Page 110 of Dangerous Intent

“Lissia,” I said. “This is Martino Cortez.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Accetti.”

“Likewise.” Lissia didn’t let go of my hand, probably so she didn’t have to shake Martino’s.

“I realize you’re about to have dinner with your wife,” Martino said. “But can I have a few minutes of your time?”

“There really is nothing left to say, but if you feel you have some unfinished business, you can let it be known now.”

The fact that he wanted another chance to speak with me made me curious. I had sent Lucas as my voice to tell him we didn’t have a deal. Why would he go through the effort of seeking me out now?

“Are you sure you want to discuss it here?” Martino looked at Lissia, but if he was waiting for her to comply, he’d be here all night. “Perhaps we could discuss this in private?”

“I’m not the type of woman who will excuse herself and powder her nose, Mr. Cortez.” Lissia’s voice was calm and controlled. So much for my obedient mafia wife.

Dom stifled a laugh by clearing his throat.

“Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of my wife.” I motioned at the table. “If you could be quick about it, I’d appreciate it. I want to have dinner.”

“We need to stop playing games,” he said.

“Go on.” I wasn’t the one holding up these negotiations. I had one demand, and if he couldn’t meet it, I didn’t need to work with him.

“You know that I need your ports,” he said. “I also know what I offered you is something that no one else is willing to give you.”

“The percentage on the take was very generous, but it can’t always be about money, can it?” I gazed into Lissia’s eyes. “I have to protect what’s mine.”

“What if I said I could look the other way when it comes to Diego?”

“Then I would probably say we have a deal.”

“To the terms that were already stated?” Martino asked.

“I have something you need.” I let go of Lissia’s hand and held it out in front of Martino. “Access to my ports is so valuable to you that you’re willing to betray another’s trust. That puts you in an extremely vulnerable position. I hope you understand that?”

I waited for the handshake, but I also wanted to give him one last chance to walk away. Eagerness when it came to business was never my style.

“You let me worry about that.” He grasped my hand and gave it a hearty shake. “I look forward to working with you.”

“You can start by letting Diego know that you and I have entered into an agreement and that he has nothing to worry about.” There was no need to let Diego see me coming until I was there.

“If that’s how you want to play it, that’s fine with me. I need my products moved as soon as possible.”

“Lucas will be in touch to put the final details in place for your shipping arrangements.”

“I look forward to it.” Martino nodded. “Mrs. Accetti.”

“Have a good night, Mr. Cortez.” Lissia picked up her empty flute as the group of men walked away. “I don’t trust him.”

“You shouldn’t,” I said. “And for the record, your nose looks just fine.”

“Oh, that?” She smiled. “Only you have the right to ask me to leave a conversation.”

“I will only ever do that if it’s for your safety.”

Lucas and Dom made themselves scarce so Lissia and I could have dinner.

I grabbed the bottle of prosecco chilling in the bucket by the table. “We’re heading home in the morning. My business here is finished.”