Page 65 of Craving Danger

Franco

I called Marcello and told him to have a car waiting outside with the keys in the ignition so I can take Samantha to the tattoo place. They’ll follow us in the G-Wagon.

I should be meeting with Renzo and the others, but I can’t make myself leave Samantha. Not until I’m sure she’ll be okay.

As I look at the woman who’s making me feel things I’ve never felt before, I pray to all that’s holy she falls in love with me.

If I can make her love me, then she might accept it when she learns I’m her mystery man. I don’t know what I’ll do if she rejects me.

I’ll probably kidnap her so she can’t leave me.

I feel my phone vibrate and know it’s a signal from Marcello that everything is ready.

“Let’s go, baby,” I say as I take her hand.

When I pull her toward the window, she tugs against my hold. “I’m leaving through the front door. I’ll meet you outside.”

Right.

Not even thinking about what I’m doing, I wrap my other hand around the back of her neck and press a kiss to her mouth. Even though the balaclava is in the way, I can still feel her lips.

Christ, I want this woman so bad I’ll do anything to make her mine.

Love me back, Samantha.

I let go of her and climb out the window so she can close it behind me.

Heading down the fire escape, I jump to the ground and rush to where the Mercedes is parked. I glance up the street and see the G-Wagon, then climb behind the steering wheel.

I don’t wait long before Samantha opens the passenger door and gets into the car.

Starting the engine, I guide the vehicle into traffic, and as we drive to Dante’s tattoo place, I ask, “Are you feeling better?”

Samatha shrugs and glances out the window. “It comes and goes.” She turns her gaze to me. “I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet.”

Yeah, I don’t think so, either. She’s way too fucking calm. Either that or this woman is the strongest person I know.

When I park the car behind the building where the tattoo parlor is, we get out of the Mercedes. I take Samantha’s hand and lead her to the back entrance.

“Will you be okay with Dante touching you?” I ask.

“Dante? Is he the tattoo artist?”

“Yes.”

“Only time will tell,” she murmurs before we go inside.

Dante’s busy getting everything ready, and when he sees us, a grin spreads over his face.

I informed him about Samantha and that he needs to be gentle with her. I also told him he can’t call me by my name around her, and I’ll be wearing a balaclava.

“Did you close the store?” I ask.

“Yes. No one will bother us.” He gets up from his stool and comes to shake my hand. “It’s been a while. How are you?”

“Good.” I gesture to my woman. “This is Samantha.”

He gives her a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you.” Pointing to the tattoo chair, he says, “Take a seat.”

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