Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
He frowned, looking displeased.
“How would you feel if you weren’t allowed to come here? To see for yourself how your business was doing?”
His frown deepened. He began to pace in front of me, thinking. Finally, he stopped, meeting my eyes. “One quick visit. You talk to Margi, do what you have to do. And I will be with you. You stick to the story. Tell them you’ll be back soon. That is all.”
“Okay,” I agreed quickly, not wanting him to change his mind.
“We’ll go at two as the diner is closing. You have an hour. And you will not leave my sight. Do you understand?”
I bobbed my head. “Yes.”
“I mean it. You are in my line of vision the whole time.”
I rolled my eyes. “What do you expect me to do, Roman? Sprint away and yell for the police? I am well aware they can’t protect me the way you can. I know you’re worried. I’m not trying to run or do anything except make sure my diner and my home are okay.” I grimaced. “I don’t imagine you watered my plants. They’re probably dead.”
He blinked, a slow smile creeping up on his face. “I don’t do plants, so no, I didn’t water them.”
I lifted my chin. “See? My point exactly.”
“All right, Little Tiger. Stop pacing and pulling on your hair. We’ll go to your diner, and you can check it out yourself.”
“Thank you.”
He grabbed my shoulders and hauled me close, kissing me again. His mouth was addictive, and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, kissing him back. He eased away, leaning his forehead to mine before releasing me and heading for the door. He glanced back at me, shaking his head.
“Jesus,” he muttered and walked out.
All I could do was smile.
ROMAN
I let my head fall back against the wall of the elevator.
What the hell was it with that woman? I couldn’t say no to her. The last thing I needed to do was take time out of my day to take her to her little diner. I had things that needed to be handled at the casino. I needed to call my brother, who had been blowing up my texts and voice mail, telling me to get in touch. I had to deal with suppliers, staff, offshore banking, and a hundred other details.
And all I wanted to do was be locked in my suite with Effie. Buried in her tight little body. Listen to her sweet voice.
And apparently give her anything she asked for.
I pushed off the wall as the doors opened, and I strode into the planning office. Aldo was busy working on something on the computer.
“Nice of you to finally show,” I muttered.
“I was here until three a.m. You, apparently, were unreachable,” he stated mildly, lifting a cup of coffee to his lips. “Busy with what exactly, I wonder, Roman?”
I glared at him, taking some satisfaction from the bruise on his lower cheek. He hadn’t shaved, so it blended with his scruff, but I saw it. “How’s your face?” I asked dryly. “You want a matched set?”
He chuckled, setting down his cup. “If you do, Vi will be in here, and I will not be able to stop her using those stilettos she loves on sensitive parts of your body. I had to stop her from coming in here this morning and stomping on your foot. Another mark on me and I cannot guarantee your safety, boss.”
I didn’t hide my grin. Vi would have zero issue going after me. It was one of the things I adored about her. She was fearless, and her love for Aldo made her protective—and dangerous.
“I’ll hold myself back.”
He grunted. “Is Effie all right?” he asked.
“She is well,” I replied, picking up a file folder.
“How well?”
“She is fine. She wants to go check on her diner, and I agreed to take her at two.”
“I see. With extra men, I hope?”
I looked up. “Has there been movement?”
He nodded. “Someone was at the house. No doubt the bodies have been discovered.”
“Took them long enough. They are always sloppy. I hate those fuckers.”
“I am aware of that.”
My phone rang again, and I rolled my eyes as I picked it up. “Luca.”
“What the hell am I hearing from Nonna about you bringing a woman to Sunday lunch?”
“Hello to you too, brother.”
“Don’t play games with me, Roman.”
I sighed, deciding to keep my story the same. “I met someone. I think Nonna will like her. I’m bringing her to lunch.” I paused. “Are you joining us?”
“No, dammit. We’re going to see Justine’s parents in Ottawa. If I’d had some notice…” he grumbled. “You didn’t mention a word of this at dinner.”
“It happened quickly.”
“What the hell is going on?”
With a sigh, I put him on speaker and told him everything. Our lines were secure, and so was the office. When I finished, he was silent. Finally, he spoke.