Chapter 274. Conflicts

*Tatiana*

I grit my teeth and force myself not to roll my eyes. Throwing a tantrum won’t help—but that doesn’t stop the anger simmering just beneath my skin. I don’t like the way Angelo drew that line between us. Cold. Sharp. Final.

It’s not just that he’s shutting me out. It’s how he’s doing it—like I’m still some piece on his chessboard, a liability to manage. A prisoner, technically. But from him? That’s a slap in the face.

He’s across the kitchen, body rigid, watching me. I ignore him. If he wants distance, fine. I’ve had worse from men with half his brain and twice his ego.

I focus on the window, jaw tight. I will find a way to be useful, whether he lets me or not. I didn’t survive this long just to be benched.

“Give me a cigarette,” Angelo mutters, moving toward Sal and snatching the pack from the table.

My gaze flicks over in time to see the tension in his shoulders, the anger in his hands.

He doesn’t smoke. Hasn’t since I got here.