Page 44 of Dangerous Intent

“Don’t get yourself into trouble,” he called as I raced over to Marchello.

Marchello and Lorenzo were still talking, and neither seemed too concerned when I had joined them again. They were probably done talking about the part I wasn’t supposed to hear.

“After hearing all of that,” Lorenzo said to Marchello, “you must understand why I require your presence in Miami.”

Miami. That sounds interesting.

“I do,” Marchello said. “But now is not the best time.”

I inched closer to Marchello, brushing my fingers along his hand.

“I realize your father has left again and you’re running things here, but coming to Miami will be beneficial for your business. These contacts I want to introduce to you are interested in what you can offer here in New York. It could set up a lucrative partnership for you.”

“I appreciate that, but with my father not being around, Milo trying to get this club up and running, the dealership, and protecting my territory, I don’t know if this is the right time to leave.”

“It would only be for a few days,” Lorenzo said. “You should seriously consider this.”

“I can go with you,” I blurted because I was excited by the notion of getting away for a bit. “It could be a getaway for us.”

“I’ll set you up in a private villa.” Lorenzo smiled. “I’ll treat you like royalty.”

“I’m in.” This was the chance I needed to get myself back to normal.

“No, you’re not,” Marchello said with that stern, scary glare of his. “This is an opportunity my family should explore. I can clear a few days from my schedule and make the trip.”

“You’re making the right decision,” Lorenzo said.

“It has to be brief, though. I’m needed here.” Marchello glanced at me. “I don’t want to be away longer than I have to be.”

“If you’re worried about me, then let me come with you,” I said. Didn’t that make sense? “I want to go with you.”

“Do I have to remind you what happened the last time you were in Miami?”

His body tensed and heat radiated from his flesh. If I pushed him now, he would blow, but some things were worth the risk.

Aren’t they?

“I’ll be safe with you,” I said. “Danny is here in Manhattan, and my father is dead, so…”

“She has a point.” Lorenzo motioned toward the bar. “I’m going to get a drink while the two of you work this out.”

“There is nothing to work out,” Marchello said.

Lorenzo strolled over to the bar and shook Ricardo’s hand.

Marchello turned to me. “You’re not going.”

“You’re not being reasonable.” I pushed my hair from my face. “We just got married. You should want me to be with you.”

“I do want you to be with me.”

“Then it’s settled.”

“No. Nothing is fucking settled. For once, why can’t you do what I ask?”

“Because you never ask. You demand.”

He took my arm and led me back to the dark hallway where I had encountered Danny.

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