Page 93 of Secrets of the Brother
She crossed her arms. After several moments of silence, she said, “How come you’re allowed to curse, but I’m not?”
“Because I’m a big, scary man and you’re a beautiful woman with a pretty mouth.”
She studied me. “I can’t decide if that was meant to be romantic or dirty.”
I took my eyes off the road to give her a wink. “Both.”
“So what am I supposed to do all day? Just sit around and watch you work?”
“Absolutely not. You are behind on at least two projects, and I need an adjustment on a third.”
She frowned.
“The designs you owe me?”
“You mean for thefakecompanies you created just tospyon me?”
“The names were fake. The companies are real. And it wasn’t to spy on you, it was to watch over you, to keep you safe.”
“Semantics.”
I pulled in behind Cesare’s Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. We were both at the headquarters office today wrapping up a few things, since the next few weeks would be spent at the villa supervising the bottling at the winery.
Bianca moved to open her door.
I stopped her with a look.
I got out of the car and buttoned my wool overcoat as I crossed behind and opened her door while surveying the street. I then offered her my arm and escorted her into the building.
It felt good.
The only thing that would make this moment better was if I were able to introduce her to my staff as my wife.
The receptionist, Liliana, stood as we approached. “Buongiorno, Signor Cavalieri. The items you requested are in your office.”
I nodded. “Thank you, Liliana. May I introduce you to Signorina Moretti.”
Bianca stretched out her arm. “Call me Bianca, please.”
Liliana stared at her hand but didn’t take it.
Bianca looked at me, uncertain.
It hadn’t occurred to me that it would be awkward having Bianca here. It wasn’t like any of the staff knew Renata or liked her. She'd barely come into the office and even then, only to complain.
Liliana recovered and smiled as she took Bianca’s hand, easing the momentary tension. “Welcome. Can I get you a caffe or latte?”
Bianca nodded. “Actually, I’d love a caffe, but I can get it myself if you point me in the right direction.”
Liliana waved her off. “It’s my pleasure. I’ll bring it to Signor Cavalieri’s office.”
I nodded to her. “Thank you, Liliana. She will take hers with two sugars and no cream. The usual for me.”
“Yes, sir.”
I placed a hand at Bianca’s lower back and ushered her past the various desks, nodding greetings to my staff as we went. We climbed the private staircase which led to the private executive level.
When we reached my office, I escorted her inside and closed the door. Taking her coat, I hung it in the closet then took off my own coat, gesturing toward a high-backed oxblood leather chair which had been pulled up to the other side of my executive desk.
