Page 29 of Dangerous Intent

“Dad?” I held him a second longer. “I don’t mind.”

“It’s your wedding night.” He motioned toward the staircase. “Go and be alone with your bride.”

“You’re sure?” I asked.

“Marchello!” Lissia grabbed my hand. “Read the room. Daddy wants us to enjoy our wedding night.”

“Daddy?” I frowned.How in the hell is she getting away with that?

“Don’t ask,” my father said. “I’m not arguing with her.”

“You caught on fast.” Lissia kissed his cheek. “Be safe.”

“Take care of one another.” My father nodded.. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

When he turned to find Milo, I let out a frustrated breath. “I just got him back.”

“If you want to meet with him and Milo, I don’t mind. I can hang out with my mom and Ricardo.” Lissia touched my face. “Spend more time with him before he leaves.”

“You’re amazing, but it’s better if he goes as soon as he can. And he’s right, you and I should be alone.” I pulled her to me. “Let’s go upstairs.”

“Lead the way.”

“You don’t want to say goodnight to your mother?” I asked as I guided her to the staircase, not really giving her a chance to answer. I wanted her all to myself.

“I’ll call her later.”

“You’re going to be busy all night.”

“Then I’ll catch up with her tomorrow.”

We hurried up the stairs and to our section of the house.Ourshad a nice ring to it. For so long, I had been alone—dating casually but never expecting to settle down and share a life with someone. That all changed in an instant. As hard as I tried to fight my undeniable attraction to Lissia, she was far too formidable an opponent.

The second we entered the sitting room, she spun in a circle. I hadn’t seen her this carefree in weeks. It was a welcome change of pace.

“I love this dress.” She smoothed her hands along her sides, arching her breasts forward. “It was the perfect choice for me to wear when I pledged my love to you.”

“I had a feeling you would like it.”

Lissia held out her wrists. “And this bracelet was my great-grandmother’s.” She touched the diamonds. “It complements the dress.”

“It’s gorgeous,” I said. “I’m glad you were able to wear it today.”

“Me too.” She slipped off her shoes.

As she took off her jewelry, I removed my jacket and placed it on the sofa in the sitting room. I followed her into the bedroom where I took off my shoes and socks while I lost myself in her beauty.

Visions of her walking toward me with a soft, confident smile as we prepared to say our vows flooded my thoughts.

The years before she invaded my life were brutal and unforgiving. My family had suffered an incredible loss when my mother and brother died, and I had inflicted pain and sorrow on so many in the name of duty.

For a brief moment, just before Lissia said “I do,” I wondered what I had done to deserve her. How did a man like me find love and happiness?

Once I put the ring on her finger and sealed our fate with a kiss, I had the answer. I was meant to be hers as much as she was meant to be mine.

We were in this together. Forever…

“Unzip me.” She turned her back to me and lifted her thick, chocolate-colored curls before gazing over her shoulder and licking her lips.