Page 86 of Worth the Risk

Unable to contain his emotions any longer, Dan lifted her face as he lowered his, capturing her lips in a fervent kiss. The world around them faded away as they poured their love and longing into the passionate embrace. When he finally let them up for air, he didn’t lift his head, his mouth brushing against hers as he whispered, “I’ve fallen, too, Bella. Not by half, but 100 fucking percent.”

The door behind them creaked open, but neither of them turned, their focus solely on each other.

A throat cleared, breaking the spell they were under. “We need to get Bella secured before it gets too late. Are we doing it, or do I tell Robinson to activate his team?”

Dan reluctantly pulled away, his eyes still locked with hers when he answered, “She’d rather us provide her protection, Cap.”

“You explained our expectations?” his boss asked, understandably concerned, considering what was at stake.

“If you’re going to keep me safe,” Bella replied, her voice steady. “I have to follow the rules to the letter.”

“We’ve done this before,” Cap assured her. “More often than I’d like to admit in recent years.”

“Years?” Bella breathed, her eyes widening in surprise.

“A cartel is just as much a crime family as they have back East,” Dan explained.

“I hadn’t realized.”

“We’ve had a good run, haven’t we, bud?” Cap asked him, a hint of weariness in his voice.

“By my count, we’ve had six uneventful months. Maybe we can shoot for an entire year next time because, like me, this shit is getting old.”

“I’m right there with you, Dano. Believe me,” Cap agreed. “We’ll get security set up at your place over the next few days and a detail assigned. Until then, with Pete and Jo at Callie’s meeting their new grandson, you can stay at their place. It’s secure, and with him a silent partner for years, it’s doubtful Giordano knows his connection.”

Dan turned to Bella, his eyes filled with determination. “We’ve got a plan, baby. Are you ready for this?”

“No, but I haven’t been ready for all the rest of the stuff that’s gone down in the past year, so why should today be any different?” she replied, her voice a mix of fatigue and resignation.

“We’re going to work to change that, Bella. You deserve to breathe easy and live your life,” Dan reassured her.

“That sounds too good to be true,” she whispered.

They followed Cap out of the interrogation room, their steps steady and determined, Jonas, Angie, and Dex waiting to provide protection in transit to the general’s home. As they walked, their hands intertwined, Dan couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, their love and determination guiding them through.

Chapter 19

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