Page 79 of Malevolent Secrets

She shrugs.

“The last guy got lucky, but with where I hit him, he won't be getting lucky ever again.”

I smile just a little, then I frown.

“Are you all right?”

She stretches out her arms for me and I notice the streaks of blood.

“Perfect as the day God made me.”

I roll my eyes and turn back to Daniella. She is watching the exchange between Renee and I with a mix of wonder and shock.

“Dani has had no time to process this new development. I was just about to…”

“Later.”

She snaps her mouth shut and we stare at each other for a full minute.

“Please, I want to get her home.”

My hand trails down to her belly and Renee’s eyes follow the movement.

“Well, Dani and I can talk another time.”

I want to assess her tone and figure out if she is pissed, but right now, my priority is getting Daniella and Maria out of here safely.

“We need to leave,” I say. “It’s not safe here.”

We move quickly, heading toward the exit. My men form a protective circle around us, and we make our way to the cars.

As we drive back to my house, I can’t shake the feeling of uneasiness. Massimo is getting bolder and this attack is just the beginning.

When we arrive at the estate, I make sure Daniella and Maria are settled. I’ve had Isobel brought to the mansion for safety. I wasn't joking about them being under my protection now.

Maria runs and hugs her daughter and I look at Daniella watching the interaction. Her hand is on her belly and there are tears in her eyes.

I take her by her elbow and lead her to her room. I shut the door and she sits on the ottoman.

“I'm assigning you a bodyguard. You won't go anywhere without him.”

She looks up at me.

“Am I a prisoner now?”

“No. You're someone I need safe at all fucking times. I lost my mind when I heard you were at the club during a shootout and I couldn't do a thing to save you.”

Her eyes soften and she gets up.

“I’m fine, see? I'm all right.”

No, I don't. In my head, guns are blazing, bullets are flying and Daniella is right in the middle of it. My fingers twitch with the need to touch her, but now that the adrenaline has receded, I don't know if she will want me to.

“Lorenzo…”

She steps closer to me, so close that I have to look down at her.

“Yes? What do you want, Daniella?”

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