Page 74 of Dangerous Intent

“Did he threaten you?” I tightened my grip on her hands.

“Yes.”

“Fuck! I shouldn’t have let you come here without me. This whole day was a fucking disaster.”

“You can’t keep me locked away.”

“You don’t think?”

“Do you want to know what Angelo said to me?” She let go of my hands and slipped off the counter. “Or are we going to discuss all the ways you’ll make me a hostage?”

“What did he say?” I grabbed her wrist, holding her in front of me. “What did he want?”

“He wanted the laptop and the files, but I told him you already took them. He was mad, but nothing he said until he was ready to leave bothered me.”

“What did bother you?” All of my muscles tensed as I braced myself for what she was about to tell me.

“He knows I’m going to Miami with you.” She held up her hands and waved them when she talked. One of her only indicators that her sturdy armor was about to crack. “Maybe he heard me telling my mother before she left. I don’t know.”

“I see.”

“You see?” More hand waving. “He said it like a threat. His tone was menacing. It was as if he was telling me something. I would have dismissed it because… Well… I didn’t want…”

She looked away from me.

“You didn’t want to tell me because you were afraid I wouldn’t let you come to Miami.”

“Uh-huh.” She bit the corner of her lip. “But I changed my mind, and I swear I was going to tell you as soon as I was at the dealership.”

“It’s about time.” I circled my arms around her waist and brought her close to me.

“What?”

“You told me the truth without something blowing up in our faces.”

“Are you kidding? Something did blow up in my face. My car!”

“Well, that was going to happen whether you told me about Angelo or not.” I kissed her, taking my time to celebrate the milestone of her honesty. “You told me the truth. No crazy impulses, no waiting until shit hit the fan. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for that?”

“Since the day we met?”

“Yeah.” I laughed.

“I guess since I’m being totally honest, I should tell you that I did consider not saying anything, but only for like five minutes. I promised no more secrets that could get me killed, so I made the decision to do the right thing.”

“I would have been concerned if you didn’t have an internal debate with yourself.” I rested my palm on her thigh. “But I’m glad you told me.”

“I understand why I can’t come to Miami with you. I know it’s too risky. You were right.”

“What was that?” I smirked. “Can you say that a little louder?”

“You were right.”

When she smiled, I lost my breath. If I could take her home and keep her in my arms forever, I would, but right now, I had business to deal with.

“About Miami,” I said.

“I’m going to stay here and stay out of trouble.” She shrugged. “Mostly.”