Page 58 of Dangerous Intent

“I love how big this shower is.” She rested her arms over my shoulders. “There’s enough space for six people.”

“We don’t need six people.” I draped my arms around her waist. “Just us.”

“I love living here,” she said. “I like having Milo around.”

“He likes having you around.”

“When your dad gets back, we’ll be one big, happy family.” She giggled. “I can’t wait to drive him as crazy as I drive you and Milo.”

“He’s a much harder target.” I kissed the side of her neck as the hot water flowed over us. “But I have to admit, you’ve already gotten to him.”

Once my father was home, we could regroup and get our business back on track. All of us under one roof, living like a true family, was exactly what we needed.

Lissia circled her fingers along the back of my neck as she stared over my shoulder. Her sudden quietness unsettled me.

“What is it?” I held her face, bringing her attention back to me.

“Nothing.”

“You’re thinking about Miami.”

“Maybe just a little.” She held up her hand. “But not because I’m plotting or trying to undermine you.”

“I know.”

“You do?”

“I know you so much better than you think.” I pushed the wet hair from her face. “I know when you’re scheming or when you’re demanding you get your way.”

“I said?—”

“Shh…” I brushed my fingers along her lips. “I also know when you’re trying.”

Her vulnerable state weighed heavily on me. She wasn’t exactly the needy type, but she was trying to get her message across. She didn’t want me to go without her because she belonged to me, and she wanted me to know that. How could I deny her?

“I’ve given Miami some thought.”

“And?”

“I’ve decided you should come with me.”

“What?” She launched herself into my arms, latching her legs around my waist. “I knew you would come around. I mean, Ihopedthat you would come around.”

“Hmm…”

“You won’t regret this.”

“I doubt that.” I leaned her against the wall. “But you do tend to keep things interesting.”

“We’re stronger together.”

Her smile lit up the shower like sunlight through storm clouds, but I couldn’t shake the shadow of dread curling in my chest. Miami wasn’t just dangerous, it was personal. The ghosts there weren’t easily laid to rest, and bringing her into that battlefield felt like playing with fate.

She ran her fingers through my hair as she tilted her head and brought her lips to mine. The slow and long connection rocked me to my core. Her breath radiated life into me.

There was a time when I would have dragged her to the house and locked her in a room, all in the name of keeping her safe. Now, as I held her in my arms, I realized that the only way to protect her was to let her stand beside me.

I have to keep her breathing.