Page 42 of Dangerous Intent

“What are you doing here?” I gave him a hug. “I didn’t expect to see you tonight.”

“I heard about the commotion from some of the guys, and I came to lend some moral support in case you needed it.” He kissed my cheek, then pulled out the stool next to him. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t know.” I sat down. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“What else are friends for?” He nodded to the empty bar. “The staff have left, but I can make you a drink while you tell me what’s bothering you.”

“I’m good for now.” I patted his hand as he sat. “Why do you think something is bothering me?”

“I can see it all over your face. It’s more than the stuff you’re dealing with, but even if it isn’t, you have to take the time you need to heal.”

“I can’t really pinpoint what’s wrong. I’m struggling, and I don’t like it.”

“That’s understandable.”

“Is it?” I traced my finger over a cocktail napkin. “I’m all over the place.”

“As you should be.”

“I guess.”

“You’re mourning the loss of your father. You were given some pretty shitty information about him and his business dealings, not to mention what he had planned for you.” He loosened his tie. “You haven’t even had time to accept that you’re married. Why wouldn’t you be overwhelmed?”

“I keep reminding myself that things have been crazy.”

“It didn’t help that Danny showed up here to torment you and provoke Marchello.” He tucked my hair behind my ear. “The guys said Marchello lost his cool.”

“Can you blame him?”

“Under the circumstances, no.”

“You don’t know the half of it. I screwed up.”

“How?” Ricardo gave me a gentle smile. “What did you do?”

“I didn’t mean to do it.”

“Did Marchello see things that way?”

“Not at first, but he went easy on me because he’s afraid I’ll shatter.” I banged my hand on the bar. “I don’t want to be this person. I’m tired of feeling sad, guilty, and so not like myself.”

“You have to be patient with yourself.”

“Marchello knows I’m capable of dealing with all of this shit, but he’s being so careful with me. I appreciate it, but I want us the way we were.”

“Give it a few days. You’ll get back to normal.” He tugged on the end of my hair.

“Danny called me the night of the funeral and threatened to kill Marchello.”

“Why can’t that asshole leave you alone?” He slapped his hand against the bar.

“He’s one more burden my father left me to deal with,” I said. “Danny thinks I owe him for everything he’s lost.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“I didn’t tell Marchello he called. Does that sound like myself?”

“Well, I guess that depends on your motive for not telling him.”