Page 9 of Dangerous Intent

“Angelo.” I straightened, placing my hand on my hip. “Do you think coming at me on the day we buried my father is the right thing to do? Where is your loyalty?”

“My loyalty? You don’t ever have to question my loyalty. But I can tell you it will never be with you. Not as long as you stay in bed with the Accettis. Your father shielded you. Maybe that’s why you can’t see what’s right in front of you.” He laughed and nodded toward Nico. “He’s here taking responsibility for your father’s death.”

“What?”

“You can’t be this stupid.”

“You’re wrong.”

I stopped Marchello and my father from killing one another. Marchello chose to walk away. His father wouldn’t have done that.

“Look at your future father-in-law.” Angelo’s voice was laced with venom. “It’s business as usual for Nico and his heirs. He is an assassin, and he came home to avenge the attempted hit on his sons. They are using today to show they have always been in charge and will eliminate anyone who gets in their way. Even the father of Marchello’s intended bride.”

“Back off.” Marchello stood in front of me as Nico and Milo looked in our direction. “Or I will back you off.”

“Think long and hard about what I said.” Angelo pointed at me. “The truth is right in front of you.”

“Get out.” Marchello nodded for one of his security team to join us. “Do not approach Lissia again.”

“You’ve done a real number on this family,” Angelo said to Marchello as he pushed the guard out of his way. “I don’t need to be escorted out.”

Milo made his way across the room and followed Angelo down the hall. Nico nodded at Marchello before resuming his conversation with the men in front of him. In an instant, people went back to doing whatever they were doing, revealing Nico’s cold control over the room.

Marchello took my hand. “It’s time for us to go home. You don’t need to be subjected to anything else today.”

“What if I already am home?” I tugged out of his grasp.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” He placed his hand on the small of my back and led me away from the crowd before stopping in the foyer. “Whatever Angelo said to you, I want you to forget.”

“Why is your family taking responsibility for killing my father?” I searched his eyes for any sign of remorse or regret. I found none. “Tell me the truth.”

There had to be an explanation. If the Accettis had done it, why wouldn’t Marchello tell me? He helped me plan the funeral and never said a word. I didn’t ask either. But I didn’t think I had to.

“Marchello.” That knot in my stomach twisted with fury. “What the hell is going on?”

“We’re not going to discuss this here.” He pointed toward the door. “I’ll get the car.”

“Why is your family taking responsibility for my father’s murder?” I raised my voice. “You need to tell me right now.”

“I don’tneedto tell you anything.”

“Why won’t you?” I asked.

He had been so comforting through all of the funeral planning, keeping me sane and letting me feel my way through it. Did I misread him? Could he have betrayed me?

“Let’s go home,” he said.

“No.” I backed up when he reached for me. “Answer my question.”

“Because we are responsible.”

THREE

Marchello

Purgingmyself to Lissia didn’t help. I had never sought absolution before, so why would I expect it for the biggest sin I had ever committed?

“What do you mean you’re responsible?” Lissia asked.