Page 6 of War Within
“Yeah, no. Not that one. It’ll make me look old.”
“Why do you even own it then?” She squinted, pursing her lips.
“I think I might owneverysuit.” I shrugged, peering around the multi-level closet.
She giggled, returning the outfit to its place before searching for another. “Sooo, are you close to your brothers?”
Leaning on the island dresser in the middle of the room, I folded my arms over my chest, observing her. “What do you mean?”
“I see them come into the office a lot and again downstairs tonight. It’s the first time I really thought about it, I guess.” She continue shuffling through my wardrobe, setting potentials over a nearby chair arm.
“Yes, we're actually very close.”
She pivoted for a moment, holding up a shirt and tie for my approval. “Luca seems nice, though.”
I nodded at her selection. “He's definitely the nice one. That's why he's married, and Emilio isn't.”
She snorted. “Emilio does seem a bit dramatic and demonic.”
Narrowing my gaze, I scowled. “Watch your words.” Internally, I laughed at her comment, but I did not like others insulting any of my siblings.
“Sorry.” Sighing she held up a final prospect. “This one. I actually like this the best.”
“It's boring.”
“It’s sexy.” Suddenly, her gaze widened. “I’m sorry…I ju—”
“It’s fine.” I exhaled slowly. “It will work.”
“It’s a tasteful, classic look, and you’ll stand out.” She held her lower lip between her teeth.
Time had passed quicker than I thought. I escorted her to the foyer, unable to wait to get her out of my home. While I was thankful she helped me, I did not like women in my home unless they were related to me, or I was fucking them. “Thanks for coming over and helping me.” I decided to be polite. “I appreciate it.”
Shock replaced the exhaustion on her face. “No problem, Mr. Rovati.” Her phone vibrated. She yanked it from her bag, checking the screen and silencing the ringer. Gasping, she shoved it back in her purse. “Oh my gosh! It’s six!”
Nodding, I slid my hands in my pockets. “We have to get up for work now.”
She jumped back. “Get up? Sorry to run, but I have to get ready for work and grab breakfast.” She hurried out the front door.
“You can have fifteen extra minutes to get to work today!”
She turned around, running backwards, waving. “Gee thanks!”
Smirking, I closed the door.
“What the hell is this?!” I read the headline on the cover of NYC Financial, puzzled. “Jean!”
Moments later, my assistant rushed through the office door. “What’s what?”
“This!” I tossed the magazine to the center of my desk. “The feature story about me, and I’m not pleased about it. They did not have nice things to say about me. Some of the information they released was rather personal. I don’t know how they would have known.”
Scooping up the publication off the desk, she moved her lips, silently reading. “Mr. Rovati, I don't know where that came from. I also don't who would leak that kind of information to anyone, but I can try to find out?”
Had it been about my illegal business dealings, I would have had someone in my family handle it, but since it attacked my legal business character, it was not a matter for my men.
“That’s your only job for today.”
“Um, it might take more than a day.” She grimaced. “I mean, I have to do some digging.”
