Page 100 of Dangerous Intent

“I did not threaten you,” Diego said to me. “The alleged car bombing is common knowledge. It happened a few feet from your guard in your father’s driveway, didn’t it? Since the two of you are still breathing, I’d say it was some sort of message.”

“Why do I think you know who sent that message?” I glared at him, despite fighting off the weakness in my legs and the rapid acceleration of my heartbeat. Fear and anger could be a deadly combination. I just had to show more anger than fear.

“I like you.” Diego laughed. “You’re entertaining and even more of a troublemaker than that contract stated.”

“What contract?” I swallowed the strange feeling that this man was more dangerous than I had anticipated.

“The one that held so many promises for us. It’s really a shame.” His gaze traveled up and down my body, and a wave of anxiety crashed into me.

He stepped closer to me.

I straightened my posture and glared into his icy gray eyes. I remained calm and in control. I wouldn’t allow him to bait me or let my ridiculous impulses take over.

“Back off.” Dom pushed Diego away.

“Dom.” I still held Diego’s gaze. “I want to leave.”

“Such a fire in your eyes. Like a wild horse waiting to be broken.” Diego’s maniacal laugh echoed through the lobby. “Three million dollars would have been one hell of a bargain for you.”

TWENTY-THREE

Marchello

I emergedfrom the back room off the bar, uncertain as to how I wanted to proceed. These powerful men could strengthen my position in New York, but at what cost?

“Well?” Lucas asked as we entered the lobby. “What are your initial thoughts?”

“It could be beneficial.” I checked my watch. “They have a lot to offer, but I have to assess the risks. I need time to think about it.”

“That’s exactly what your father would do.” Lucas scanned the lobby. He nodded across the room. “Who is that with Lissia?”

I turned in the direction of where I had left her not twenty minutes ago. Dom was with her as I had instructed, but there was also a man I recognized from earlier in the evening standing way too close to my wife.

I motioned for my team to follow me as I hurried toward her. The closer I got, the more distressed her face became.

“Marchello,” Lorenzo called after me.

“Who is that?” I asked as I made my way to Lissia.

“That’s Diego Medina.” Lorenzo caught up to me. “The man I told you about earlier.”

“What business does he have with my wife?”

I didn’t appreciate this stranger sniffing around my wife while I met with the men he came with. It seemed too convenient.

“I don’t know, but I’m sure you’re about to find out.” Lorenzo kept pace with me as I lengthened my strides.

“Marchello.” Lissia ran to me. “This man… He…”

“Mr. Accetti.” Diego approached me as my security team took their stances in front of me and Lissia. He offered me his hand. “We haven’t had the opportunity to meet. I’m Diego Medina.”

“Don’t shake his hand.” Lissia gripped the hand I would have extended. “He’s not our friend.”

“Why would you say that?” I studied her worried expression. “Did something happen?”

The agitation in my chest grew more prominent as each second passed. If she was this upset, this matter needed my attention.

“I was just getting acquainted with Lissia,” Diego said. “Such a feisty girl.”