Page 11 of Ruthless Oath

“How unfortunate for you that the police are crawling all around your place of business,” Danny said. “That can’t be good.”

“We will be fine.” Marchello pointed toward the exit.

My father stood in the center of the room, imposing his authority. “I have one more thing to say. While I appreciate what you did for Lissia this evening, I hope you understand that I’m going to request that you stay away from my daughter.”

“What?” I gasped. “Why?”

“Given our family history, there would be no reason for the two of you to cross paths again,” my dad said to Marchello. “I’m sure I can trust you to honor that request.”

“Of course,” Marchello said without even looking at me. “I have no interest in your daughter. But I agree with Mr. Collins that perhaps a new guard is in order.”

What the actual fuck?

“That’s not your concern,” Danny said. “Lissia, we should go.”

“Agreed,” my father said. “Let’s go.”

“Don’t I get a say in any of this?” I set my hand on my hip. No way was I letting all these testosterone-fueled idiots dictate my life. “You’re all standing there talking about me like I’m not even here.”

“Lissia.” My father glared at me. “We are leaving.”

“Fine.” I thought better of arguing with him, but I stepped toward Marchello, ignoring Danny’s disapproving sigh. “I want to thank you again.”

“It’s not necessary,” Marchello said. “I did what I had to do.”

“You saved me.” I rested my hands on his lapels, delighting in the strength of his broad shoulders. “I owe you.”

“No, you don’t.” He gazed into my eyes as if we were the only two in the room. “You should go.”

“Maybe one day you’ll think of something I can do to repay you.” I stretched up on my toes and kissed his cheek, lingering a few seconds longer than necessary to whisper in his ear. “I’ll be waiting.”

As I slowly removed my lips from his stubble-covered jaw, he caught my hip in his hand and smirked at me with his sexy, full lips.

“Lissia.” My father cleared his throat as he grabbed my wrap from the couch. “I’m not going to say it again.”

“I’m ready now.” I joined my dad by the door, glancing over my shoulder and smiling at Marchello.

Mr. Accetti, you are worth breaking all the rules for. No matter the consequences.

Three

Marchello

Strawberries had beenon my mind all day. I had been craving them. Not so much the fruit, though. It was Lissia I wanted to taste.

Wanting her infuriated me.

“Chello?” Milo called, his voice raised.

“What?” I looked up from the insurance papers that I needed to file because of the damage caused by the shooting.

“You’re not listening to me.”

“I am.” I pushed the papers away from me. “What did you say?”

“What has you so distracted?”

I had to get that little minx out of my head.

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