Page 119 of Dangerous Intent

“Don’t start.”

“Maybe you should lock her in the bedroom and have Dom stand guard outside the door.” He rubbed his temple. “Tying her up might not be a bad idea either.”

“Is there something wrong with you?”

“How did she react when they came for you tonight?”

“Not well.”

“What a shock,” he said.

“I’m going to check in on her and let her know I’m not in police custody. Get Lucas and Lorenzo and set up a meeting. We’re going to need Lorenzo’s backing on this. I want to be home by tomorrow night.”

“Anything else I can get you for Christmas?”

“Collins.”

“That’s the plan.”

I hurried out of the lobby and down the path that led to the villa. Now that I had a few minutes to process the evening, things were looking a little more bleak than I had anticipated. Collins was always a problem, but I didn’t expect him to fly to Miami. Once we found him, I would resolve that obstacle.

Then there was the hassle of my impulsive, fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants wife to deal with. Milo was right. I should tie her to the bed and leave her there for a few hours, but that might only make things worse. She would see that punishment as a turn-on. I definitely didn’t have time for that tonight.

Approaching the porch of the villa, I gazed around the unlit property. Having no guards at the front door wasn’t unusual considering I was always inside with Lissia.

The warmth of the air ghosted my skin, but the ocean seemed eerily quiet tonight. Was it the clutter in my head that blocked out every other sound around me?

Shadows in the distance caught my eye, and I cautiously drew my gun. As I made my way to the side of the villa, familiar voices traveled closer to me.

Dom met my gaze.

I held up my hand and nodded, indicating everything was okay. He approached me with wariness.

“I’m fine,” I said. “It seemed too quiet, like something was off.”

“I just did a walk around the property.” He pointed to the front. “Lissia is inside getting ready for bed. The villa is clear.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s my job.”

“My wife has become more than your job,” I said. Dom had understood Lissia in a short time, knowing when to give in to her demands and when to pull her back. “I appreciate it.”

“She’s worried about you.”

“I know.” I took my keycard from my pocket. “Despite her efforts to clear me tonight, it all worked out.”

“She feels bad about that.” He shrugged. “She’s got a fast mouth.”

“I need her mind to be faster than her urges to speak up.” I motioned toward the back. “Make sure everyone is alert. Milo will be here to brief you all soon.”

Dom nodded and went back to his security detail.

I had made the right decision when I put him on Lissia. Though, I hadn’t expected him to take to her so quickly. I thought I had at least a few months of him laying down the law and being stern with her, but I should have known her incessant charm would win him over.

Even if he had developed a soft spot for her, I trusted him to keep her safe at all costs. If Milo and I couldn’t be with her, Dom was the next best thing.

I climbed the steps, holstered my gun, and swiped the keycard in the pad by the door. The lock beeped a second before turning red. Technology. I tried again, and this time, it lit up green, allowing me to turn the handle and enter the shadowy hallway.