Page 34 of Reluctant Surrender

“I’m not sure I do, to be honest. But I want that territory, so I may have to take that as part of it.”

“Or you could leave that for them and just take up the underground casino.” There would be less trouble.

“I’m not even sure I’m going to go for it, but I want your agreement that if there’s trouble I can count on you.”

If they were a small crew with no serious connections, why would there be any trouble? The Bertonelli family had strong ties to bigger families in Chicago, New York, and even back in Italy from what I heard. He didn’t need me, but he would probably rather put my men on the front lines instead of his own if it was needed.

“Of course. You have my word.”

“Stop. You can’t go in there!” a booming voice called from the hallway just before the door flew open.

I turned in my chair toward the intruder. My blood ran cold.

Maggie stood there, still in her work clothes, her eyes wide.

“Mr. Bertonelli.” She marched into the room, purposely avoiding my glare.

“Maggie.” I got up from my chair, but she made a wide circle around the table to get closer to him.

“I’m here to apologize. To try and make amends with you. This is between you and me. Lukas isn’t responsible for what I did.” Her chin rose a fraction, and her back was broomstick straight as she made her little speech.

If my blood hadn’t been boiling with rage at her disobedience, I would have been proud of her. She showed no fear while facing down Sammy Bertonelli.

“I swear, I wasn’t trying to kill you. I was only trying to get away. I had no idea that game was run by your family. If I’d known, I never would have taken the job,” she continued while keeping her voice steady and her attention squarely on him.

Sammy pushed away from the table and stood up, buttoning his suit jacket as he did. His two men got up as well.

“I’m not sure what I can give you to make up for what I did, but I’m willing to try.”

I was going to strip her bare then teach her a lesson with my belt the second we got home. Did she have any idea what she was offering him? What he could do to a woman like her?

Sammy stepped up to her, raising his hand to me to stop me from rushing forward.

He stared down at her for a long moment before turning to me. “This is the woman you think you’ll tame once you have your ring on her finger?”

“She’ll stay out of your way. That’ll be enough.” I took a protective step toward her.

His lips curled at the edges. “Have the marriage certificate sent over. Once that’s done, and I already have your agreement for the other thing—we’ll be good. She’s safe from me.”

Silently, he left the room, his men right on his heels.

“What was he talking about?” Maggie turned on me, fear raging in her eyes. “What marriage certificate?”

I closed and opened my fists at my sides.

“Do you have any idea what could have happened here?” I asked my own question. “What he could have done to you?”

“What was he talking about?” she demanded.

“We’re getting married,” I announced. “Now, get your ass in the car. We’re going home.”

“Married?”

“Walk or I’ll drag you to the car.” I jerked my head toward the door. She swallowed hard. “Last warning.” I moved toward her and it was like a fire had lit beneath her feet.

“Patryk, I want to know what family he’s talking about and everything you can dig up about them,” I ordered before I followed Maggie out of the restaurant.

The girl was going to have a long lesson when we got home. Hopefully, by then my anger would fade enough to teach it to her.

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