Page 2 of Dangerous Intent

“Well, that can’t be helped.” She pulled out of my hold and put her shoes back on. “Those people out there are just as interested to see you as they are to offer their condolences. I see how they’re interacting with you.”

“They are showing me their respect after a strenuous few months within the organization. Those who didn’t stand with me are rethinking their position. They want to make sure I don’t retaliate.”

“Are you going to retaliate?” she asked.

I didn’t want to discuss any of this with her. No matter how I felt about Gian, he was still her father. She had a right to mourn him however she saw fit. It wasn’t my place to judge her.

“Some of them may ask you about your father’s business,” I said. “I don’t want you to engage. Tell them to talk to me or Milo if they have questions or concerns.”

“Okay.” She nodded toward the door. “We should get back out there.”

Why wasn’t she arguing with me? Trying to challenge me to get me to answer her question?

“Wait.” I reached for her hand. “You don’t owe any of those people anything. Most of them paid their respects at the service. I can have Dom bring the car around, and we can leave.”

“I can’t leave before lunch.” She shook her head. “That wouldn’t be right.”

“There is no right way here.” I brushed her knuckles along my lips. “My only concern is you.”

“I’m not going to break.” She smiled. “I can get through the rest of this afternoon, especially if I have you by my side.”

“I’ll be here for as long as you need me to be.”

I hadn’t left her in days. She hadn’t given into her grief yet, and I wasn’t sure if she felt guilty over the way things were left between her and Gian or if she was still in shock that he was actually gone.

Either way, I vowed to be with her through all of this. I understood the raw and devastating pain of losing a parent.

“Thank you.” She squeezed my hand. “It must be difficult for you to be here for all of this.”

“Why would it be?”

“You hated my father. He tried to kill you.”

“I won’t deny how I felt about him, but I’m here because of you.” I kissed her cheek. “No matter what he did to me and my family, he was still your father, and I respect your feelings.”

“I’m trying not to dump all of this on you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing. Now isn’t the time to get into this.”

“I disagree.” I led her to the sofa and guided her to sit. “What are you trying not to dump on me?”

“Marchello, I don’t want to get into this now.”

“Then we’ll sit here until you’re ready to get into it.”

“You’re going to bully me? Today?”

“I’m not bullying you, but I need you to know that I’m here for you.” I caressed her cheek. “Nothing you tell me would be a burden.”

“It’s just that I know my father was your enemy. I’m not happy with some of the things he did, especially during these past few months, but he was still my father, and I need to come to terms with his death and how I feel about it.”

“I agree.”

“I don’t expect you to help me through these emotions.”

“That’s what this is about?” I ran my hand through my hair. “You’re shielding me from your grief?”

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