08
never lose.”
The last guest’s car disappeared down the driveway. Marco rolled his shoulders and loosened his black tie, the movement drawing my eyes to his strong neck. The first two buttons of his shirt came undone, revealing a glimpse of tanned skin. My mouth went dry.
“Finally.” He ran a hand through his dark hair, messing up its perfect style. The sight of him disheveled sent a flutter through my stomach.
One of his men, approached with quick steps and whispered something in Marco’s ear. Marco’s expression hardened, his jaw clenching as he gave a curt nod.
He turned to me, eyes intense. “I need to handle something, my queen.” The possessive term sent a shiver down my spine, but I raised an eyebrow at him
“Your queen? Bold of you to assume I’d let any man claim ownership.”
A smile played at his lips. “Not ownership. Partnership.” He stepped closer, his presence magnetic. “Though I do intend to prove myself worthy of calling you mine.”
“Where are you going?” I crossed my arms, refusing to be distracted by his proximity.
“Family business. Some idiots thought they could muscle in on our territory tonight. My men caught them trying to hijack one of our shipments.” His voice dropped lower, dangerous. “I need to personally remind them why they
call me The Lion.”
“Take me with you.” The words left my mouth before I could stop them.
Marco’s eyes darkened. “This isn’t a dinner party. It could get ugly”
“I need to see how you handle business.” I stepped closer, my fingers trailing along his tie “How else will I know if you’re worthy?”
me”
His hand caught mine, thumb brushing over my knuckles. “You’re playing with fire.”
“Good thing I’m not afraid of getting burned.”
A growl rumbled in his chest. He pulled me closer, his breath hot against my ear. “You’re going to be the death of
The drive to the warehouse was tense, charged with unspoken electricity. Marco’s hand rested on my thigh, his touch both possessive and questioning
The warehouse loomed ahead, dark and imposing. Two of Marco’s men dragged three bloodied figures to their knees as we entered
“Who sent you?” Marco’s voice carried none of its earlier warmth.
One man spat blood. “Go to hell,
Marco’s fist connected with his jaw. “Wrong answer.”
I circled behind them, my heels clicking against concrete. “The smart play is to talk. The Lion’s reputation isn’t exaggerated.”
The youngest one broke first. “The Riccis! They paid us to hit your shipment.”
“And the Kabbaros,” another added quickly. “Said they’d protect us if things went south.”
Marco’s expression turned to stone. He glanced at me, a silent conversation passing between us.
“Antonio and Shanya,” I breathed. “They’re moving against you already”
“Against us,” Marco corrected, his hand finding the small of my back. “They just made a fatal mistake.”
I watched Marco’s men drag the three thugs away, their muffled protests echoing through the warehouse. My heart raced, but not from fear. The way Marco handled the situation, the raw power he commanded – it stirred something in me I couldn’t ignore.
“You’re quiet.” Marco’s fingers traced my jawline. “Having second thoughts?”
I caught his hand. “About what exactly?”
“This world. Me.” His eyes searched mine. “The violence”
“I grew up in this world, Marco. Violence doesn’t shock me.” I stepped closer. “What interests me is how you use it. You could have killed them, but you didn’t.”
“Death is final. Information and leverage last longer.” He pulled me against his chest. “Besides, I needed to show you how I handle business.”
“That I protect what’s mine.” His thumb brushed my bottom lip. “That includes your family, once you accept my proposal.”
I pushed away from him. “My family needs protection now Antonio and Shanya’s alliance changes everything”
“Then say yes.”
“It’s not that simple-”
“It is “Marco’s voice carried steel. “You know I can keep them safe. You know I have the power, the resources” “And all it costs is my hand in marriage?” I raised an eyebrow.
“No.” He shook his head. “It costs your heart. I told you I won’t marry you until you love me.”
“That’s a dangerous game you’re playing.”
“I never claimed to be a safe man.” His phone buzzed. After reading the message, his expression darkened. “The Riccis are moving shipments tonight Big ones.”
“Where?”
“You’re not coming
t
“Try and stop me. “I squared my shoulders. “If they’re moving against you, I need to see what we’re up against.” “We?” A smile played at his lips.
“Don’t read too much into it.” But my heart skipped at the word. When had I started thinking of us as a unit? “Let’s go then.” He offered his arm. “Show me you can keep up, my queen.”
