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“Allowing the brothers into the compound,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Dammit.”
“Correct. At that moment, you handed them control. It could have cost your life,” Antonio said gravely. “I assume you know it was my men who blew up your SUV.”
“I figured. If Oleg had blown me up, he would have made sure I was inside.”
“We’re lucky he bought it,” Antonio said solemnly. “Marco, I respect what you tried to do, but take this close call as a lesson. Stick to who and what you know. God willing, you’ll survive to stand where I am now, and end up saying these things to another rising star who’s branching out where he shouldn’t.Capiche?”
“Yeah, Antonio, thanks. I get it.”
“Good,” Antonio said, rising to his feet and slapping Marco on the shoulder. “Now a quick word about Stephania. I’m going to be straight with you. My two boys are terrific, but Stephania, she’s something else. Smart as a whip, and as you witnessed tonight, she can be frighteningly fearless. I would have brought her into the business, but she’s too impatient, and she doesn’t always think things through. That’s a dangerous combination. Even worse, she refuses to listen. The boys have always followed my lead, but not Stephania. Marco, she won’t be easy.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Are things serious?”
“In spite of her, shall we say, issues, she’s perfect for me. We’re perfect for each other.”
“I’m very pleased to hear it,” Antonio said with the hint of a smile, then lowered his voice. “I don’t mean to overstep, Marco, but please don’t wait too long. I want her out of that crappy apartment. I suggested she move into Max’s building, but she’s refused, and she won’t let me help her pay for somewhere decent. I don’t like that neighborhood she’s in, not one bit. I worry all the time.”
“Are you asking me to bring her here to live?”
“That’s up to you, and her mother is still old-fashioned about these things, but if you two are serious about each other, and you want her with you… but her mother won’t like it,” he added, shaking his head.
Marco took a breath, then smiled.
“I have an idea, Antonio. A compromise of sorts. Something that might make everyone happy.”
* * *
Wrapped up in the robe waiting anxiously in the safe room, Steph knew Marco was purposely taking forever. Trying to pass the time on her laptop, she’d witnessed the arrival of many police cars, and Liam and Stu being led out in handcuffs. When the dust began to settle, she turned on the television and munched down a couple of sandwiches. She wanted to call Max, but she didn’t have her mobile, and Marco hadn’t shown her how to get an outside line on the house phone. Finally stretching out on the couch and pulling the blanket over her, she closed her eyes and thought about the crazy night she’d had.
“Steph.”
Her eyes popped open.
“Marco! I’m so glad you’re finally here,” she said, wiping her hands over her face, surprised she’d dozed off.
“Time for bed,” he said briskly. “We’ll sleep in the suite down the hall.”
“I’d rather go back to your room. My clothes are there.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’ve brought up your bag.”
“Oh… uh… okay,” she muttered, slowly standing up, but putting all her weight on the one good foot. “Are you still mad?”
“I’m more wiped out than anything else. Your apologies and excuses will have to wait until morning. Do I need to carry you?”
“No, I can hobble.”
“So I noticed,” he retorted, but offered his elbow for support.
Walking the short distance to the bedroom she thought it best to stay quiet, but as she crawled into bed and tried to curl against him, he shifted on his side and turned his back to her.
“Please will you hold me?” she murmured softly. “It’s been such a scary night.”
Though she heard him sigh, he rolled over and brought her into his arms.
“Goodnight, Steph.”
