Page 6 of Dangerous Intent

“I’m glad you came,” I said. “It means so much to me.”

“Lissia.” My mother joined us with her mouth slightly agape as she took in Nico. “You’re back.”

“Rosalie.” Nico extended his hand. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

“That’s very kind of you considering the animosity between you and Gian.” My mother leaned in and kissed Nico’s cheek. “I’m surprised you’re here.”

“Ma.” I wanted to shut her down before she said something she would regret.

“Our children are engaged to be married,” Nico said. “I’m where I’m needed.”

“Such a gentleman.” My mother hooked her arm in Nico’s.

The biggest wave of secondhand embarrassment I’d ever known hit me.

She flashed Nico a smile. “I see where your sons get it. They’ve both been so helpful through this ordeal.”

Milo couldn’t conceal his smile and whispered, “She’s a little obvious.”

“Subtlety was never her strong suit,” I said. “I hope your father doesn’t mind.”

“Let me show you to the buffet.” My mother escorted Nico down the hall, pausing for a split second to call over her shoulder. “Marchello, Lissia still hasn’t eaten.”

Marchello glared at me.

“I was getting to it, but someone said your father was here, and I wanted to see if that was true.” I shrugged. “I’m still not hungry.”

“I’m going to rescue Dad,” Milo said. “No offense.”

“None taken.” I motioned toward my mother and Nico as they walked to the dining room. “My mother can be very determined when she wants something.”

Marchello leaned me against the wall and placed his hands on either side of my face. “You have to eat. That’s nonnegotiable.”

“You can’t force me.”

“You don’t think so?” His lips tightened into a firm line. “You haven’t learned anything about me.”

“I’ll eat today.” I traced my finger down his jaw. “I promise.”

The last thing I wanted to do was argue with him, which was kind of strange. Whenever we were in a difficult situation, we fought. It was our comfort zone. But that wasn’t what I needed today.

I needed him to take care of me. To be all the things he wanted to be for me. My protector, my friend, my future husband.

“I’m going to hold you to that.” He held the side of my face. “I’m concerned for you.”

“I appreciate everything you’re doing. You’re taking such good care of me.”

“If you want some space.” He gazed into my eyes. “I’ll try to give it to you.”

“I don’t need space from you. I just need room to breathe and do things like eating on my own terms. Once we’re out of here and away from all these people, I’ll be more like myself.”

“You can be however you want to be. Losing a parent isn’t easy.”

“You know where I’m coming from.” I tucked my hair behind my ear. “Even if the circumstances aren’t the same.”

“Grief is grief.” He swept his lips across mine. “I’m here to listen, and if you don’t want to talk, I’ll just be here. I’m sorry you’re going through this.”

“It isn’t your fault.”