Page 52 of Dangerous Intent

“It’s not my domineering, possessive side you like?”

“I love all your qualities.” I cuddled closer to him, breathing in his warm, comforting scent. “You’re going to be an incredible dad.”

When he didn’t respond, my heart became a little more anxious. Did he want to be a dad? Why was I making myself so crazy over this? We just got married. We had so much time in front of us.

“You’re strong and caring,” I said. “You’re fierce when it comes to your family. You’re a protector.”

I really wanted to have his babies.

“Stop.”

“Why?” I took off my shoes and wiggled my toes. “I know that you’ll be an amazing father.”

“What if I can’t protect you and our child?” He stared up at the skylight. “That’s a huge responsibility. One that I don’t have any right taking on.”

“Why would you think… Oh.” Why didn’t I put this together sooner?

“Yeah.” He pointed toward the window. “My mother was pregnant with my brother when she was murdered on our property. Right outside. In front of me. One second she was here, and the next she was gone. It was so final.”

“I’m sorry.”

Julia must have been so happy that morning. She was carrying her third son, Marchello was on his way to Princeton, Milo was heading into his senior year, and Nico was a successful businessman who provided his family with everything they could dream of. That car bomb snatched it all away in an instant.

“You don’t have to apologize.” Marchello shook his head. “It happened on my father’s watch. If that could happen to him…”

“It won’t happen to us.”

“You don’t know that.” He ran his hand along my back. “I can’t go through that again.”

“I trust that you, your father, and Milo are stronger than you were twelve years ago. You’re more cautious. You’re better prepared.”

“You already got shot.”

“My father did that, remember?”

“Because we were at war.” Marchello stretched out his legs and rested his head on the wall. “Just because he’s gone, doesn’t mean the war is over.”

“I don’t… I thought it was.”

“That war has ended, but the next enemy is gearing up to come for us. That’s how this business works. Collins is still a threat. One that I have to take care of.”

“You and Milo are going to stop him, and your dad is handling what’s going on in your territory.” I crawled into his lap. “We’re going to be safe.”

“That’s the goal.”

“I trust you,” I murmured, pressing my lips to his jaw. “You’ll protect us. I know you will.”

“With my dying breath.”

“No one is dying.” I took his face between my hands. “That’s not romantic. We both have to live.”

“We will.” He smiled. “You’re too determined not to.”

“That’s fucking right.”

“Lissia.”

“Are you going to reprimand me for my language now?” I bit my lip. “It’s been one hell of a night. I deserve to have at least one fuck in my vocabulary tonight.”

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