Shame and desire war within me as he strokes me through the damp lace. I should stop this. It's wrong. He's dangerous.

But it feels so right.

I'm saved from my internal battle as the car glides to a stop.

Luca pulls back slightly, his heated gaze locking with mine. "This isn't over," he promises darkly. Then he's gone, the car door slamming behind him.

I sit there for a moment, my chest heaving, my body thrumming with unsatisfied desire. What the hell just happened?

five

. . .

Luca

I slam the phone down on my mahogany desk, the plastic cracking from the impact. A cold rage seizes my body as the words of the rival Ricci family's threat echo in my mind.

They dare to threaten my family, my territory. Matteo, innocent in his youth.

First this mess with Dana taking Matteo from the premises and now this.

And Dana...bellissima Dana with her soft curves and defiant eyes. Fear claws at my chest as I imagine them knowing about her.

I clench my fists, picturing their faces. No one will lay a finger on what's mine.

I storm out of my office, barking orders at my men. "Double the security detail. No one gets in or out without thorough checks. And find out how the hell the Riccis got this number!"

My pulse pounds as I stride down the hallway towards the nursery where Dana watches over Matteo. I need to see them, confirm they're unharmed with my own eyes. Shoving open the door, relief crashes over me at the sight of Dana in the floor playing with Matteo. Her green eyes widen as she takes in my thunderous expression.

She looks up at me warily and no wonder. Hell, twice now I’ve basically assaulted her and almost fucked her.

I run a hand over my face. "We need to talk. Put Matteo down for his nap, and then come to my office"

Dana rises slowly from the floor, her eyes never leaving mine. She doesn’t say a word as she moves to do as she’s told.

Less than twenty minutes later, she’s in my study.

"What's going on?" Her voice is steady but I can see the apprehension in the set of her shoulders.

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my raging emotions. "There's been a threat."

Her hand flies to her mouth, eyes wide with fear. "Oh my God…" She glances at my nephew, happily playing with his blocks, oblivious to the danger that swirls around us.

"I'm handling it," I grit out. "No one will touch him. Or you." The words are a vow, a promise I intend to keep at all costs.

She steps closer, her scent of vanilla and something uniquely Dana invading my senses. "Mr. Romano, I..." Her hand reaches out as if to touch me, but she lets it drop.

The air between us crackles with tension, that ever-present pull that draws me to her like a moth to a flame.

But I can't allow it. Can't let her get close only to become a target.

I take a step back, hardening my expression. "I think it's best if you leave, Dana. At least until this situation is under control."

Hurt flashes across her face before indignation takes over. "Leave? I'm not going anywhere! Matteo needs me. I need..." She cuts herself off, biting her lip.

"You need what, Dana?" I demand, my voice rough with the desire I'm barely keeping in check. "What is it you need?"

She meets my gaze head-on, a flicker of defiance in her green eyes. "I need to feel safe. And believe it or not, I feel safe with you."