Page 102 of Dangerous Intent
“I only make a scene when it is completely warranted,” I said. “Like when a man who tried to purchase my wife in a sex trafficking operation running through my territory without my consent approaches her without me present.”
Diego was biting his lip to stop the blood from gushing.
“Is this true?” Martino asked.
“I told you I had business with the Accetti family,” Diego said. “You didn’t want the details.”
“I said I didn’t need the details, but you never said you were going to involve Marchello’s wife.” Martino looked at me. “I apologize.”
“This is the type of man you associate with?” I asked. “Because if that’s the case, I’m not sure I can do business with you.”
“Marchello.” Lorenzo let out a frustrated breath. “Don’t be hasty.”
“It’s okay, Lorenzo,” Martino said. “I can understand Marchello’s reservations. However, my business with the Accetti family has nothing to do with Diego.”
“You brought him with you and made sure he had access to me.” I patted my chest. “In our world, that could be considered a sign of bad faith. A betrayal even.”
“I can assure you, whatever Diego has done to you and your bride has nothing to do with me,” Martino said, motioning between me and Diego.
“Martino’s not lying.” Diego pointed at his swollen lip. “This is definitely considered a sign of bad faith.”
“You deserved that and a hell of a lot more for disrespecting my wife.” I clenched my jaw, trying to restrain myself from killing him where he stood.
“She wasn’t your wife when her father promised her to me.” Diego pushed away the strands of hair that had fallen over his eyes when I hit him.
“Maybe you shouldn’t be trying to buy a woman who is being trafficked through a territory you have no idea who controls.” I glared at Martino. “You should be more careful about who you deal with.”
“Diego.” Martino sighed. “What is it that you want with Marchello? It’s clear Gian Gallanti is the one who entered into an agreement with you that he had no business making.”
“Considering he’s dead, I can’t exactly get a refund.” Diego held up his hand. “I’m sorry if you don’t like me speaking about your wife as a purchase, but that is exactly what she is to me.”
“Marchello.” Lorenzo grabbed my arm before I could launch another blow to that smug bastard’s face. “Mr. Medina, perhaps you should just tell Marchello what it is that you came here for so that we can all resume our business.”
“Since I can’t have what I paid for…” Diego smirked.
“I’m going to fucking kill you.” I glared at him. “And it’s going to be slow.”
“Now that you’re working with Martino, you may want to rethink that.” Diego nodded at Martino. “You owe me.”
What did I get myself in the middle of? Who were these men?
“That’s why you wanted to come,” Martino said. “You’re cashing in our favor now.”
“I am.” Diego stared at me as he spoke to Martino. “If your new associate really wants to work with you, he’ll understand when you tell him he can’t eliminate me because I am under your protection.”
“No one tells me what I can and can’t do.” I ignored Diego, dealing directly with Martino. “He is not part of our negotiations.”
“He isn’t,” Martino said. “But if I can help the two of you work out your differences, that would make it easier for all of us.”
“Would you work out your differences with a man who tried to purchase your wife? A man who set up a bomb to go off just feet from where she stood to get your attention?” I asked. “Because the only way I can move forward is if he’s dead.”
“Don’t be so dramatic, Mr. Accetti.” Diego laughed. “I don’t want your wife, although she would have made a stunning companion.”
“Fuck you.” I stepped toward him, but Lorenzo held me back as Diego’s men came forward. “You’re going to need more protection.”
“Marchello.” Martino faced me. “I want to work with you. I do apologize for Diego’s poor judgment, but I do owe him a debt of gratitude for something he did for me a few years ago.”
“I don’t owe him anything,” I said.
