Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 34891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 174(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 174(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
“Really? Sounds like some fun. There’s a tennis court here.”
“Really?”
“Yes, it’s on Mr. Conti’s property, but I’m sure if you keep doing good work, he might let you use it one day. Although it might be harder as he’s not as nice to the female employees as he is to the men.”
“Why?”
“Because when women think he’s being nice, they assume he’s interested in them. Twice now it’s happened. It’s why he didn’t want to hire anyone young.”
“I’m surprised they hired me.”
“The agency said you were all they had.”
“Oh.” Tears fill my eyes. I thought maybe Alessio saw me and had to have me. Why am I so obsessed with that man wanting me for more than just doing my damn job? He’s made it clear that he barely tolerates me. We hardly say more than a couple of words to each other before he runs off every morning.
“Hey, you’re doing a great job.”
“Thank you, Michael.”
Ten minutes later, I’m standing on the platform all alone waiting for the train with my things and daydreaming about Alessio. When am I not thinking about that man? He’s always in my head.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I secretly hope it’s from Alessio, but it’s May. Hey, girl. We’re making a fancy dinner. Pizza and a movie. Can’t wait to see you.
Can’t wait, either. Thirty minutes.
It takes slightly longer, but I get home and both girls throw their arms around me.
“We missed you,” they scream.
“I missed you too. So where’s this pizza?”
“It’s on its way. Anyway, so tell us about this job.”
“Well, first, let me show you my bank account today.” I open up the app and turn it to them and they squeal.
“Congrats.”
“Right. It’s not riches, but we’ll be able to pay this loser and save up to get something better.”
“So are there any hot guys that work there?” January asks, nudging my elbow.
“Yes, but I’m not interested.”
“Liar,” January says, pointing her finger in my face.
“Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for your boss,” May says.
“Hey, I’m working to be an investigative reporter. I’ll figure it out.”
“So what does your boss do?”
“I don’t know. I’ve asked, but I haven’t gotten an answer, but then I remembered that I was told to mind my business.”
“That sounds sketchy.”
The doorbell rings. “That’s the pizza.” Thankfully, it stops the interrogation because I have a feeling that my boss and my crush are definitely into something sketchy, and the less I know, the better. If I ask, I’ll likely pay for it with my life.
Chapter Seven
Alessio
I pound my fist on the hard counter, irrationally upset that June snuck out like a thief in the night. Fucking hell. I had a meeting and wasn’t home to say goodbye. I had no fucking idea that she’d pack up and go as soon as her shift ended. Michael drove her straight to the train station, and I want to punch him in the face for letting her go.
I was in the middle of handling a missing shipment of goods when my security system alerted me that the front gate had opened and closed. If I could have called her little ass at that moment, I would have. It’s getting harder and harder to fight this attraction. It’s only been two days, and I excuse myself every chance I get.
The second she was gone, I strip out of my suit and slide on a pair of gym shorts. I spend hours in my home gym working out until sweat pours down every part of my body and I can’t see anymore because the salt is stinging my eyes and rage and pain fill my muscles.
I’m coming up the stairs when the sensors for the front door come on. Checking them, I see it’s Dario. He unlocks it and comes in. “Wow, you keep working out like that and you’ll be cut like me,” Dario says, stepping through my front door.
“What brings you over?” I ask. He doesn’t look harried or anything.
“I came to check on you. I called to invite you to dinner and you didn’t answer. Since the maid is gone, I thought maybe you went after her on a stalking mission or something. Instead, you’re in here working yourself to the bone.”
“I just needed a workout. As you put it, I’m not as fit as an old man, so I have to get myself together.”
He flips me off. “Dick. Dinner’s still on if you’re hungry.”
“Give me twenty minutes to shower.”
“Take thirty—you need it.” He pinches his nose. It’s my turn to flip him off. My cousin just laughs while walking right back out of my house.
Quickly, I rush up the stairs because Dario’s right; I fucking need a shower. Stopping by her room, I peek inside because I can’t help myself. Her bed isn’t made which makes me laugh and there’s something peeking out of the sheets that are nearly on the floor. Fuck me. I pull it out, and it’s a pair of her panties.