Page 157 of A Dangerous Kind of Love

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to force the tears back, but they push through anyway.

“We’ve got this, Doll,” he says, softer now. “You’re not doing any of it by yourself.”

“Thank you.” I press my forehead into his chest and pull in a shaky breath.

The realization hits me.

“I don’t have any money to pay for a funeral.”

The words come out too fast, like if I don’t say them now, I won’t be able to at all. The sob follows right behind it. Michael pulls me back, lowering himself until we’re eye to eye.

“You don’t have to worry about any of that. Do you understand me?”

“Michael—“

He shakes his head once. “No. You’re mine. That means this is mine too.”

I don’t know what else to say other than, “I love you.”

Chapter 56

Michael

It’s ten a.m. when we finally leave the bedroom. Katie’s cried on and off since she woke up, trying to keep it contained, but I’ve felt every second of it.

She decided to get dressed before we go to the funeral home to make arrangements later. Now she’s in a soft grey dress from a collection I had sent over last week. It’s simple and muted. The fabric falls in soft layers down her legs. I don’t like how right it looks on her for today. She’s pulled her curls into a tight bun, every piece tucked away. There’s barely any makeup on her face, and she’s still stunning.

She reaches for my arm as we walk down the hall, holding onto me. The second we hit the stairs, the quiet ends. The first floor of the estate is already alive.

“Boss, good morning.”

Marco waits at the bottom.

“Miss Katie.” He inclines his head. “My condolences.”

Katie gives him a small, polite smile. “Thank you, Marco.”

Beatrice steps out, and Katie’s expression shifts.

“Tesoro mio,” she says, opening her arms.

Katie goes straight into them. Beatrice leans in, speaking softly into her ear. I don’t hear it, but Katie nods and holds onto her for another second before pulling back.

“Doll.”

She looks up at me.

“Go with Beatrice to the kitchen. Sit down and eat. I need a few minutes with Marco, and then I’ll come to you.”

“Okay.” She nods.

I watch her walk away and turn to Marco.

“I need you to be me today, and for the foreseeable future. Until things settle with Katie. Likely until after the funeral.”

“Yes, Boss.”

“You keep me updated. Text messages only. Do not call me. Do not interrupt me when I’m with her. Do not send anyone to interrupt me when I’m with her.”