Page 60 of Vicious Vows

When I held her close, she rested her head on my shoulder. I breathed in her sweet berry scent, allowing her to relax me.

A rap at the open door drew me out of this tranquil moment. I still had stuff to deal with.

“Ricardo.” Lissia let go of me.

I nodded at him, still trying to forgive him for what he let Lissia get away with at the safe house. I didn’t want to kill him anymore, but I did want to punch him. Progress is progress.

“Excuse me,” Ricardo said. “Milo said I should come up and get Lissia.”

“Has it been ten minutes?” Lissia grinned.

“Don’t start.” I kissed her cheek. “Enjoy your tour and don’t get into any trouble. I’ll come find you later.”

“I’ll miss you.” She wiggled her sassy hips as she left the room.

She was going to be the center of attention around here and the talk of the staff for several days. There would only be one thing that could make all of this perfect. I stared at my father’s empty chair.

I’ll get you home soon.

Milo barreled into the office. “Chello, we have a problem.”

My happy little bubble didn’t last very long. Not that I expected it to.

“A dealership problem or an unspeakable kind of problem?”

“Gian is here.”

“What?” I balled my fists. “Not with Lissia here today. What the hell?”

“He strode in like he owned the place, demanding to see her. Security is all over him, but they’re trying not to make a scene. The floor is packed with potential buyers. We don’t need any problems.”

“He’s probably been tailing me.” I slammed my hand on the desk. “Waiting for an opportunity to get to her. Why didn’t I anticipate that?”

“I never thought he would show up here.”

“He has to be dealt with.”

“What do you want me to do?” Milo asked.

“Send him up without his guards,” I said. “Let’s see how tough he is.”

“He’s not going to go for that.”

“He came into our territory. If he doesn’t like the rules, our guys can fucking toss him out on his pompous ass. I don’t care who sees.”

“Okay.” Milo held up his hand. “I’ll escort him up personally.”

I grabbed my suit jacket from the back of the chair and put it on. I needed to extinguish the rage rolling through me. If I shot him here, I would only get myself arrested. That wouldn’t do my family any good.

“I want to see my daughter,” Gian shouted from the hallway. “Now.”

I came around the desk as Milo brought Gian into the office. Our guards stood in the hall, waiting for a potential problem.

“Clear this floor,” I said to my brother. “Have everyone wait downstairs until we’re done.”

Milo left the room as Gian glanced around the office.

“What? You don’t want any witnesses?” Gian furrowed his brow. “You don’t want my daughter to know who you really are?”