Page 97 of Dangerous Intent

“They’ve been watching us all night.” I studied the men, recalling how their subtle presence had garnered interest in the other VIP diners.

“You’re observant.” He squeezed my hand. “I’m proud of you for noticing.”

“I’m learning.”

These men were the reason Marchello had been on alert throughout dinner. He kept tabs on them the same way they had on us. Both parties were assessing if they were friends or foes.

“What is Lucas doing here?” I asked when the family advisor stepped out of the elevators.

“I requested his presence.” He waved Lucas over. “I want him here if we need to negotiate.”

“What about Milo?”

“He has business in Manhattan.”

“What kind of business?”

“The kind you don’t need to know about.” He placed his hand on the small of my back as Lucas approached us. “I’m happy you made it.”

“I’ll always be here when you need me.” Lucas smiled at me. “I hope you’re having a nice trip.”

“We are.” I hugged him. “It’s good to see you.”

“Lucas and I have to take this meeting,” Marchello said. “I can have Dom take you back to the villa or you can wait here for me.”

“I’ll wait.” I didn’t want to be far from Marchello in case he needed me.

“If you wait here, can you stay out of trouble?” he asked.

“I’m going to sit right by the tree and take selfies of my new tattoo, even if there is a bandage on it.” I kissed his cheek. “I won’t cause any trouble. I promise.”

“I…believe you.” He rubbed his jaw.

“That’s progress for both of us.”

Lucas shook his head, doing little to hide the uneasiness on his face. But I meant what I said. I had no desire to do anything stupid.

“I’ll be back soon.” Marchello leaned into my ear. “When I’m done, I’m going to take you back to the villa and do what I didn’t get to do earlier today.”

“What would that be?” I whispered as I straightened his tie.

“Fuck you on every surface.”

“Don’t take too long.” I bit the corner of my lip as Lucas walked away. “I’m ready to be fucked all night long.”

“Sit.” He pointed to a black leather loveseat next to the waterfall. “Don’t move until I get back.”

“I won’t.” I took my phone from my bag as Dom hurried over.

“They’re ready for you, Marchello,” Dom said. “I’ve got Lissia.”

“She’s promised to behave.” Marchello winked at me. “If she doesn’t, let me know.”

“Would you go, so you can get back.” I pointed to the group of men waiting for him. “I’ll be here when you’re finished.”

He strode off to do gangster stuff, not a hair out of place or a crease where it didn’t belong in his finest black suit. His woodsy scent lingered on my skin, flooding me with comfort and security. It didn’t hurt that my very large and muscular bodyguard stood three feet away from me either.

“He’s going to be okay.” Dom nodded toward Marchello. “He’s becoming more like Nico every day.”