Page 13 of Sexting His Son's Ex
“No, I don’t want to cause a wide-open war. I want information first. If we kill him, it might be obvious it was me. We play this silently and smart.”
Lorenzo gives me a curt nod. “Yes, sir. Omar and I will drive the boat out to sea to drop the body. We’ll be back at the estate in a few hours. I will keep you updated.” He shuts the door, finally leaving me alone, and the driver pulls out of the warehouse parking lot to start the drive home.
Being alone with my thoughts is dangerous. I watch the ocean pass us by and listen to the lull of the tires humming as we chase pavement. My mind drifts to Jovie, the last place it needs to be drifting. I’m worried about her. I wonder how she’s doing since my son made the worst mistake of his life.
And I’m not talking about having a baby. Children are a wonderful addition to the world. Having children with the right partner is what matters most. It’s the children who have to deal with their parents growing up and a Salvati/Bianchi child would be a horrible position to be in. It wouldn’t be fair. I’m relieved Luca’s fling isn’t pregnant. I can’t imagine the chaos it would have caused.
Still, I wonder if anyone has bothered to ask her how she is doing. Selfishly, I want to see her. I want to know if the moment we had in the café was real or just that—a moment. Nothing more. Nothing less.
I press the button to the side of the window to speak to my driver. “Take us to Morgan’s Flower Shop.” My hand freezes mid-air before it drops to my lap, an idea forming that can’t be.
What if it is Jovie sending me flowers?
No, no. Why would she do that? She doesn’t know where I live, and she doesn’t know me at all except for the brief encounter. If Jovie wanted to connect with me that badly, she knows where to find me.
“Right away, Mr. Salvati,” Sam, my driver, responds.
The ride to her shop is quick. She’s actually in my territory which means she’s officially protected by the Salvati’s. I’m sure Luca didn’t even offer that level of protection. My son is thoughtless and selfish.
But I push that away.
Sam slows, pulling into a parking spot that is directly in front of her business. This area of town is what others would call quaint or cute. Cobblestone makes the sidewalks. There’s a candy storeacross the street and a cat café next to Jovie’s flower shop. Business is booming in this little trip of town and growing rapidly. I’d be smart to expand here. My presence alone could increase profits for the business owners or if I invest in them. Legally. Of course.
“Wait here. I’ll be back.”
“Sir, I don’t recommend going in alone. Anything can happen.”
“I’m walking into a flower shop, Sam. I will be fine. I’m more than capable of protecting myself. Or have you forgotten?” I raise a brow, hoping he remembers when I saved him from being mugged one evening.
“Of course, sir. I’ll be here.”
Opening the door, I step out on the uneven cobblestone. The longer I look at, the more I see its age. It’s historical and needs some care.
I button my blazer as soon as I step out. The people passing by take one look at me and put more space between us. I frown, I don’t want anyone being afraid of me even if they have an idea of who I am.
Standing in front of her shop, I smile when I see how well-maintained the entrance is. There are plants outside with beautiful blooms of various colors. One window has a vine growing and covering it, adding to the curbside appeal.
Morgan’s Flower Shop is in big bold red letters outline in white. It’s been here for as long as I can remember. I think my own mother might have bought flowers here once or twice. Jovie’s business is a staple and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she always has the ability to achieve all of her dreams.
Opening the door, the bell jingles up above, and I’m hit with the aroma of fresh flowers. I inhale deeply, wanting it all in my lungs.
“I’ll be right there!” Jovie shouts from the back room.
“Take your time!” I announce, slowly walking left to right to see what she does here.
I’m impressed.
To left, the entire wall is flower art. From bright green leaves to big blossoming petals, every detail shows a story. This art, since it is so bright, reminds me of happiness. Spinning around to the right, are bouquets in different sizes including a few vase options. She seems to do everything. From funerals, to birthdays, weddings, or any event.
Jovie is a smart businesswoman.
I like that.
The shuffling of feet has me turn to see Jovie. Her head is down, and long copper hair falls in front of her face. My fingers itch to tuck the strands behind her ear. Touching her is a bad idea. A very bad idea. I know that I would be doomed.
“I am so sorry about that. I got into a fight with a stem, and it pricked me. I was bleeding—” she lifts her head and stops where she stands when she sees me. “Mr. Salvati. I—I wasn’t expecting you. Did you have an order that I missed?” She rushes to her desk and flips through the order receipts.
All I can do is stare at her.
