Lust & Lies Box Set-Sexual Awakenings, Excess, Predator & Prey

“So, you don’t get sad at funerals?” I had only been to one.

“I do not attend funerals.”

Daniello turned onto the interstate, pulled up a small black box, and placed it on the dash.

“What’s that?” I moved to grab it, and he swatted my hand.

“It is not a toy.”

“Fine,” I said, massaging my reddened hand. “Barga.”

We drove for hours past the Georgia and Florida state lines as Daniello spoke in cliff notes about his life. He spoke of his favorite bakery. Of the olive trees that surrounded his property. About his sister, Tula, and nine children and how she ruled her home with an iron fist. I had to admit I was curious.

“She is stronger than any man I have ever met and has hard will close to yours.”

“Iron will,” I corrected carefully.

He nodded. “Iron will. She and I are very much the same. We are very protective of each other.” His eyes were transfixed into a distant memory he didn’t share.

“When did you meet your wife?”

“Before I left for the army.”

“You were in the army?”

“For a short time, yes.”

I pressed for more. “And then you became a bad guy?”

Daniello paused and then turned to me. “We spoke of this before.”

“But you know my secrets.”

“Do not ask me again,” he threatened, his voice full of finality.

Mafia.

He had to be connected. Of that I was sure. The intimidation he brought with just a look spoke volumes and only confirmed the fact that he was a shot caller.

The more I swore I wouldn’t press, the more curious I got. And the less he revealed to me, the more I was convinced that no matter what, when I was ready to resume my position at Scott Solutions, Daniello would have to be far removed from my life. I felt the clock begin to tick on our involvement at that moment and dread coursed through my veins.

“Whatever it is, Daniello, you can trust me.”

“It is not about trust,” he gritted out. “But you have made it difficult.”

I felt the jab, knowing he was referring to the night I let Damien kiss me.

More doubts seeped through, and I could only think of darker scenarios.

“Have you ever killed a lover?”

“Goddamnit, Taylor!” Daniello cut off every car in the lanes to the right of us as he pulled onto the shoulder and glared in my direction. “You are still reckless with your tongue, with your life. Even with my warning. You demand patience, but you expect too much!”

“I just want to know who you are!”

“And I am giving you all that I can!”

Out of nowhere, a truck pulled up a few hundred yards ahead of us on the shoulder and began backing up in our direction. It came to a halt just inches from my bumper. The angry driver—no doubt a result of Daniello’s erratic parking—got out of the truck and came barreling toward us as I gripped Daniello’s arm. He had Daniello’s weight by at least a hundred pounds and was covered in tattoos. Daniello didn’t so much as glance in his direction, his eyes fixed on me. “You want to know?”