Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Not that I mind. That's my place, and I like it. I just wish I didn't feel like a ghost to Sandro, too.
I've made a decision, and I know he isn't going to like it, but it might be enough to snap him out of his stupor. I've been going home with him every night without a second thought, but today I'm going to finish my shift and go downstairs to my own apartment. I don't plan on telling him, just doing it.
It's the only way to prove that I'm not going to be a doormat. I know I want Sandro, but I also need to consider what it would mean to be in a relationship with a mafia Boss. It's a dangerous world, and the man who's supposed to keep me safe has been shutting me out lately.
I want to fix things. I want to help Sandro, but I can't do that if he won't let me in.
My decision is solidified when, at 4:45 PM, I still haven't seen him since we arrived together this morning. He moved my desk into his office after the Marco incident, but the big empty space just feels wrong without Alessandro. I pack my things up, hoping to avoid seeing him by leaving a few minutes early, so there isn't a confrontation in front of family and staff in Bellissimo.
Another change is my constant guard, a newly promoted associate-turned-soldier named Nico. He almost jumps out of his skin when I exit the office, which he's posted up outside of, and moves to escort me downstairs without a word. I don't bother complaining. I've done this song and dance now for a week, and there's no getting rid of Nico. Sandro must have put the fear of God in him.
My plan works, and Nico leaves me at my apartment door, not sure what to do. "I've got two locks on the door. You're dismissed, Nico. I'm fine."
"Mr. DeLuca gave me explicit instructions," he replies, shifting on his feet, looking uncomfortable.
"Do you want to sit outside my door all night?" I ask, arching a brow.
He shakes his head.
"Good, neither do I. Go home. If Sandro has an issue with it, I'll take the blame."
Nico seems to hesitate for another moment before he nods, and I know I've won. "If you need anything—"
"You'll be the first one I call," I tell him.
He nods and turns back down the stairs, leaving me alone. I take a deep breath, letting myself into my apartment and locking the doors behind me. I have no idea how Sandro is going to react to this, but I know it needs to be done. I spend the next two hours cleaning my already-spotless apartment, and when there's a knock at my door, I'm elbow deep in soapy dishwater.
I turn off the water, drying my hands as I move to the door. When I open it, I'm not surprised to see Sandro there. He looks apoplectic, which doesn't surprise me, either. My heart races like a hummingbird, but I coolly cross my arms and lean against the door frame.
"What the hell are you doing here, Emmy?"
I wave towards the sink. "Dishes."
"Don't be smart with me, tesoro. I just got in, and imagine my surprise when the driver I sent to pick you up and bring you home three hours ago was still waiting out front. Why are you here?"
"I live here."
He stares at me for a long moment. "You've spent the past week in my bed, and now you're living here again?"
"You've been different," I say softly. "I don't want to be a burden."
He curses, running a hand through his hair. "You could never be a burden, Emilia. You're mine, and I will keep you safe."
"What about when you don't have time for me?" I ask, my voice barely audible. "I don't want to be someone you just take care of when you're not too busy running the family."
He pulls me to him, tucking my head under his chin. "You're more than that, Emmy. You always have been. I didn't mean to push you away, but with everything that happened..." He trails off, shaking his head.
"It's okay," I murmur, but he cuts me off.
"No. It isn't. You deserve better." He lifts my chin with his thumb and forefinger, forcing me to look into his eyes. "You deserve the world, and I'm going to give it to you."
I planned on being harsher, more stubborn, but this man just makes me melt. The scent of his expensive cologne, the warmth of his touch, all work together to undo me.
Except when I stand on my tiptoes, expecting a long, lingering kiss, Sandro instead just gives me a quick peck before pulling back. I sink back to the flats of my feet, confused. "What...?"
"Shut the door and lock it, Emmy. I'll be back for you soon. Dress nice for me."