Page 36 of Dangerous Intent

“You’re a sick man.”

“Not only was I right, but imagine my surprise when he let you wander about unattended.” He shook his head. “I thought he was smarter than that, or maybe he’s tired of your shit already.”

“He knows I can handle myself. Besides, you’re not cunning enough to get me out of here without Marchello noticing.”

Where the hell is Marchello? Doesn’t he know I’m missing?

“The only thing I’m noticing right now is that your husband isn’t protecting you, so he’s making my job that much easier.”

“What job would that be, you sleazeball?”

“I can see marriage hasn’t tamed you.” He crept closer to me.

I didn’t give him the satisfaction of backing up.

“That’s okay.” He shrugged. “I like that fire, and I’m disappointed that I can’t be the one to break you. But we have plenty of time to revisit that.”

“Are you out of your mind?” I pushed past him.

He snatched my forearm and spun me to face him.

“Let go of me.” I tried to yank out of his hold.

“I’ll let go of you when I’m done with you.”

His cigarette-scented breath made me nauseous.

He leaned in closer. “Right now, you’re going to control that temper or I’m going to control it for you.”

NINE

Marchello

Milo pointedto my empty glass. “Want another round?”

“No. Lissia’s right—the alcohol is cheap.” I glanced around the club, a knot forming in my gut. “Where the fuck is she?”

“She was just over…” Milo stood. “I saw her by the stage a minute ago.”

Dom and a few of the guys were scanning the scarce dance floor, confirming my suspicion that they didn’t know where she was either.

“Son of a bitch.” I hurried toward the stage, Milo following me. “Didn’t I tell her to stay where I could see her?”

“She doesn’t listen,” my brother said.

I shot him a disgusted look.

“Maybe she’s in the bathroom,” he said. “There’s a set down that hallway.”

“Marchello,” Dom said. “She was right here. I don’t know how she got out of my sight.”

“I’ll deal with you later,” I snapped. “Just find her.”

Dom pointed for two guards to check the entrance while he and three others followed Milo and me toward the dark hallway.

I pushed past a small group of people, who began yelling. When I glared at them, they must have realized who I was because they snapped their mouths shut.

“There.” I nodded toward the hallway as I placed my hand on my gun under my jacket, knowing I couldn’t pull it out in public without creating a panic.

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