Page 116 of Dangerous Intent

“Oh, Marchello.” I plopped down on the sofa and dropped my shoes on the floor. “This was not the way tonight was supposed to go.”

If I had to guess, I’d say there were probably many more nights like this in my future. I married the mob. When was I going to learn how to live by the code?

I didn’t mean to screw up. I was only trying to help.

I grabbed the throw pillow and flung it across the room.He doesn’t want my help! He doesn’t need it.

He did need me to keep my shit together and be there when he asked for me, though. I had to learn to understand who he needed me to be and when. Marchello had given me everything I could ever want.

Don’t I owe him the same?

My bag vibrated with a phone call. I dug inside and grabbed my phone.

I checked the caller ID before I answered. “Milo, do you have news?”

“What?” He cleared his throat. “Where is my brother? He’s not answering his phone, and I need to talk to him.”

“He’s being detained.” I tossed my bag in the corner of the sofa.

“By who?”

“Police.”

“What the fuck happened?”

“He got into an altercation with a man named Diego.” I clenched the phone. “He’s the one who bought me in that auction.”

“I’m up to speed on that.”

“I wasn’t there for the fight, but that scum filed a report and the cops approached Marchello.” I hopped off the sofa and paced the villa. “We have to get him back. What should I do?”

“Nothing,” he said. “You are to do nothing but sit there and wait until Marchello comes back. Paint your fucking nails. Give yourself a facial. Max out Marchello’s credit card.”

“Milo, I’m freaking out over here, but I’m not going to do anything stupid.” I kind of already did.

“I want to believe you.”

“It was tough seeing him being arrested.”

“I’m sure it was,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

“If you called my phone, it’s important.” I stopped pacing and gazed out the patio windows, waving to Dom and a few other men. “What’s happened?”

“I’m in Miami. I just landed.”

“But we’re leaving tomorrow.”

“Plans may have changed.”

“You were headed here before you knew Marchello got arrested.” Something was off. “Why did you come to Florida?”

“I’ll fill Marchello in when I arrive.”

“Is something wrong?”

“Would I be here if it wasn’t?”

“Milo, just tell me what it is.” I ran my hand through my hair. “I’m his wife. I should know what’s going on. What if I need to?—”