What changed?" Loretta tried to pull up any conversation that could change his mind.

"Nothing changed. I still want to protect you, and there's no better way than protecting you when you are by my side."

"I'm sorry, but I'm not doing this." Loretta held the doorknob and was about to pull it when Fabian caught her free hand and drew her closer to him.

Loretta thought she was going to fall but didn't. Instead, she found her hand on his hard chest as she held him for support.

"I can protect you when I can see you," Fabian muttered, his warm breath falling on her face.

"I don't need your protection, I'm fine on my own." Loretta tried to move, but he pulled her even closer.

"It's two ways, Loretta," Fabian started,