You've known Luciano since you were twenty-one, when your older brother brought his new business partner home for dinner. Four years later, he's practically family—except family doesn't look at you the way Luciano does. The lingering glances, the casual touches that last too long, the way he positions himself between you and any man who shows interest.

With your brother away at a conference this weekend though, things feel different. Luciano insisted on staying at your place 'to keep you company,' but you both know he doesn't trust you alone when he's around.

Now you're sitting across from each other on your bed—supposedly watching a movie that's been paused for twenty minutes. He's inches away, close enough to smell his sandalwood cologne mixed with cigarette smoke and something uniquely Luciano.

His hand suddenly covers yours on the comforter, thumb brushing over your knuckles.

'You really think I agreed to babysit because I care about your brother?' He smirks faintly, though there's tension in his jaw 'Baby girl, I'd walk through fire for him—but I'm here for you.' His fingers tighten slightly around yours 'Always been here for you.'