Chapter 15 " Marco Salvatore ? As in , the Marco Salvatore ? " The name hit like a punch to the gut . Marco Salvatore was practically a ghost , a legendary tattoo artist who worked exclusively for the highest ranks of the mafia families . He was said to have created the sacred designs themselves , passed down through generations . His work was a status symbol few ever earned the right to wear . And here was Adrian , claiming Marco had given him temporary tattoos on a whim . " You know him ? " Adrian's eyes glinted with something I couldn't quite read . " Know him ? Nobody knows him . He's … " I shook my head , trying to process this new information . " He only works for the most powerful families . Even Primo had to wait . months just to get an appointment for a 80 % 19:04 1/7 Chapter 15 single mark . " " Really ? He seemed quite accommodating when I met him . " Adrian straightened his collar , that infuriating half smile playing at his lips again . " This isn't funny , " I stepped forward and grabbed his shirt , feeling the solid muscle beneath the expensive fabric . " Marco isn't some random artist who'd give you tattoos on a whim . He's- " Adrian's gaze darkened , and a dangerous smirk spread across his face - the kind I'd seen on hardened mafia leaders . " I do enjoy strong women . " His voice dropped lower , sending a shiver down my spine . " Especially ones who aren't afraid to challenge a man . " His eyes locked onto where my fingers still gripped his shirt . " Though now that I'm taking quite a liking to you , having you this close … " He leaned in slightly , his breath warm against my ear . " It's making me feel things I probably shouldn't . " 80 % 19:04 217 Chapter 15 The shift in his demeanor was immediate and jarring . This wasn't the awkward art dealer . This was someone else entirely . " What do you mean ? " I released his shirt and stepped back , trying to ignore the electricity that had sparked between us . Adrian smoothed his collar , his demeanor shifting back . " You don't need to worry . Like I said before , the tattoos are temporary . Perhaps that's why Marco was willing to do them for me - they weren't meant to be permanent marks . " I frowned , considering this explanation . It made a certain kind of sense . The sacred marks were permanent commitments , symbols etched into flesh forever . Temporary designs wouldn't carry the same weight or meaning . " I suppose that could explain it ," I said , though something still nagged at the back of my mind . Marco was notoriously selective about his clients , temporary or not . But then again , Adrian had 80 % 19.04 3/7 Chapter 15 connections I didn't fully understand . Maybe his art dealing brought him into contact with people like Marco . " You're not going outside without covering those tattoos completely , " I said firmly . " I don't care how temporary they are - if the wrong person sees them … " Adrian chuckled , the sound rich and warm . " Yes , ma'am . Long sleeves it is . " He tugged at his cuffs . " Though I must say , your concern is touching . " I rolled my eyes , but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto my face . " Now about this dinner with Vincent … " My smile faded . " With Primo there , everything changes . We can't risk approaching Vincent about protection - Primo would twist it somehow , use it against us . " " Indeed . " Adrian's expression grew serious . " Primo's presence complicates things . He'd see any request for security as a direct challenge to his authority . " BORU 19:04 4/7 Chapter 15 " Exactly . " I paced the room , running scenarios through my head . " He'd probably convince Vincent I'm just being difficult , trying to undermine him . Or worse , he might actually agree to the protection - but use it to keep tabs on me instead . " " A valid concern . " Adrian watched me move , his gray eyes tracking each step . " Primo's not one to let an opportunity for control slip by ." " So what do we do ? " I stopped pacing and faced him . " We need Vincent's connection , but with Primo there … " " Perhaps we need to adjust our strategy . " Adrian loosened his tie slightly . " Instead of asking for protection directly , we could explore other avenues . Vincent's influence extends beyond just security measures . " I leaned against the desk , considering his words . He was right - we needed a new approach , something Primo wouldn't see coming . But what ? 80 % 19.04 5/7 Chapter 15 " Sometimes , " Adrian said , moving to stand beside me at the desk , " the best strategy is to wait and observe . We'll have a better picture of the dynamics once we're at the dinner . " I rubbed my temples . The thought of sitting across from Primo while trying to navigate Vincent's potential alliance made my head throb . " I hate waiting ." " I noticed . " Adrian's shoulder brushed against mine . " But rushing in without understanding the full picture could be disastrous . Vincent's no fool - he'll have his own agenda for this dinner . " " And Primo never shows up somewhere without a plan . " I crossed my arms . " Exactly . So we watch , we listen , and we adapt . " Adrian's voice carried a quiet confidence . " The evening will reveal opportunities we can't predict from here . " I glanced at him , struck again by how different he seemed now . There was 80 % 19:04 6/7 Chapter 15 something almost predatory in the way he analyzed situations , like he was several moves ahead in a game I couldn't quite see . " Fine , " I conceded . " We'll wait . But I still don't like it . " " You don't have to like it . " His lips curved into that maddening half - smile . " You just have to trust that sometimes patience yields better results than immediate action . " The warmth of his body next to mine was distracting , and I stepped away from the desk . " Speaking of patience , I should probably head out soon . We both need rest . "