Page 23 of Vicious Vows

“Settle down,” Lucas said. “This could work to our advantage.”

“I’m not using Lissia as bait.” I kept my eyes on her, trying to swallow my rage over the way these men responded to her.

Why is she such a danger magnet?

“She’s doing that all by herself.” Milo laughed. “They love her.”

“I don’t need them to love her.” I took a sip of my drink, keeping a watchful eye on the woman who had inadvertently sabotaged my business trip. “I need them to work with us.”

“Milo is right,” Lucas said. “Lissia seems to have eased the tension. They don’t trust us. I could see that as soon as we came into the room, but then you and Lissia appeared and the whole atmosphere changed.”

“Chello, we need to use that to our advantage.” Milo finished his drink. “Our options are limited.”

Lissia shot me a seductive grin from across the room. It was almost as if she knew what she was doing, but I knew better. She was far too impulsive to understand that these men required a certain set of tactics. I never banked on her being one of those tactics.

As the night went on, the top-shelf alcohol and five-star food flowed, but business discussions were off-limits. Lorenzo and Lissia told stories of their adventures in Argentina as young teenagers.

She spoke with animated hands and an expressive tone, mesmerizing everyone in the room. It didn’t bother her that she was the only woman in the presence of killers. She held court and captivated all of them, including me.

I did what Milo said and used Lissia to our advantage, but even I had a breaking point.

“Lorenzo was my first kiss,” Lissia admitted. “Do you remember?”

Consider my point broken.

“How could I forget?” Lorenzo asked. “If I remember correctly, Mateo was your second kiss.”

“The next night.” Mateo set his empty glass down on the table. “It must have been the Argentina wine you drank when your father wasn’t looking.”

“I think it had more to do with me being young and on an adventure.” She tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled at me. “I love a good adventure. Don’t you?”

“Are you on an adventure now?” Lorenzo glanced at me. “I can’t imagine your father approves.”

“He doesn’t.” I took her hand. “That’s what drew Lissia to me in the first place.”

“Marchello tried to get me to stay away from him.” She bit her lip. “But I wouldn’t listen.”

I’m glad you didn’t listen.

“It’s been a wonderful evening.” Lorenzo glanced at his watch. “We’re heading down to the club if you’d like to join us.”

“Thank you, but Lissia and I have to decline.” I gazed into her eyes. “We’ve had a long day.”

“I understand.” Lorenzo turned to Milo and Lucas. “Will you join us?”

“Sure,” Milo said. “It’s still early.”

“Marchello.” Lorenzo stood. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know you tonight. I was skeptical of agreeing to a meeting with a man who interfered with my business, but you have friends in high places.”

“I only want a chance to make things right.” I got up from my seat. “I appreciate you taking the time to meet with us.”

“I don’t think we’re going to need that meeting after all.” Lorenzo looked at Mateo. “I’ve made my decision.”

“You haven’t given Marchello an opportunity to explain,” Lissia said.

When I glanced in her direction, she looked down at the table. I didn’t need her help.

“Mr. Garcia,” Lucas intervened. “As we explained, the interception of that shipment was not personal. If you give us the opportunity, the Accetti family will make it right.”

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