Page 109 of Dangerous Intent
“But he was purchasing a woman. My woman.” I gripped my thigh. “He also came here and approached her without me present. He threatened her and could have killed her if that explosion went off with her in the car. Am I supposed to forget all of that for money?”
“Of course not,” Lorenzo sighed. “I know how valuable she is. I only wonder if there is a way to work this out with Martino.”
“If he wants to work with me, I’m open to it, but I won’t give in on letting Diego off the hook. He sent a message, and now I’m going to respond.” I looked at Lucas. “Tell Martino I appreciate the generous terms, but I can’t accept the offer at this time.”
“I’ll do it now.” Lucas left the bar area, looking less than pleased.
I faced Lorenzo. “I know this isn’t the outcome you were hoping for, but I can’t show weakness.”
“I understand.” Lorenzo glanced at his watch. “You’ve kept your bride waiting long enough.”
“Luckily for me, she understands.” I shook Lorenzo’s hand. “I appreciate everything you did to make this happen.”
“There will be other deals.” He nodded toward Lissia. “I have a few things to take care of and then I’ll stop by and say goodnight.”
I hurried across the room, intrigued to find out what Lissia said to keep Dom so captivated. Did it matter? She had a way with any man who crossed her path. After all, she had me wrapped around her little finger, and she knew it.
“Hey, baby.” She smiled when I approached.
Dom stood from the table and pulled out the chair next to my wife.
“Holding my place?” I sat down.
“Lissia insisted I sit with her.” He cleared his throat. “She’s difficult to say no to.”
“Hmm…” I gazed into her eyes as I spoke to Dom. “What had you so enthralled with my wife?”
“I told him the story about the night you kidnapped me.” She bit the corner of her bottom lip. “He wasn’t shocked.”
“She thought it was a game.” I rested my chin on my hand and smiled when I thought about her asking me to drop her off at the Ritz. “I wasn’t playing.”
“I was more upset that he threw my phone in the river than being taken hostage.” She finished her prosecco. “He growled a lot, but he didn’t scare me.”
“She scared me.” I smirked.
“It’s quite the love story,” Dom said. “Someone should write a book about the two of you.”
“I see it more as a movie.” Lissia slipped her hand inside mine. “Although, I can’t imagine they could find any man sexier than you to play the part.”
“How flattering.” I kissed her fingers. “Looking for a new dress?”
“I did see this amazing Chanel powder blue coat.” Her enchanting eyes sparkled. “It is cold in the city.”
“I’ll get it for you when we get home.” Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough. I’d had enough of Miami. I needed to get to New York and get back to business. There were too many loose ends to address.
I scanned the room, my gaze stopping at the entrance as Lucas entered with Martino and some of his men.
“We have company,” Dom said, a beat behind me. “Should I take Lissia back to the villa?”
“She can stay.” I gripped her hand and met her stare. “As long as you keep it together.”
“I’ll be the obedient mafia wife.” She scooted her chair closer to me.
“How am I supposed to believe that when you don’t?” I asked as the men approached us. “Lucas, you brought an audience to my dinner table?”
“I’m sorry, Marchello, but Martino insisted he speak with you,” Lucas said. “I gave him your message.”
“I was extremely disappointed to hear that you don’t want to do business with me.” Martino glanced at Lissia. “Even if I do understand why.”
