Page 64 of Dangerous Attraction

She pressed her hand to my cheek. “I understand. We need to go home. When I said yes to you, I knew this was part of the deal.”

“Wait…” Vincenzo grabbed her hand. “You asked her?”

“Yes.” I ran my hand through my hair. “Right before you walked in.”

“Oh my God.” He tugged her from my hold and embraced her. “Welcome to the family.”

“You can let go now.” I yanked him back. “Go get Antonio. We need to tell father what’s going on and get back to Vegas ASAP.”

“I’ll take care of that. You,”—Vincenzo pointed to me—“need to go tell Nonna the good news. Mom and Dad as well.”

“You’re right. Take care of the arrangements. Madison and I will tell everyone our surprise.” I laced my fingers in hers. “Vincenzo?” I cocked a brow at him as we walked toward the door. “Why would they think you did this?”

“She was found in my office at Bellissimo.”

“So, that still doesn’t make you guilty. What aren’t you telling me?”

“She was, uh…” He paused at the door. “Found bound, gagged, and bent over my desk. Miguel believes she and I were… um…” He glanced toward Madison. “Intimate.”

“What the fuck? Are you saying it was staged to look like you were role playing?”

“Yes, but I swear to you, I’ve never seen this girl before. Hell,”—he walked into the hallway—“I was here when her death happened. Miguel won’t listen to reason. He is blinded by rage and wants my head.”

“We’ll fix this. He seems like a reasonable man. Our partnership has only begun. Surely, he will see the stupidity of blaming you. Question is…” I paused. “Who would want to set us up like this?”

“That’s the million-dollar question.”

“Don’t worry.” I patted him on the back. “We’ll get this sorted out.”

Vincenzo nodded and walked away, leaving Madison and me alone.

“Are you sure you still want to marry me? This is what life will be like.”

“Stop doubting how I feel about you. Am I scared… yes. But I know you’ll protect me above all else. Let’s go.” She grabbed my hand. “The sooner we tell everyone, the sooner we can return to Vegas and get this sorted out. I don’t enjoy seeing Vincenzo so…” She paused. “Worried.”

Her words resonated with me. She was right. Vincenzo seemed scared, something he rarely was. He was skilled with a blade, earning him the nickname La Lama. A skill that had nothing to do with being a chef.

“You’re right. He was worried.”

“Massimo?” Madison tilted her head. “What did he mean when he said Miguel thought they were intimate? Why would he think that just because she was found in his office?”

This conversation was bound to come up at some point. Madison knew what Fantasia was. What she didn’t know was Vincenzo was a top member. He kept that part of himself private, fearful others would think differently about him professionally. Antonio, Donny, and I were the only ones who knew what he did.

“Vincenzo has a side few know about.”

Madison looked into my eyes, realization dawning. “He goes to Fantasia more often than I realized.” It was a statement, not a question.

“Yes, Antonio is not the only one with demons. The club allows Vincenzo a way to expel his.”

“Demons?”

“Just like you once said to me, it is his story to tell. Maybe one day he’ll open up to you, as Antonio did. Know this though—Vincenzo is a good man.”

“Of course he is. His sexual kinks don’t change my opinion of him.”

“Good.” I pressed my lips to hers, though that wasn’t what I had been hinting at. “Let’s go tell everyone I’ve convinced you to be mine forever.”

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