Page 20 of Dangerous Intent

“Ah, you’re only fifty. You’re not that old.”

He was stronger, smarter, and in better shape than men half his age. He’d risen from the ditches and gained power because he wasn’t afraid to take charge and do what had to be done. Being the head of the organization and in control of all the other families wouldn’t stop him from getting out there and finishing what he started.

“Tell that to your brother.” He ran his hand through his hair. “He insists on calling me theoldman.”

“It’s a sign of respect,” Milo said from the doorway. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t allow me to get away with it.”

“Eavesdropping?” I asked.

“I already knew Dad was leaving. He told me this morning. I even put the best team of men in place to go with him.” Milo waved me off. “I think you were occupied in your bedroom, which must be nice. The rest of us are too busy around here to get some.”

I hadn’t touched Lissia this morning. Our heated encounter last night had exhausted her. She had tossed and turned all night, but when I finally calmed her down, she passed out in my arms and didn’t move for hours. I left her sound asleep once I pried my arm out from under her. She didn’t even stir when I showered and then left the room.

“I’m not going to justify that with a response.” I shoved the files from the dealership at him. “I’ve been working on those for over an hour.”

“It’s about time.” Milo flipped me the finger. “Glad to see you taking some interest.”

“That’s enough.” Our father stood from his chair. “We have business to discuss before I leave.”

“When are you going?” I asked.

“Tonight.” He gazed out the large window that faced the stream running through the wooded lot of the property. “The sooner I go, the faster I can return.”

That made sense, but I didn’t expect him to leave so soon. We just got him back.

“There’s something I need to do before you go, but it might not be easy.” I looked at Milo, then back to my father. “I need both of you here when I do it.”

“What do you want to do?” Milo asked. “Name it and I’ll make it happen.”

“I want to get married.”

I had to secure our future by making Lissia my wife, but I couldn’t demand that Lissia marry me. If I did, she could go off and do something dangerous, especially when she was grieving. I had to be careful with my approach.

But would it be enough?

* * *

Lissia emerged from the bathroom,fresh from the shower. A trail of strawberry aroma followed her. One of my T-shirts engulfed her body, and she probably had on a pair of tiny shorts underneath, but I couldn’t see them because the shirt stopped at her mid-thighs.

“How are you feeling?” I asked.

“I needed that sleep.” She pushed her hair from her face. “I was exhausted. I didn’t even feel you get out of bed.”

“Every day will get a little easier.”

When my mother died, it took months before I could wake up without seeing her car explode in front of my eyes. They were long, excruciating months, but eventually, I didn’t start my day with that memory. I hoped that Lissia could find a way to make peace with her father’s death and his betrayal.

She stretched on her toes and kissed my cheek. “Did you meet with your dad? You must be so happy that he’s back.”

“He’s leaving.”

“What? When?”

“Tonight.” I took her hand and led her to the sitting area. “He needs to handle this sex trafficking ring that has set up shop in our territory.”

“Doesn’t he have people to do that for him? I didn’t know the head don went off and took care of everything.”

We sat together on the loveseat. She curled against my side and rested her head on my shoulder.