He could see she wanted to argue. “But that was Sabrina.”
“True, but others might hear and try to do the same. Besides, we don’t know if Sabrina is going to stop.”
The color drained from her face, and her eyes widened.
“Don’t worry. I’ve increased security, and I’ve hand-picked one of the guys to be your bodyguard.”
“Excuse me if I still worry. That didn’t help the last time.”
“I didn’t have as many as I’ve assigned now. I told you I would keep you safe.”
“You also said I was just dating Dante the man and that I wouldn’t get in trouble with the law. So I’m withholding my trust.”
That wasn’t good for Dante. He needed her to trust him. To believe in him. “I’ll do whatever I can to show you that you can trust me.”
“I’m going back to bed. Can we try extra pillows in between us?”
“Sure. You go to sleep, and I’ll be back. I need to check on some things.”
Dante went to his office. The brokerage firm Stanley and Richards had sent a follow-up email. He hadn’t sent back the completed job-offer package. He had signed it but not sent it out. He still hadn’t talked to Don Calo yet. He might have signed his own family away; and then he wouldn’t have the job or Madison, if he ever had her.
He would go through the proper channels to secure a meeting with his uncle.
****
Madison woke up somewhat rested. The pillows had helped. She hadn’t climbed over them. Dante had no problems staying on his side. Had he come back to bed after he left? She got up and went to the bathroom.
The redness from where the guy had backhanded her had faded. She had been able to get a make-up meeting with Becky. Dante had said he had something to do, but he would send the guy who would be her bodyguard to come meet her. Madison wasn’t clear on her feelings of having a bodyguard. Well, no, that was a lie. She knew and she wasn’t for it. It would be strange to have someone follow her around. Especially if they carried weapons, which she guessed they would be.
****
Dante entered his uncle’s compound. It had been quicker to get the appointment than when he was planning it out. It helped that he was actual family. He walked past enforcers and foot shoulders in his uncle’s compound.
He was shown into the office, where he found Don Calo at his desk.
“Don–”
“No need.” He looked at the other men in the room. “Leave.”
Once the men had left and closed the door behind them, his uncle gestured him to come closer and to sit.
“Now what is it that’s so important you needed to see me right away.”
Dante took a breath. He could be sealing his fate. “I have an offer.”
“Is that so? From who?”
“From a brokerage firm.”
“And they want to partner with us?”
“No. They want me to work for them.”
“You want to do both?”
“No.”
“I see. So you want to leave.”
