Page 92 of Dangerous Intent

As safe as Lorenzo made the beach for us, I couldn’t stop the what-ifs that took over my thoughts. I was always a target, and now that Lissia was my wife, I had cursed her with that same danger.

“My men and Lorenzo’s guards are still around. The beach isn’t as private as you think.”

“Do you think any of them are going to look at me inappropriately with you next to me?”

“I don’t want them to look at you at all.”

“Get them blindfolds.” She kissed my cheek. “But then, don’t expect them to protect me when they can’t see me.”

“You could wear a cover-up. That could solve the problem.”

“No.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m wearing this.”

“Your defiance reminds me of something I have planned for you.”

“A surprise?” Her smile reached her eyes, and suddenly, her mood turned jovial. “What is it?”

“I’ll tell you when it gets here.”

“What gets here?” Her voice jumped an octave. “I have to know now. I can’t wait.”

“I thought you wanted to go to the beach.”

“I do.” She twirled around me. “But I want to know what the surprise is.”

“Mydefiant hostage.” I grabbed her wrist and stopped her from dancing around the kitchen. “You’re a smart girl. You can figure it out.”

“Defiant hostage?” She bit her thumbnail as she thought. “Oh my God! Are we getting tattoos?”

“You’re getting a tattoo.” I lifted her and placed her on the counter. “I’m getting a few checkmarks.”

“Are you serious? I’m getting a tattoo?”

“If you want one.”

“Are you fucking kidding?” She placed her hand over her mouth. “Sorry, no f-bombs. I’m excited.”

“I’ll let that one go.” I took her hands in mine. “My tattoo artist will be here in a couple of hours.”

“Your tattoo artist is in Miami?”

“I flew him in this morning.”

“First the Christmas decorations and now the tattoo? You’re amazing.”

“I want our first Christmas together to be special,” I said.

“When we’re together, everything is special.”

With Collins still out there and Angelo’s threat hanging over our heads, we were far from out of the danger zone, but if I could give her a few days of happiness, I would do whatever I could to make her smile.

“Where should I put the tattoo?” she asked.

“I have a feeling this will be your first of many. I find them quite addicting.” I traced my finger along her ribcage and circled just below her left breast. “It might be sexy here.”

“But then no one will see it.”

“Then, I guess here…” Trailing my finger down her stomach, I lowered her bikini bottoms slightly and brushed my thumb just above her pubic bone as I licked my lips. “Is out of the question?”