Page 82 of Dangerous Intent

“You’re right,” I whispered. “I’m never going to see you the same way again.”

NINETEEN

Marchello

What didLissia want from me?I’m a born killer. Ruthless and unapologetic.

I gave her an opportunity to walk away today, but she insisted that she stay with me. Did she think I would turn Angelo loose?

Maybe exposing her to the inner-workings of my world was a mistake. Could she ever adapt to what really happened in the shadows?

“You could have been killed today.” I let go of her and turned around. I wouldn’t look into her eyes and see disapproval or contempt. Not from her. “I will not apologize for my actions.”

How many times would I play out the alternative of what could have happened in my cursed thoughts?

“I did my job today,” I said. My father would be proud that I had stepped into the role I was meant to have from the day I was born. “I don’t have any regrets.”

“Chello.” She placed her delicate hand on my rigid shoulder. “I can’t see you the same way as I did this morning because now I know who you really are.”

“And who is that?”

Did I want her honesty? Would knowing how she really felt shatter me? But there was no going back. I’d given her what she wanted and let her see the real me.

She stepped around me so that we were facing one another. “You’re a man who will do anything to defend me. You would kill for me.”

“I have killed for you, and I will continue to burn this world down until you are safe and secure from all threats, enemies, and anyone else who wants to come for you.”

Angelo’s words didn’t escape me when he’d said I hadno idea who was coming for us.Collins wasn’t our only threat.

“You standing by my side meant a lot to me,” I said. “I know that confrontation about your father wasn’t easy, but I let you say what you had to say in hopes that you could begin to heal.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t stay until the end.” She closed her eyes. “I’m not, I mean, I wasn’t ready…”

“Shh.” I pressed my fingers to her lips. “As I said before, you shouldn’t be tainted because of my choices.”

“But I need to know who you are and what you do. I’m your wife, and I want to understand you better.”

“You understand me better than anyone.”

She glanced over her shoulder. The guys had begun taking care of the mess I’d left in the back of the basement.

“Let’s go.” I took her hand and led her up the steps.

“What now?” she asked when we got to the main hallway. “Where do you put Angelo?”

“It will all be taken care of.” There was no need to give her the details that could incriminate her further. “Just put it out of your thoughts.”

“You’re really sexy when you’re in gangster mode.”

“Then I must be sexy all the time.” I smirked. “It’s the only mode I know.”

“That’s not true.” She took my hand and scooted closer. “I’ve seen other sides of you, and I love them all.”

She rested her head against my chest, and I swept my fingers through her hair. It wasn’t often that we shared quiet moments. Our combative personalities and the way we clashed with one another didn’t allow for much time to reflect.

Eliminating Angelo didn’t accomplish much in the way of finding out who sent that warning bomb. It only opened up more questions. Collins may have been part of the operation, but he wasn’t the bigger picture.

Lissia’s warm lips caressing my jaw yanked me from the sinister depths I wanted to escape to. When she trailed her hands down my chest and to my hips, she gazed into my eyes.