Page 32 of Bad Business

I realize the vehicle has been stopped for a few moments, and we’re suspiciously all alone. So wrapped up in our conversation, I hadn’t noticed the others getting out.

“Yeah, Brian and I dated, but Dallas…” I shift my body and climb into his lap. Cupping his face in my hands, I force him to look at me. “Brian and I went out off and on for a few months. He never spent the night, and I never stayed at his house. We shared a few kisses, that’s it. Do you understand what I am saying to you?” I press my lips to his, feeling the heat of his breath mix with mine. “I never gave my body to him, Dallas. That belongs to you.”

Dallas leans back, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. It’s like he’s letting me see something he normally keeps hidden.

“I own all of you, princess. Not just your body.” His grip tightens on the door handle before he shoves it open. “Let’s get out of this car before I do something reckless. And as much as I’d love to wreck you right here, we need to get our girl back. Then I’ll show you just how much I own everything.”

14

DALLAS

It took every ounce of my self-control to get out of the car earlier. Even sitting here, listening to Lorenzo and Sofia talk about how we’re going to deal with the monsters who took my girl—and yeah, Juniper is mine—my blood boils with fury.

Willow doesn’t realize it yet, but as soon as this is over, I’m marrying her. I don’t give two fucks that it’s only been a few months—less since we finally acknowledged the heat between us—but I know I want her.

When he said we would be staying with them, I didn’t for a second let myself think what that meant. Lorenzo Bianchi’s house is secluded on a massive piece of property. Property that’s surrounded by a fence that nearly reaches the sky. And house is putting it mildly. It’s more like a compound. The main house, where we are all holed up at the moment, is something straight out of the movies. It has more rooms than one person could need—but when you’re the head of the Mafia, I imagine money is no object.

I watch as Lorenzo drops the bag creating all this trouble onto the massive kitchen table. “You think Lark knew it was in there?”

“No. If she had, I think she would have given the damn thing back or tried to pawn the diamonds—I don’t know, honestly. One thing my sister and I disagreed on was the need for more money. I had plenty with my business, but she hated relying on me.” Willow shakes her head in disgust. “Her drive to take care of everything alone got her killed. I can’t believe her daughter is caught in the crosshairs. Why couldn’t these idiots just tell me what they wanted? I would have shipped the fucking stuffed nuisance back, never knowing what was inside.”

“It doesn’t work that way.” Sofia shrugs. “Men like this don’t want any loose ends. And I suspect they think Lark knew what was inside the bear—making you a potential risk. But don’t you worry. We know exactly how to deal with men like this.” She pulls out a chair and sits in front of Willow. Tugging her hand into her own, Sofia holds Willow's gaze as she speaks. “I need you to text them and set up a meet.”

“No,” I growl. “Willow will not meet with them. As soon as she shows up, they’ll kill her.”

Willow tugs her hand free and presses it to my arm. “I need to do this, Dallas. I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t and they hurt Juniper.”

“We will have her protected, my friend,” Lorenzo says from his place against the wall. “She will not be harmed—you have my word. The only ones who won’t be walking away will be the bastards who took your niece.”

“Daughter.” I bark. “Juniper is going to be my daughter.”

Willow chokes, her wide eyes meeting mine. “What?”

Kneeling beside her, I cup her chin in my hand. “Willow. When I said you were mine, I meant it. You and Juniper will be mine in every way that counts. As soon as this is over, I’m putting a ring on your finger and making her mine, too.”

“Well. Isn’t this cozy?”

A new voice fills the room, interrupting the moment. Turning my head, I let my gaze take in the man standing in the doorway.

“Brian.” Willow pushes to her feet and moves toward him. “You’re here.”

He wraps her in an embrace, and I don’t stop the warning growl that erupts from my throat.

“Willow.” I stand quickly and wrap my fingers around her arm. In one quick move, I have her out of his arms and in my own. “Keep your hands off her.”

“Dallas,” Willow gasps, embarrassment coating her face. “Brian, this is Dallas. Dallas, Brian— er, Detective Huges.”

“Detective.” I don’t move my arms. “Your presence here is a necessity, but don’t think that means you can manhandle Willow because cop or not, I will lay you out.”

“Gentlemen,” Sofia purrs. “While your display of testosterone is a turn-on, now is not the time.” She turns to the newcomer. “Detective, you being here is a courtesy. Piss off Mr. Nash again, and I’ll personally make you wish you hadn’t shown up.”

“Lady… you realize I’m a cop, right?”

I watch as Sofia steps into his space. Her hand shoots out and grabs him right between the legs.

“Fuck,” he grunts.

“Maybe that’s what you need. You’re so uptight, friend. But hear this… I don’t give a fuck if you’re a pig or a fucking choir boy. All I care about is obedience.” She loosens her hold on his dick. “Can you give me that, Detective? Because if you do…” She leans in and whispers something in his ear, making the man turn several shades of red. He grunts in response, making her release her hold and pat him on the cheek. “Good boy. Now… let’s send that text, shall we?” She turns and holds out her palm. “Phone, Willow.”

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