Page 16 of Forbidden Desire

“You wanted to talk about the Manzanis,” he said. “The two families used to be close, you know, the McDades and Manzanis… Way back when the Byrnes and Dohertys were still a feature. They’re all but gone now… Since the McDades took over what was left of the Dohertys’ east coast division, the Midwest families have felt the power shift. And with the Gambattos falling apart, the McDades are grabbing all kinds of opportunities.”

“You talk like it’s some legit corporate empire.”

“Maybe not legit, but it’s more corporate now than the old days.”

“Aww, your misspent youth.”

“Damn right,” he said. “You kids don’t know what you’ve got.”

“Thought you were lily white these days.”

Rocking in his chair, he winked at her. “And that’s what we say when anyone asks.”

She laughed. “It’s always double standards with guys like you.”

“Guys like me fascinate you, baby. If you’re looking for another story, be careful going too deep with the Manzanis.”

“Why?”

“‘Cause you’re treading a line with that family. If you don’t tip Vex over the edge, you’ll get all kinds of the wrong attention from Silvio. You’ve gotta look after yourself.”

“You don’t like Evander,” she said. “Him and Ford were friends once.”

“They ran in the same circles, with the same crew, wouldn’t call ‘em friends. Vex was all about taking what he could get.”

“He hasn’t changed much.”

“You want a story…?”

Intriguing. “Isn’t that why I come to you? You always deliver, Strat.”

“Think about going back in time… Maybe if you don’t stray too close to the present, the Manzanis won’t feel threatened.”

Men like those in the Manzani family didn’t feel threatened; they were too arrogant for that. Until the moment it was too late anyway. Just ask Burl McDade.

“Go on,” she said, never one to refuse information.

“You wanna take a shot at solving a mystery?”

“A mystery?” she asked, buzzing with interest. “Tell me more.”

Something to focus on. Something to sink her teeth into. Something other than memories of her lapse in judgement. She’d walked into Ire’s office ready to demand he back off. Somehow, she’d ended up in his bed. It wouldn’t happen again.

It wouldn’t.

Would it?

EIGHT

WHEN SHE WALKED around the corner onto her street, she expected the Bentley to be parked outside her building and wasn’t disappointed. Daly leaned against the side, arms and ankles crossed, watching her approach.

“Having a good night?” she called to him, swinging her purse at her side.

“You left your phone at work.”

“I have experience slipping the net,” she said, stopping in front of him. “Don’t feel bad.”

When she spun on the spot, intending to go inside, he grabbed her arm to whip her back around. “You think you can screw with us?”

---