Page 10 of Ruthless Oath

“I would have to agree,” my father said from the doorway. “Lissia?”

“Daddy.” As I joined him, Danny Collins, his newest associate, wasn’t far behind.

My dad looked at the Accetti brothers. “What happened?”

“Oh my God!” I screeched. “There was a shooting. Everything was going well. People were having such a great time and then, well, thank God I was with Marchello. He saved me.”

Marchello and Milo stood in front of their father’s desk, as if they were guarding the space.

“Sounds like quite the ordeal.” My father caught my wrist in his hand. “Are you injured?”

“No, it all happened so fast.” I glanced back at Marchello. “I wasn’t in any danger.”

“That’s not true.” Danny entered the room. “You must be traumatized.”

“I’m fine.” I straightened my posture when he stood beside me. “I didn’t realize you would be with Daddy tonight.”

“I didn’t realize your guard would leave you alone.” Danny shook his head. “Gian, you’re going to have to do something about that. It’s unacceptable.”

“I told Michael to leave me here to wait for you. Mom had other plans.” I inched away from Danny and bumped into Marchello’s chest. “I didn’t want her to be alone in the city.”

“So, instead, you were alone,” my father said. “Your mother should know better. What is wrong with that woman?”

“She wasn’t alone.” Marchello acknowledged my father’s presence. “I told Rosalie I would look after her until you arrived.”

Actually, my mother told Marchello he would look after me, but did that really matter?

“I’d say you didn’t do a very good job,” Danny said.

“Would you?” Marchello asked. “Because I don’t remember asking your opinion.”

I smiled at Marchello. “Marchello pushed me out of the line of fire and still managed to shoot the guy. He was extremely brave.”

“Mr. Gallanti.” Milo motioned to the door. “Can I offer you and your guest a drink? I’m sure we can salvage something from the bar downstairs.”

“No, thank you,” my dad said.

He placed his hand on my back and ushered me closer to Danny and away from Marchello. Did he do that on purpose?

“Mr. Accetti,” my dad said. “I appreciate the assistance you offered my daughter this evening. I don’t want to think about what might have happened if you weren’t there.”

“Maybe if her guard was with her she wouldn’t have needed his protection?” Danny’s large form was so close to me, it sucked the air from my lungs. “Perhaps I should take over her security?”

Eww.

My dad remained focused on Marchello. “In any case, I appreciate what you did this evening. I’m sure your father would be very proud of you.”

Uh-oh…sore subject.

“Myself and the other families are all praying for his safe return.” My dad nodded at Danny. “If there is anything we can do to help with that matter, please don’t hesitate to ask us.”

“We appreciate that,” Milo said.

“I didn’t realize you and Mr. Collins were associates,” Marchello said. “It’s an interesting dynamic.”

“Well.” Danny’s gaze trailed along my body, landing on my cleavage. “I go where the business leads me.”

“I’m sure,” Marchello said. “If you’ll excuse us, my brother and I are needed downstairs.”

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