Page 122 of Dangerous Contract: Part 2

"Did my words upset you?" Isla asked.

If you were a man, I would've already slammed your head through the fucking window.

"Not at all," Raz gritted through clenched teeth. "I like that you're honest and forthright."

"I like that you're honest also," Isla told him. "Let's be brutally honest for a second. A man like you needs a woman who can protect herself, not a damsel in distress."

Raz's gaze snapped to Isla. "I never said she was a damsel in distress. She's a survivor in more ways than one."

"If that were the case, you'd be with her instead of leaving her to protect her."

Raz gritted his teeth, attempting to control his anger. Isla smiled, not realizing how close to death she was.

"Have I overstepped my bounds?" she asked.

"Do you care?" Raz countered.

"Of course. I care about everything that pertains to Orazio Cattaneo. So does my father."

Orazio took that as the warning it was.

"After my speech tonight," Orazio started. "You and your father should meet me in the library. There are some misunderstandings we need to clear up."

"My father and I have no misunderstandings, Orazio Cattaneo."

"I believe you've both misunderstood me," Raz clarified.

"Did we? About what?"

"We'll discuss it later."

"Yes, let's do that. That'll give you time to rethink whatever it is you want to discuss."

Raz took a deep breath. Isla's smile widened.

"I'd feared marriage would be a bore. I no longer feel that way. A life with you would never get boring," Isla drawled.

"A life with me isn't in the cards for you. Unless you mean as business partners."

Isla's smile faded. "You're right. We should talk to my father tonight. Afterward, we can begin planning the wedding. I'm busy with work, so I want to get the wedding planning and conversations over with as soon as possible."

"Pull over," Raz called to Leo. He needed this motherfucker out of his car right this fucking minute.

"We're here!" Leo yelled.

Orazio stared out the window.Damn. They were at the gala.

Isla chuckled. "Don Cattaneo, were you about to put me out of your car? My father wouldn't have approved of that."

Orazio faced the woman beside him. "There's one thing you should understand about me, Isla Miconi. I don't give a damn about your father or his money. I respect him, but I don't fear him. Yes, I want him to invest in my family's corporation. But with or without his investment, I'll get shit done."

"So, you don'tneedus?" she asked, frowning.

"I only need my family and my Rose. Now, get out of the car. I'm ready to get this shit over with."

As Raz reached for his door handle, Isla shocked him by saying, "I think you're perfect for me, Mr. Cattaneo. You and I are so alike. I see why one of my board members suggested I attend this gala to meet you."

"What?" Raz asked, looking over his shoulder. "Who wanted you to attend?"

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