Page 72 of Dangerous Intent

“Well.” He nodded toward the entourage of sleek black SUVs with the Accetti car dealer logo adorning the frame of each license plate making their way into the driveway. “It looks like you’re going to get your chance.”

“Here.” I handed him the washcloth before hurrying down the porch steps. “Keep that on your head until the bleeding stops.”

With each step forward my heart rate increased until Marchello climbed out of the first SUV and stared at me. Gazing into his dark, malicious eyes stopped me in my tracks. Even with ten feet between us, I could sense the void in his soul. The regret in every fiber of his being.

He looked at what was left of my SUV, clenching his fists by his sides.

I wanted to run to him, but the torment in his expression warned me to back off. He needed time to process that I was standing in front of him. I hadn’t met the same fate his mother had.

I didn’t leave you.

After a few excruciating seconds, he walked toward me. His pace was slower than I would have liked, but he was coming to me. I fought the urge to launch myself into his arms.

Once we were face-to-face, his usually steady touch shook when he stroked my cheek. He pulled back and examined the blood from the cuts that had transferred onto his fingertips.

“I’m okay,” I whispered. “I’m right here.”

He yanked me to him, hugging me against his chest so tight that I could hardly breathe, but I didn’t care. He ran his fingers through the sides of my hair and looked into my eyes.

“I thought…” He swallowed hard. “I thought you left me.”

“I would never do that.” I gazed into his eyes, surprised by the wetness welling inside them. It took me a moment to gather myself after witnessing his display of unexpected emotion. “We’re forever.”

With his hands still twisted in my hair, he brought his lips to mine and kissed me slowly. His tortured mood evaporated into love and affection. His rigid body relaxed when I wrapped my arms around him and held him close.

After a few moments, he released me but kept me close to his side when the rest of the team, including Milo, dispersed from the SUVs. Dom joined us at the bottom of the steps.

“What the fuck happened?” Marchello asked.

“Dom did everything he could but?—”

Marchello’s stern look shut down my explanation.

“I was talking to Dom,” Marchello said.

“The device was either set to go off on a timer or it was planted when I was in the house when Angelo came.” Dom nodded toward me. “I’m thankful she’s okay.”

“She doesn’t look okay.” He gently took my chin and studied my face. “We need to get you cleaned up.”

“I’m more concerned about the cut on Dom’s head,” I said. “I tried to stop the bleeding.”

“It’s not bleeding anymore.” Dom smiled. “But Marchello is right, you need to take care of your cuts.”

Marchello patted Dom’s shoulder. “Go in the house and get yourself together. And thank you for looking after Lissia. I know you did everything you could.”

“I wish I knew what happened and how.” Dom looked at me. “I take this job very seriously.”

“We’re going to figure it out,” Marchello said. “Milo, let’s get a team in to get this car out of here.”

“Already on it.” Milo leaned in and hugged me. “You scared the shit out of us.”

“It’s been a few days since I put you to work.” I held onto him. “I like to keep you on your toes.”

“What are you thinking about the explosion?” Milo asked Marchello as he released me. “I can call our IT guy and see what he thinks about a timed device, but I don’t think that’s what happened.”

“Neither do I,” Marchello said. “That’s too risky.”

“Why?” I asked.