Page 122 of Dangerous Intent

“You’re punishing me?” Her eyes reflected hurt when she gazed into mine. “I won’t screw up anymore.”

“I’m not punishing you.” I turned her around and pulled her to me so her back rested against my chest. My erection poked against her waist, giving my desire away. “Milo is going to call me any minute, and when he does, I have to go.”

“Milo called earlier,” she said. “He’s in Miami.”

“I saw him.” I crossed my arms over her chest, keeping her close. “There’s been a new development.”

“I figured.” She rested her hands on my thighs and looked up at me. “I asked him why he was here, but he got mad at me.”

“You’re not having a good night.”

“Dom and Lorenzo told me how they felt too.”

“I didn’t put any of them up to it.” I kissed her hair, breathing in her sweet scent. “You’re lucky my father isn’t here.”

“Everyone seems to get it but me.” She curled into my hold. “But none of them love you the way I do.”

“I hurt you.” I rested my chin on her head. “That wasn’t my intention.”

“To some degree it was.” She twisted in my arms and cradled herself in my lap. “You want me to get it.”

“More than anything else, because that’s the only way we’ll make it.” That was a harsh reality, but it was the truth. If we didn’t get on the same page soon, there would be nothing but misery in our future. “I want us to live a long and happy life together. Please make an effort to help me succeed.”

“Don’t give up on us.”

“I would never do that.” I gently kissed her, hoping she heard me when I said I would let her go before I ever let us be torn apart by my world. “There is something you need to know.”

“Is this about why Milo is here?”

“Yes.” I clasped her hand in mine. “The arms dealer is in Miami.”

“I know,” she whispered.

The muscles in my jaw twitched as I tried with everything in me to hold back my wrath. Rage bubbled from somewhere deep inside me, but losing control now wouldn’t be beneficial to anyone, especially not her.

“How the hell do you know?”

TWENTY-EIGHT

Lissia

Danny’s presencein Miami was what the culmination. The fucking climax. My father’s last attempt to wreak havoc on my relationship with Marchello.

“Lissia.” Marchello shook me. “Did he contact you?”

A chill coursed through me, bringing that unfavorable sensation to the forefront. The feeling that I couldn’t shake finally made sense.

“How the hell did you know?” Marchello’s voice raised an octave.

“Because I could feel something was wrong, but I couldn’t identify it.”

“I’m going to stop him once and for all.”

Not if he stops you first. No! Get that thought out of your head.

“What is it?” Marchello asked. “You look as if you’re going to be sick.”

“Why would he come here and provoke you if he knows he can’t win? He’s desperate, and that’s dangerous.”