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“It’s more a deterrent than anything. My father used to make sure everyone knew if someone tried to break in here they’d be in shit up to their eyeballs. But he had good reason. Have you noticed the paintings and bronzes around the place?”
“I have. They’re beautiful, and Dad has talked about the amazing collection you own.”
“It was my father’s greatest joy. He’d travel thousands of miles and pay any amount of money if there was a particular item he wanted. Even just a few of the pieces here are worth more than the house, and it’s imperative I make sure nothing happens to his legacy,” he said solemnly, then setting down his fork, he narrowed his eyes and stared at her. “Steph,” he began, speaking softly and reaching across the table to take her hand, “when I care about something—or someone—I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”
A strange flutter rippled through her heart. “Yes, Marco.”
It was all she could manage.
Happy tears brimmed in her eyes.
The man she’d been crazy about for years, the man who had lived in the forefront of her mind, the man she’d prayed would one day claim her as his, was making her dreams come true.
* * *
Turning off the road and stopping at the high wrought-iron gates, Max let out a nostalgic sigh. In the many years he’d known Carlo Moretti, Max had been there only twice, and both times had been emergencies.
Carlo had made a point of meeting him at a private men’s club, or in the back booth of a dimly lit Italian restaurant. He’d claimed it was for Max’s protection. Max had understood, and was grateful for the man’s keen sense of discretion, but seeing a guard walking toward him, Max stopped thinking about the past and lowered his window.
“Mr. Steadman?” the muscled man asked.
“That’s me.”
“Please step out of your vehicle, sir. Are you carrying?”
“No,” Max replied, then stood quietly as he was patted down and another guard did a quick search of his car.
“Just one more thing, sir,” the guard continued.
Removing a small box and extending the antenna, he moved it methodically around Max’s body.
“Thank you, sir. You may drive up to the house.”
The gates swung open.
Driving slowly forward to the motor court, he parked next to a Jeep and two motorcycles. Retrieving the bag for Steph, and his briefcase, he marched up to the front door. It opened before he could ring the bell.
“Hello, Max,” Marco said, gesturing for him to enter. “Thanks for coming.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Max!”
Behind Marco, he saw Steph hurrying toward him dressed in a mini-skirt and cut-off tee-shirt.
“I’m so happy to see you, and thanks for picking up my clothes.”
“Glad to help. Where should I put the bag?”
“I’ll take it,” she replied, kissing him on the cheek. “Marco needs to talk to you alone, but when you’re finished discussing state secrets I’ll whisk you away and keep you all to myself for a chat.”
“Sounds good, hon. We definitely have some catching up to do.”
The sparkle in her eye was unmistakable.
She was happy.
Very happy.
