Page 46 of Dangerous Attraction

His words hit me like a ton of bricks. He was right. His life was full of uncertainty and danger. I didn’t know if I could live like that forever.

“This is a mistake. I can’t live like this.”

Massimo stopped and looked at me, his eyes glazed over with regret.

“A mistake? What you feel for me is a mistake?”

“No, but…” I swallowed. “I don’t want a life where I’m always afraid.”

He walked across the room and stood in front of me, his hand cupping my chin.

“It won’t always be this way, Bella.”

“Can you promise me that? I’ve lived my whole life in fear, always looking over my shoulder. I don’t want that life, Massimo.”

“Please let me get you to safety. When this is all over with, if you still want your freedom, I’ll let you go. But I can’t do that right now—not knowing you’d be in danger.” I could tell even uttering the words gave him pain.

Offering me my freedom to ensure my happiness meant he really loved me, and as much as I didn’t think I wanted this life, I wasn’t sure I could walk away from him.

“Okay,” I whispered just before he pressed his lips to mine.

His kiss was hungry and full of need. Breaking away, he rested his forehead against mine.

“I love you, Madison. I’ll do anything to make you happy, even if that means walking away from you.” He turned and lifted my bag. “Let’s go.”

“Wait… I need to grab my other things.”

“No, there’s no time. You can get whatever you need when you arrive in Italy.”

Massimo wrapped an arm around my waist and ushered me toward the elevator. Once we stepped inside, he dropped the bag and pressed me against the metal frame.

“I won’t let anything happen to you. I meant what I said earlier, Madison. You’re the air I breathe and the light in my soul. I’ve fallen in love with you and no one, not even Juan Carlos, will take you away from me.”

Our lips met in a frenzy, seeking solstice in one another. The door dinged, signaling our arrival at the lower level. “I’m going to hold you against me as we go out the back door. Carlisle will be waiting for us on the other side of the bar. He’s going to help us get you into the car unseen.”

“Okay.” I pressed against him, holding on out of sheer fear. Carlisle greeted us, giving me a partial smile.

“How are you, Madison?” He wrapped his arm around me, causing Massimo to growl.

“I’m good. Thank you for earlier tonight.”

He squeezed me tighter. “No thanks needed. I’m only glad that you’re okay.”

“I’m sorry about Krissy.”

Carlisle nodded, not saying anything about the murdered girl—a girl I assumed he’d been friends with.

“Alright.” Massimo stopped at the door. “Carlisle will go out with Donny and ensure the alley is clear. Freddy is waiting for us, and as soon as we have the all-clear, we’re going to get you inside the SUV. Once you’re in, lay down so you can’t be seen. Carlisle will slip in beside you, with me on the other side.”

“Okay,” I mumbled, my nerves twisting inside my gut.

“Go,” Massimo called out to Carlisle, who waved us forward once he was out the door.

Massimo rushed me out, shoving me into the back seat and sliding in beside me. My head was pushed down against Carlisle’s leg as the car lurched forward. I kept my eyes squeezed shut, praying for this nightmare to end.

thirty

MASSIMO

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