Page 124 of Dangerous Intent

“How did you get in here?” I didn’t take my gaze away from his gun.

“Turns out, all you have to do is find the right person and bribe them.” He stalked toward me. “I found afriendwho programmed a key for me.”

When he approached the island in the center of the kitchen, I darted around it. He just kept grinning like a cat cornering its prey. A dingy alley cat coming after a helpless mouse.

“Of course, occupying the security team was a little more difficult.”

“Where is Dom?”

“He’s out there.” He motioned toward the patio. “With a few of my men that he thinks are part of Lorenzo’s extra security team. I can’t say for certain what happened to Lorenzo’s team, but I don’t think they’re with us anymore.”

“You bastard.”

“If you try to run, my men will kill Dom. You’re not going to get away this time.”

He turned the corner of the island, forcing me to go around and stand where he had just come from. He was taunting me, because if he wanted to grab me, he could.

“Marchello will be back soon.” I gripped the counter, trying to find an escape plan, but my options weren’t looking too promising. “You should go while you have the chance.”

“Why would Marchello be back soon?”

We did another circle around the island, never taking our gazes away from one another.

“He’s on his way to kill me, isn’t he?” His unsettling laugh filled the room. “Or at least, that’s where he thinks he’s headed.”

“What are you going to do to him?” So many thoughts cluttered my mind, and they all led to Marchello’s demise. He was walking into a trap, and I couldn’t warn him.

“I’m not going to do anything to him,” he said. “I’m here for you.”

“If it’s about the money you wanted, I’ll give it to you. Whatever you want, you can have it.”

“What are you promising, sexy girl?”

“Not that, you pig.”

“Maybe that’s the only thing I want from you before I hand you over to the man I already promised you to.” He pointed his gun at me as he smoothed his other hand over the granite countertop. “Stop moving.”

“You’re working with Diego.”

“Oh, look, she’s more than just a pretty face.” He trailed his fingers along the edge of the counter as he stalked toward me. “You see, I don’t need your money, because if I bring you back to Diego, I’ll get paid.”

“Do you hear how disgusting that sounds? I’m not his property just because he paid for me. I’m a human being.”

“Here’s the thing.” Danny grabbed my arm and yanked me to him. “Diego gave you and Marchello a chance to fix this, but your arrogant husband was too stubborn to do the right thing. Instead, he acted like the thug he is and used his fists to get his point across.”

“My husband was protecting me.” I pushed against Danny’s solid form. “Let go of me!”

He tightened his hold, cutting off the circulation in my upper arm.

“Diego was willing to take back the money interest-free and leave the two of you alone, but I told him Marchello wouldn’t accept that deal, and now Diego has a new enemy.”

“Marchello will kill him, and you won’t get your money,” I said. “Let me wire you money in exchange for you setting me free. I’ll tell Marchello our business is finished.”

“Do you really think your husband is going to let me go after everything?” He slid his hand down my arm and grabbed my wrist. “That’s not how this business works.”

“If you think I’m going to let you take me out of here without a fight, you’re a fucking idiot.” I shoved him into the counter, causing him to release me.

When I turned to run, he grabbed me by the waist and hoisted me in the air.