Page 95 of Beautiful Dangerous

That’s a realization I’ve slowly been coming to over the past few days.

“And do you guys have any idea how that’s gonna happen?”

I let out another sigh, shoving my hands in my pockets to stop me from playing with the ring. “I wish I did, but I don’t. I mean, it’s not like we can just shove a bag in the car and make a quick getaway undercover of night. The estate has twenty-four-seven security, armed guards with dogs, it’s impossible.”

“What if that was a risk you had to take? The only option you had?”

“I’d take it.”

Because I would. Probably. As each day goes on, I know that a life without Lucca isn’t one I want to live anymore, so, yeah, if risking everything was the only option we had, then I would take it.

“Would Lucca? Would he take that chance, too?”

“I can’t answer for him, Angel.”

“I think he’d take it. In a heartbeat. I know Lucca, and if he wants something he’ll fight for it. Forthem. And he’ll fight for you.”

“Even if that fight could kill him?”

Angel drops his head, but he doesn’t say anything, because he knows the risk we’re taking, it’s immense. Falling in love shouldn’t be a crime, but in this world, it can be. It is.

“If you love each other, Olivia, you’ll find a way.” He raises his head and his eyes meet mine, and he smiles the smallest of smiles. “And we’ll help you. Remember that. In any way we can, we’ll help you try to find the life you really want.”

Behind this man’s tough exterior there’s a heart of pure gold. “You’re going to make some woman incredibly happy one day, do you know that?”

He arches an eyebrow. “You think?”

Another shrug. “I know.”

“You could kill my reputation with talk like that.”

I laugh quietly. “Your reputation’s safe, don’t worry. I mean it, though. You’re a good guy, Angel.”

“Yeah, well, don’t go spreading that about, okay?”

I stare out at the Jacaranda tree, it’s bright purple foliage beautiful and bright against the cloudless blue sky. “I should get back to the restaurant. Javier and Lucca will be here any minute.” I look at Angel, and I really wish he’d stay for something to eat. This dark, dangerous man has a real calming influence on me, and I need him around more than I’d like to admit. “Are you sure you don’t want to hang around for some of Alvaro’s fish stew? It really is something else, and his homemade poppy seed bread… it’s the best!”

“You really know how to sell shit, huh?”

“I do my best.”

“Maybe I’ll get some to go. Might be nice to eat some proper food for a change.”

“Go see Alvaro. He’ll give you something to take back to the clubhouse.” We stand up, face each other, and I rest my hands palm down against his leather cut, leaning in to drop a quick kiss on his rough cheek. “Thank you.”

He frowns. “For what?”

“For everything you’ve done. And everything you still might do.”

“Just doing my job, kiddo.”

“And we both know that’s not true. You’re willing to go above and beyond for me, and for Lucca, and you need to know how important that is, and how grateful I am. I don’t like putting you and the club at risk, I kinda like having you around.”

He laughs, and his whole face lights up, and it strikes me how very different he looks when he laughs like that.

“Well, you know, hanging out with you isn’t the worst thing I’ve been asked to do.” He places his hand over mine, his eyes suddenly turning serious. “And we told you, Liv, we know the risks. But nothing’s going to happen to us, if you need us, we’re there. Okay?”

I smile. “Okay.” I pull my hand away and step back from him, crossing my arms against myself. “Come on. Let’s go.”

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