Page 108 of Dangerous Intent

“Maybewecan figure it out?”

“What?” A flicker of shock drifted through me. “You want me to help?”

“If you can control those impulses.” He bit the corner of his lip. “I can make some adjustments too.”

“I’ll do whatever you need.”

“I need more sex.”

“That goes without saying.” I rolled my eyes. “Go take care of business, and I’ll be waiting in our bed for you.”

“I won’t be too long.” He traced his finger down my cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” I waved as he exited the bathroom.

Marchello had a knack for calming me even when I didn’t want to be settled. He understood me better than anyone else ever had. I looked forward to spending the night safely secured in his protective embrace.

After getting ready for bed, I opened the patio doors off the bedroom so I could listen to the waves and breathe in the salty air. It was too dark to see anything but a sliver of the moon. Sensing the vast ocean as the water came in and rolled out, I closed my eyes and relaxed into the moment as the vast ocean rolled in and out.

Diego was just another obstacle that we would overcome. He was as insignificant as Danny. But unlike Danny, we knew where Diego was and what he wanted. Danny had been a thorn in our side from the beginning, causing havoc but never really stating exactly what he wanted.

I gazed out into the darkness, concentrating on the motion of the water. Diego managed to come here with the men Marchello met with, and he had their protection. Was that how Angelo knew I would be here?

The ocean breeze kicked up, and the sand and the spray from the water swept over me. Salt coated my lips.

A flicker in the distance caught my attention. A shadow, maybe a bird, soaring over the ocean. Whatever it was, my skin prickled, creating a sinister unrest.

I slammed the patio doors shut, locking them and then backing away. A violent chill streamed through me, so I grabbed the throw from the edge of the bed and tossed it around my shoulders. I stared out the patio doors, searching for any sign of activity.

Even in the utter darkness, I recognized the waves of despair. They were coming…

TWENTY-FIVE

Marchello

This wasn’t my territory,where my name was enough to get the job done, and it wasn’t New York, where negotiating a deal wasn’t as difficult as it would be with a cartel. Here, my name might be enough to get me in the door with men like Martino, but it didn’t guarantee I could walk away with what I wanted.

“No.” I tapped my hand on the bar.

“No?” Lucas asked. “That’s what you want me to take back to them?”

“Did I stutter?” I glanced across the room to Lissia and Dom engaging in an intense conversation. “I won’t agree to Martino’s request not to go after Diego. If he wants to protect him, then so be it.”

“Marchello.” Lorenzo leaned against the bar. “Can you afford another war?”

“I’ll do what has to be done,” I said.

Walking away from this deal wasn’t just about Diego. It was about showing my father, my enemies, and myself that I could hold the line. That I could protect my wife and my empire without compromise.

“Another war in the name of Lissia.” Lucas pressed his lips together and glared at me in disapproval.

“Don’t.” I pointed at him. “My father will have my back.”

“They are offering you a substantial cut of their profit.” Lorenzo pushed his glass to the edge of the bar. “I don’t think Juan’s cartel offers you that kind of percentage for moving a few shipments.”

“This isn’t about the money, and you know it.” I finished my shot of vodka. “If I allow Diego to get away with what he did in my territory while my father is trying to bring down that trafficking operation, I look weak.”

“He didn’t know he was encroaching on your territory,” Lorenzo said.

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