Page 34 of Dangerous Intent

“I just did.” Marchello nudged Milo out of the way and switched places with him. “She’s excited.”

“It was my idea.” Milo winked at me. “It’s a good one.”

“Fuck you,” Marchello hissed. “It was my idea.”

“Okay, it was Chello’s idea, but I agreed. If he didn’t suggest it, I would have.”

“Thank you.” I looked around, taking a quick inventory of all the work this place needed, which was a lot. “This job is going to be big.”

“We’re not in a rush,” Milo said. “It’s still a viable revenue source for the cartel.”

That was why they wanted this club. The cartel was moving products faster than they had in the past. They couldn’t funnel all the cash through the dealership. Marchello and Milo wanted this venture to be successful because Nico had a lot riding on it.

My heart swelled with pride because Marchello wanted me to be a part of this opportunity. I wouldn’t let him down.

“But we can make it a bigger source.” Marchello sipped his drink. “Especially with a private club downstairs.”

Milo pointed to my glass. “Not drinking tonight?”

“Oh, I guess I’m not in the mood.” I just didn’t feel like myself tonight.

“I’m sure it’s too cheap for her tastes.” Marchello shook his head. “Put that on the list too. Top-shelf alcohol demands top-shelf prices.”

“We want affluent people to frequent this place.” Milo reached in front of Marchello and pushed my flute away from me. “Nothing but the best. I’ll have someone bring you something better from someplace else.”

“No.” I held up my hand. “I’m okay for tonight.”

“You sure?” Marchello eyed me with suspicion. “Are you feeling well? You seem a little off.”

“I’m fine.” I traced my finger along the deteriorating bar. “You’ve given me a pretty big project. I have a lot swirling around, and I want my head to be clear.”

“As Milo said, there’s no rush.” He rested his hand on my thigh. “I’ll hire you a team of assistants.”

“I can be the boss?” I grinned.

“After me.” He smirked.

“He’s really bossy.” Milo finished his drink. “Trust me.”

“I know firsthand how bossy he can be.” I kissed Marchello’s cheek before whispering into his ear. “It’s one of the many things I love about you.”

“You two can whisper sweet nothings later,” Milo said. “Right now, Chello and I need to talk business.”

“Whatever.” I slipped off the barstool. “I want to check out the club and get a feel for where I can start with the renovations.”

Marchello grabbed my wrist. “Stay where I can see you.”

“I’ll be right in the area.” I waved my hand around. “There is more security than there are customers in here.”

He nodded and then released me, looking less intense when he glanced at his well-placed guards scattered around the room.

I didn’t stray far because I didn’t want to stress Marchello out, but as he became more ensconced in his conversation with Milo, I took a few steps away to get a better look around.

“Yuck.” That hideous gold wallpaper had to go. It didn’t even go with the worn floors and dull furniture. Could I save this place?

Of course I can.

I strolled the perimeter of the less-than-crowded dance floor, cringing at the out-of-date playlist blaring from the speakers. It couldn’t even be considered retro.