Page 114 of Dangerous Intent

“That won’t be necessary,” Marchello said. “My wife is going back to our villa. I intend to fully cooperate with you.”

“I’ll escort her.” Lorenzo took my arm. “Let’s go.”

When I glanced at Marchello’s expressionless face, I realized I’d done more harm than good. He was quiet for a reason. He didn’t want to say anything that could incriminate himself. I’d just needed a second to catch up, to ignore the fear I’d let seep in and control myself.

I love you,I mouthed before I let Dom and Lorenzo take me out of the room.

“You cannot be your husband’s weakness,” Lorenzo said. “When the cops are around, you have to be quiet.”

“I know but…”

“If you want to be his wife, you’re going to have to learn the rules.” Lorenzo sighed. “Marchello needs to trust that you won’t be the reason he goes to prison.”

“God! Do you think he’ll go to jail?” I held onto Dom’s strong arm as we walked down the path toward the villa.

“Not over this,” Lorenzo said. “There isn’t even any surveillance of the incident. I made sure of that already.”

“How did you know the police would come for it?”

“I didn’t, but I have to think of the bigger picture. If this situation ever happens again, and it most certainly will, you have to keep your mouth shut. Let Lucas or any other attorney figure it out. That’s what your husband pays them for.”

“I just didn’t like seeing him so vulnerable. He’s always in control,” I said. “You know that.”

“Trust me, he was in control back there too.” Lorenzo stopped when we got to the path to my villa.

“Do you think they will keep him long?” I asked.

“If they feel like harassing him, they will.” Lorenzo shrugged. “When they ask for my statement, I’ll say that Diego was the instigator and that’s why I made him leave the resort.”

“Thank you.” I kissed his cheek. “I didn’t mean to lose it.”

“Just do better next time.” He glanced at Dom. “Get her in the villa and make sure she stays there. I’ll put a few more men in her detail.”

“I’m not going to do anything stupid.” I strolled down the path, berating myself for not being able to get it together in the restaurant.

“You’re trying to do too much.” Dom walked beside me.

“You think?” Wasn’t that the story of my life? I was way too extra.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Dom said. “It was upsetting to see Marchello in that situation.”

“I let him down.” I sat on the steps that led to the porch of the villa. “I keep telling him how I’m going to do better, and I’m trying, but every time I need to prove myself, I screw up.”

“That’s not true.”

I stared up at the starless, dark sky. How long would they keep Marchello? Would he come home tonight? The thought of him spending the night in a dirty jail cell with criminals made me sick.

“Do you think they would let me see him?” I asked.

“No.” Dom leaned against the railing. “And I wouldn’t take you to him even if you begged.”

“Jerk.”

He laughed.

“You must hate being stuck with me.” I slipped off my shoes and wiggled my toes, feeling the coarse remnants of sand under my feet. “Like you entered a contest and lost.”

“Tonight or always?”