Page 3 of Dangerous Intent

“I’m making life easier for you.”

“You don’t have to do that.” I continued to stroke her hair “I didn’t like your father?—”

“That’s an understatement.” She rolled her eyes. “You would have killed one another if I hadn’t intervened.”

She stared at me. Was she searching for the truth? Did she want to ask me if I had any part in his death? How long before I had to come clean?

She was only a breath away from learning the truth, and if I didn’t accept that, I would be a fool.

“I didn’t approve of his business tactics,” I said, “and I despised him for what he did to you, but I can accept who he was to you. I respect your grief. I don’t want you to hide your feelings from me.”

“I’m not sure I am hiding it,” she said. “I don’t know how I feel.”

“That’s understandable.”

“The little girl in me mourns the loss of the man who raised her, but the adult—the woman I’ve become—is having a harder time with all of this, and that makes me feel guilty.”

“You don’t have to feel guilty. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I sided with you. My father saw that as a betrayal. I don’t blame him for that, but I do blame him for so many other things. It didn’t have to be this way between us.”

She sucked in a breath and shut her eyes, holding back her tears, like she had done so many times over these past few days. Anytime she got emotional, she shut down. I admired her strength, but I wasn’t sure how healthy it was.

“You can let this all out.” I motioned around the room. “Throwing shit, punching walls, and breaking stuff helps me when I’m angry.”

“I’ve noticed.” She stood and straightened out her dress. “I’m not ready for that, but I’ll let you know when I am.”

“Lissia.” I followed her to the door. “You don’t have to be strong in front of me.”

“Yes, I do.” When she opened the door, Rosalie waited on the other side. “Ma, what are you doing?”

“Looking for you.” She clasped her daughter’s hand. “Is everything okay?”

“Would everyone please stop asking me that?” Lissia took a breath and let go of her mother’s hand. “I’m fine. I’ll be better when this is all over with.”

“Hmm…” Rosalie glanced at me. “I hope you’re taking good care of her.”

“Marchello has been amazing.” Lissia kissed me. “Please, don’t worry about me.”

“Are you telling me what to do?” I stroked her cheek. “You know I don’t like that.”

“And you know I don’t listen, so…” She turned to her mother. “Where are we with lunch?”

“It’s about to be served,” Rosalie said. “Ricardo is going to make an announcement that the buffet is ready in the dining room.”

“Let’s go then,” Lissia said as Milo joined us in the hallway.

“Hey.” Milo smiled at Lissia before looking at me.

“I know that look,” Lissia said. “You have something important to tell Marchello, which is usually my cue to leave you two alone.”

“You don’t have to leave,” Milo said.

“Yes, she does.” Rosalie patted Lissia’s back. “She has to eat before she passes out.”

“Go with your mother and make sure you eat.” I kissed her. “I’ll join you in a few minutes.”

“I love you,” she whispered into my ear.