Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 61692 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 308(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61692 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 308(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
“Bella.” He smirks, reaching for my hand and planting a chaste kiss on my knuckles. “So lovely to see you. Such a beautiful sight first thing in the morning.”
“Thank you, Matteo. I was actually leaving. I’ll be back later, though.” My voice is barely audible and I clear my throat of all the emotions swirling through me. I wonder if he knows what his brother and I did.
“I can’t wait till then. Franco, I’ve got the meeting with Russo set up today. He’s not happy, but I have a feeling we’ll need to be armed for this.” He informs the man behind me and the tension that fills the open area is thick enough to cut with a knife.
“Si, sono d’accordo. I think we’ll need to call in a favor.” A silent nod passes between the men and then I’m ushered out the door. As I slip into the back seat of the car, Franco leans in and his lips feather mine. “Don’t be late, Raina. Or you’ll be punished.” With that, I’m heading back to my apartment to pack a bag. Everything in my life has led me here. To this decision. To this life-altering change.
Shaking my head, I sit back and try to figure out just how I’m going to pull off working for a man with so many secrets. Some he hides so well, and others he doesn’t know I’ve already uncovered.
13
Franco
“Was this part of your plan? To have your newest toy in the office? She will be a distraction, Franco.” Matteo’s right, but I can’t not have her. After last night, all I can think about is her scent, her body, the way she felt beside me as she slept. “It’s not a good idea to take her to Russo. If he sees her as your weakness—”
“She’s not a weakness. I’m fine. What we have is an arrangement. Nothing more.” Meeting those dark eyes that match mine, I can see the doubt in them. Always the level-headed one. Before we can continue our discussion, the subject of our heated exchange enters. Dressed in a flowing black dress that fits snugly at her waist and chest, she offers a small smile. As if she knew we were talking about her.
A soft blush appears on her cheeks and she dips her head without saying anything. The shy nature of this woman is the most alluring thing about her. I wonder if she’s been made to feel small all her life, like she shouldn’t even be here.
“I’m just telling you, brother. There are people out there who don’t give a shit about hurting someone.” His words are vague and I know it’s for her benefit. I nod, sitting back, I regard him.
“Fine. We’ll go alone.” With that, he leaves the office without so much as a backward glance at Raina. “Come here.” My tone is gruff and she quickly rises, rushing to my desk in her ballet flats. Sweet, innocent, beautiful. Three words that so aptly describe the blond beauty.
I’m enamored, but I know there can’t be more than what I offered her. Granted, I’ve lusted after women before. But I’ve never felt the need to protect them the way I do her.
“I want you to stay here while Matteo and I head to the meeting. Something’s come up and I’d rather you’re safe. If you need anything, you can call me, but the people we’re going to see are dangerous and I don’t want you in the middle of the raging war we’re about to start.”
“What about you? Who keeps you safe?” Her question is adorable and I find myself chuckling. Me? I’m never safe. Not since I stepped up and into my father’s shoes.
“Listen, bella, I’m a big boy. I can handle myself with these assholes. You, you’re a waif, and you’re mine. If they see you, they’ll target you. Now, I want you to stay here. There’s enough for you to do.” I drop a stack of paperwork on the desk, which I need typed out. Contracts for new suppliers, as well as her own contract. “You’ll need to read through and understand the document before you sign it. There’s a non-disclosure agreement, which is imperative. After our six months are over, you move on, and you have enough money to do whatever you’d like to in life. You’ll be able to study while you’re at work when I’m out on business.”
“Thank you. I…” Her gaze falls to the paper and she strokes it as if she’s scared. Afraid of all the implications that are set out in a few measly white pages. The words on there are set in stone. Knowing she’ll have to walk away sets her unease at an all-time high. She tries to hide it, but I can read women. Like an open book, the words she holds in her racing mind scream to me.