Page 43 of A Dangerous Kind of Love

“Fine,” I say. “But me saying yes doesn’t mean anything.”

I know that’s a lie the second it leaves my mouth, but there’s no way I’m admitting that out loud.

“Of course it doesn’t,” he says, narrowing his eyes at me. He’s humoring my very obvious lie, and it makes me want to punch him. “Come on.”

He extends his hand, and I shut my eyes for a second.

Fuck, Katie. This is such a bad idea.

I’m still angry with him. I’m angry that he lied, angry that I almost had sex with him before I knew the truth, and angry that none of that seems to stop me.

I sigh and put my hand in his. His mouth curves slightly, as if this outcome was never really in doubt. A butterfly drifts lazily past my face as we reach the door. For one ridiculous second, I wish I could stay right here among the glass and flowers and pretend the last twenty minutes never happened.

When he opens the door, Luca is standing on the other side.

“Luca!” I say, relief spreading through me. At least there’s one familiar face I can count on seeing here.

“Miss Katie,” he answers.

“Please, just call me Katie,” I say.

His gaze darts to Michael. I step directly between them.

“Don’t look at him. Look at me.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Michael give a small nod. Luca’s attention snaps back to me.

“I asked you to call me Katie,” I say. “I don’t care what he says.”

“Do what she says,” Michael says at last.

“God, you are so controlling,” I say, as I drive my elbow into his side.

Marco appears beside us as Michael exhales through his teeth and steps back, rubbing the spot while glaring down at me.

Marco moves closer. “Boss?”

“I’m fine,” Michael says, still rubbing his ribs. “I’m taking Katie to breakfast.”

Michael’s eyes shift to Luca. “I was about to ask him to get the car ready.”

“Yes, Boss,” Luca says. He exits, and it’s just Michael, Marco, and me.

Marco’s eyes flick between Michael and me. This is insane.

I give him a tight smile.

“Michael doesn’t need his bodyguard right now.”

Marco’s gaze moves automatically to Michael. Holy shit. He really is his bodyguard.

He gives a small nod. “I’ve got it handled. You can go.”

Marco hesitates, his attention shifting to me again. Michael steps forward and draws me slightly closer to him.

“Go.”

“Yes, Boss,” Marco says, and excuses himself.