Page 95 of Dangerous Intent

“Such as?”

Why was I just finding out about this now? Milo had been extremely careful with background checks and what I could potentially be walking into when I agreed to come here. There weren’t supposed to be any surprises.

“Most of their businesses are shell companies. There’s a lot of laundering and dealings that are conducted in secrecy. I’m sure you can respect that.”

“I need to know who the players are.” I set the file on the counter.

“He’s not a member of the cartel, but they brought him along. He hasn’t requested a meeting with you, but I thought it was worth mentioning he was here.”

“Did you send a copy of this to Milo?” I tapped the folder.

“He’s digging, but so far, he hasn’t uncovered anything on Medina.” He motioned toward the file. “I had my team pull that information.”

“I’ll look it over, but if he’s just accompanying the men I’m meeting with, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“It shouldn’t be a problem, but I assured you that you and Lissia would be safe here.” He leaned against the counter. “I’m a cautious guy. If I think we could have a potential problem, I want to get ahead of it.”

“I appreciate that.”

Lorenzo had proven to be a useful ally to the Accetti family. I anticipated a long and successful partnership, and meeting with these men tonight would enhance that union.

“You’ll be meeting in my private lounge. There will be other VIPs there. You and Lissia should enjoy dinner and drinks, and when they’re ready to meet, I’ll let you know.”

“If this is the way they want to do it, I’ll respect it, but my security team comes with me.”

“Of course,” Lorenzo said. “My team will be there too.”

I didn’t like the cryptic nature of this meeting, but I understood these men needed to be cautious. If they came into my territory, I would have requests too.

“I’ll see you tonight.” Lorenzo opened the door. “Let me know if you need anything before then.”

“I will.”

As he left the villa, I opened the file on Diego Medina.

What are you doing here?I read about the stranger. Was his presence a coincidence? Or calculated?

Angelo’s words lingered in my thoughts. Were they threats or a warning of what was to come?

The spoiled brat that you call your wife is going to bring down this shambles of an empire, and you won’t even see them coming.

My muscles tensed when I gazed out at the beach. A menacing sensation crashed into me faster than the waves hit the surf.

Who wouldn’t I see coming?

TWENTY-TWO

Lissia

The humidity wasn’tthe only thing looming in the Florida air. Ever since Lorenzo’s visit this morning, I sensed a change. Marchello did his best to hide the shift, but I was too familiar with his moods and demeanor.

Something weighed on his mind, but he wasn’t ready to reveal the burden. I could push him to tell me, but from past experiences, that would only start a fight. And since I didn’t want to argue, I went with the flow.

Every step he took felt heavier, and his silence grew louder. My father used to pace the same way, his shoulders weighted with things he’d never share. I hated that I could see the same gloom creeping into Marchello, but I didn’t know how to draw him back into the light.

When he needed me, he would tell me. Until then, I would do whatever I could to make him happy. Keeping myself out of trouble seemed like the best way to do that.

After dinner, the two of us strolled out to the lobby of the main hotel to admire the grand Christmas tree. We walked under an archway, and I pointed up at a green plant.

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