Page 63 of Dangerous Intent

“Business,” he said. “None of it involves you.”

“My father wouldn’t have put anything important in writing. Not on his laptop or his physical files. You’re wasting your time.”

“There are some transactions that are legitimate enough to require a paper trail.”

“Yes, but those all belong to me now.” I motioned toward the oak cabinets that housed my father’s papers. “But of course, I have no use for them.”

“Then step aside so I can get what I need and be out of here.”

“I saidIhad no use for them.” I strolled over to the cabinets and opened the doors, pulling out the empty drawers.

“Where did it all go?” he asked. “What have you done?”

“Marchello and Milo were here a few days ago. They took everything. They’re handling all of my affairs for me. They will reach out to anyone who is involved and explain that they have control now.”

“You stupid girl.”

“Woman,” I corrected. “And I’m far from stupid. Did you think I was going to leave anything here for you to come and pilfer? Did you think you were going to walk in here and rummage through my father’s stuff without me knowing?”

“I have more of a right to anything in here than you do.”

“Apparently, my dad thought differently, or he would have left the house to you.”

“He didn’t expect for your new family to murder him. He didn’t have time to cut you off.”

“No, but he had time to sell me.” I pointed to the door. “You should go.”

Angelo’s cologne filled the air, sharp and distasteful, as he loomed closer. His every move felt deliberate, like a predator cornering its prey. When he finally spoke, his voice was smooth but tinged with menace, every word a veiled threat.

“Why?” He stepped even closer to me, wedging me between the desk and his daunting form. “Don’t you want to talk about the mistake you made when you rushed into a union with the Accettis?”

“I didn’t make a mistake, but you did by coming here.”

“What are you going to do? Call your husband? We both know he won’t make a move without his father.”

I straightened my shoulders, refusing to shrink under his glare. He wanted me to falter, to show weakness, but I wasn’t the same woman who’d been pawned off like a bargaining chip. I was an Accetti now, and that came with its own kind of power.

“You don’t know anything about Marchello, but I know what he’s capable of, and eliminating you wouldn’t be a problem.”

“You’ve got no idea what you’re playing at, girl. Or who you’re sleeping with.”

“I know I chose the right side.”

“You spoiled bitch, you don’t know anything.” He grabbed my arm and tugged me to him. “But I’m going to teach you a lesson about how all of this works.”

“Let go of me!” I hauled my hand back and smacked his cheek so hard my palm stung.

He released me, his scowl intensifying. “You’re going to regret that.”

“You’re the only one who is going to have regrets if you don’t get the hell out of here.”

“I run your father’s territory now.”

“You should probably take that up with my husband,” I said. “Your business with me is finished.”

“You’re going to be sorry.” He headed for the door. “Don’t expect the Accettis to protect you from what’s coming. How can they? You’re a wild card, and Marchello won’t be able to control you forever. That’s going to make you vulnerable.”

“Get out of here and don’t come back.”