Page 26 of Dangerous Intent

I didn’t blame Nico for protecting what was his. My father would have done the same. He did when he put out a hit on Marchello. This was the life they chose. As much as I hated to admit it, one day the man I loved could die at the hands of his enemy. I had to come to terms with such a grim thought.

“I wanted you to understand who I am,” Nico said.

“I have a feeling you’re just as complicated as your son.”

“You seem to have him figured out.” He stood. “I’m thinking you and I are going to get along fine.”

“But you’re leaving.”

“Not forever.” When he ran his fingers along his jaw, I saw a flash of Marchello in his eyes. “The story isn’t over.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

“I’m going to like having you around here. You’re strong enough and crazy enough to survive among us.”

“There’s something I want you to know,” I said. “I can stand with your family because without Marchello I can’t survive.”

“We will protect you.”

“I don’t mean from my father’s enemies or Danny or even people who come for Marchello. I mean, my heart won’t survive.”

“I can see why my son got so distracted.” He winked as he helped me off the window seat. “Let’s get you married.”

“Nico.” I linked my arm with his. “Can I ask a favor?”

“Anything.”

“Will you give me away today?”

“I would be honored.” He led me to the study door.

“Can I call youDaddy?” I smirked, searching for signs of shock in his expression, but I didn’t find any.

“Let’s not push it.”

He didn’t say no.

Nico opened the doors to the study, and my gaze connected with Marchello, who stopped his conversation with Milo and Lucas to take me in. He bit the corner of his lip and smiled at me before striding across the room and joining us by the door.

He wore a tailored tuxedo with a black shirt and a charcoal gray tie. The rose pinned to his lapel matched the ones in my bouquet. When he leaned in and gently kissed my lips, I breathed in his comforting spiced scent—the one that helped lull me to sleep every night and lingered on my skin after we had been together.

“Doesn’t your bride look beautiful?” Nico asked.

“So beautiful.” Marchello gazed into my eyes.

Was he as overwhelmed as I was with what we were about to do?

Nico joined the judge by the window adorned with roses and white lights, giving Marchello and I a chance to talk.

“Do you like the dress?” he asked.

“It’s perfect.” I smiled at Milo as he winked at me from across the room. “I can’t believe you were able to get something on such short notice.”

“Don’t you know by now I make shit happen?” He touched my cheek. “Nothing is impossible when it comes to you.”

“Are we really doing this?”

“I’m not sure why you’re so shocked.”