Total pages in book: 163
Estimated words: 163540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 818(@200wpm)___ 654(@250wpm)___ 545(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 163540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 818(@200wpm)___ 654(@250wpm)___ 545(@300wpm)
“I’ll just stay here.”
“You will not stay here alone.”
“Okay. Calm down.”
It’s obvious he’s under a lot of stress about something, and I don’t want to add to it.
“Pack a bag.” “Well, how long will you be?”
“I don’t know.” He tears out an overnight bag and begins to throw clothes into it with force. He’s completely losing his shit here.
Fear starts to run through me. “Is something wrong?”
He opens the safe in his wardrobe and removes two guns. He puts one under his jacket.
“Just trouble at one of the brothels. Nothing for you to worry about.”
“Why do you need a gun then?”
He brushes past me and goes into the bathroom to pack his toiletries.
I storm in after him. “Is Sophia there?”
“Olivia,” he bellows. “Do not fight with me tonight. This has nothing to do with Sophia. Pack your fucking clothes.”
“You don’t have to be an asshole about it!” I snap.
I walk back into the bedroom and begin to throw some clothes into the overnight bag he has gotten out for me. I go into the bathroom and grab my toiletries. I stare at the closed bottom drawer for a moment, and then I snatch the pharmacy bag that I picked up today.
“How long are you going to be?” I ask.
“Not long.”
“Not long, as in one night, or not long, as in eight?” He glares at me. “Bella.”
I purse my lips. “What kind of trouble is it?”
“Just one of the patrons.”
“Can’t someone else handle it? It’s midnight, Enrico.”
“No.” He picks up his packed bag and storms from the room. I run after him. “Is this dangerous?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
He closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose, his frustration obvious. “God, give me strength, Olivia.” He inhales sharply. “I have to go. Lorenzo is coming for you.”
“This is all very dramatic for something that isn’t dangerous.”
The doorbell sounds, and Enrico looks at the security screen. Lorenzo is waiting in the hall. Enrico buzzes him in.
“Hello,” Rico greets him. “Take Olivia to Ferrara House and don’t leave her side.”
“Yes, sir.”
Enrico picks up his bag, throws it over his shoulder, and lifts my face to his. “I’ll be home soon, my love.” He kisses me softly. “I’ll call you as soon as I can.”
“Okay.” I force a smile. “Please, be careful.”
“Always.” With one last kiss, he walks out of the apartment without looking back. The door clicks quietly behind him.
I drop my shoulders, deflated. “It’s midnight, Lorenzo. It’s rude to go to Bianca’s at this hour. She’ll be fast asleep. Enrico is being dramatic. Why can’t I just stay here?”
“Olivia,” he warns in his best Italian accent. “You will follow his orders.”
The car pulls into the circular driveway of Bianca’s home.
Ferrara House.
This place is like something from a magazine. It’s over the top luxury like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. More guards are here than anywhere else, and I wonder who assigns them. Is it Enrico’s doing or was it his father’s? My mind goes off on a tangent, and I idly wonder if Angelina has this many guards at her house, too. Which partner gets better protection? More importantly, from what?
Nerves dance in my stomach as I think of Enrico on his way to Sicily.
Please, be safe.
Lorenzo opens my door and takes my overnight bag from the trunk. “I don’t want to wake anyone up,” I whisper.
“Bianca knows you’re coming.” Just as he says that, the front door opens, and Bianca comes into view. She’s wearing a cream satin nightdress and gown—as glamorous as ever.
“Hello, Olivia,” she says with a forced smile.
I clutch my handbag with white knuckle force. “Hi.” I look around nervously. “I’m sorry about this, I hate to trouble you. I really could have stayed at Enrico’s.”
“It’s fine.” She holds her hand out for me. “Come, come.” She leads me into the house. “It will make Enrico feel better if he knows you’re safe.”
I clutch my bag harder. Gah, this is awkward. “Thanks.”
“Can I get you a drink or anything?” she asks.
“No.” My eyes flick nervously to Lorenzo. “I think I will just go to bed, if that’s okay?”
“Yes, yes, of course.” She leads me up the stairs and down a huge corridor. “This used to be Enrico’s room as a child,” she says as she opens the door. “I thought you might want to stay in here.”
I look around the luxurious furnishings. The walls are navy blue, and the furnishings are all white. To the left is a beautiful white marble bathroom.
Wow.
Who has a bedroom like this as a child? “It’s perfect, thank you.”
“Do you need anything else?” I shake my head. “No, thank you. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.” With one last look and another forced smile, she leaves and closes the door behind her. I drop down on the bed before I flop onto my back. I lie for a moment and stare at the ceiling. I know there’s something I really have to do.