Page 16 of Dangerous Attraction

“What?” I jerked my eyes to his. “No… that’s not necessary. I can afford a cheap hotel for the night.”

He turned to walk out the door and paused. “No.”

I blinked in confusion, but snapped out of it and chased after him. “What the hell, Massimo?” I ran out after him.

I found him staring at my neighbor's apartment.

“Massimo. I can’t st—”

He cut me off when he pointed to the door and growled. “Is that the neighbor that slammed the door in your face?”

“Yes, but Massimo,”—I grabbed his arm—“you can’t just say no to someone like that and walk away.”

Massimo jerked from my hold, and I watched as he brushed his knuckles across the wood. He braced his hand on the frame, waiting for the occupant to open it.

“What are you doing? Come on, this is stupid. Why do you need to talk to him?” I yanked on his sleeve, trying to move him away.

The guy opened the door. “What the fuck do you want?”

Massimo drew his arm back and let his fist fly. The sound of crunching bone echoed in the small hallway.

“WHAT THE FUCK, DUDE? You broke my nose!”

Massimo leaned into the doorway. “The next time a lady asks for help… do it.” Grabbing my hand, he spun me toward the stairs. The anger radiated off him as he pulled me behind him.

“What the hell was that?” I struggled behind him, trying to keep up. “You just broke his nose! Massimo!” I cried out, trying to get him to stop moving so fast.

“Donny.” Massimo flicked his chin toward the stairs.

Donny disappeared up the steps, knowing exactly what Massimo wanted without him having to say. Massimo opened the door, yanking my bag off my shoulder, and waited for me to climb inside the car. He slammed the door, tossed my bag into the trunk, and climbed into the car on the opposite side.

“Why are you so mad? I don’t understand what’s happening right now.” I rubbed my face. “Can you please take me to a hotel?”

“Don’t ask me to do that, Madison. You’ll stay with me until we figure out who did this. That’s not negotiable right now.”

I started to speak, but seeing the tension coiling in his frame and the steel set of his jaw, I sighed. There was no way arguing with him right now would accomplish anything. Leaning back against the seat, I rested my head against the window and closed my eyes. The sudden motion of the car had me opening my eyes. I glanced at Massimo, who was clenching his hands against his thighs. I pressed my hand over one of his balled fists, making him stiffen.

“Thank you for helping.”

Tugging my hand back into my lap, I turned back to the road and watched as the buildings flew by. Donny pulled the Escalade around the back of the club again and parked, then got out and opened Massimo’s door. I sat frozen as he exited the car, unsure of what to do. There was no way I was staying with him, but I was too afraid to say anything. Donny grabbed my bag out of the trunk as they talked in hushed voices. I watched as Donny headed off, carrying my bag inside.

Finally mustering my courage, I slid out of the seat and stepped out into the alleyway.

“Where’s he taking my stuff?”

“To my apartment.” Massimo held the door open to the club, waiting for me to walk inside.

“I told you to take me to a hotel.” I stomped my foot in annoyance.

“Madison, please don’t make me carry you inside. You’re not staying at a hotel. I know you don’t have the money for that, and I can’t let you out of my sight right now.”

I stared at him, wanting to scream. Seeing the pure desperation in his eyes, I relented. Besides, he was right. I didn’t have the money for a hotel, even a cheap one.

“Fine.” Pushing past him, I stepped into the dim hallway. Everything about the situation was fucked-up. My boss, who I’d only known for a few hours, had come to my rescue. I didn’t deserve his help or hospitality, but that wasn’t the only thing confusing me.

“Come on.” His deep voice drew me from the thoughts swirling in my head. “My elevator is on the other side of the bar.”

He led me into the crowded bar, gripping my hand. Several of the patrons glanced at us, watching as we cut through the crowd into another hallway. Massimo pressed his thumb on a panel beside one of two elevators in the hall.

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