Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 96808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
I wouldn’t want to do something like that and then have to act like he means nothing to me. I don’t think I could. It’s going to be hard enough as it is.
“Okay, honey. I have to get back to work. I’d like it if you could call me back this evening. I really want to discuss your options. We need to get things in motion,” Mom says, bringing me from my thoughts.
I smile. I’ll be able to go to one of those schools and she’s not going to have to pay for it. I have it covered.
All thanks to Rico. He’s doing more for me than he knows. Giving my mom peace of mind is something I’ve always wanted to do. I can now, thanks to Rico.
It might not be the way Mom would want, but by the end of the summer, I’ll be able to change my life for good. I can’t help wondering how Rico will feel if I decide to leave the country for school.
I think I’m falling in love with him. I came close to telling him that, but I didn’t want him to think I’m being silly. If Rico wants to take over the world, the last thing I need to be is a silly, clingy girlfriend.
I hang up with Mom and head downstairs to find something to eat. Breakfast has long passed, so I’ll find some fruit or something so I don’t have to bother the staff. I’m lost in thought as I hum to myself and look through the refrigerator.
I find some juice and a sandwich with my name on it. With a smile, I grab both and back out to close the door. Taking my sandwich and the juice to the counter, I then turn to grab a glass.
“Oh good, it’s you. I need some things fetched from the store. Take notes to make sure you don’t forget anything. Hurry up,” this bitch Juliana says, snapping her fingers at me.
I spin in a circle, looking for who the fuck she thinks she’s talking to. She can’t be talking to me. I know she’s not talking to me.
“Excuse me?” I hiss.
“You’re Fredrico’s assistant, no?”
“I’m his assistant. I’m not your dog or servant though. Talk to me like that again and I’ll give you a permanent happy face,” I deadpan.
“What did you say to me? Do you know who I am?”
“Do I look like I care?”
“Whoa, whoa,” Mario croons as he rushes into the kitchen we’re standing in the middle of. He wraps his arms around me and walks me back away from her.
I hadn’t realized I’d been so close, ready to deal with her disrespect. Rico appears and his face clouds over with rage. He doesn’t look in my direction.
“Relax. Don’t allow her to bait you. She wants to get you punished. Rico hasn’t been giving her the attention she wants,” Mario whispers in my ear.
He then brushes his lips softly against my temple. I look up at him, surprised, then remember what Rico said last night. Quickly, I school my features and place my head against his chest.
“We have a problem here?” Rico asks.
“Who does she think she is speaking to me like that?” Juliana whines.
“What did you say to her? Oni stays quiet and does her job. We’ve never had an incident with her, so my father will have words with you when he returns.”
“But … you can’t be serious. I’m to stay here for four weeks and be treated like this?”
“You don’t have to stay here,” I say coolly.
Rico and Mario snort a laugh. I look to Rico, and he winks at me.
“Listen, I have shit to do. I don’t have time for this. Emilia is having some people over for a pool party. You guys should join her,” Rico says dismissively.
He goes to walk away, but Juliana rushes after him, grabbing his arm to stop him. He turns and looks down at her hand; she draws it back quickly.
“But I thought we could spend some time together.” She pouts. “Are you really too busy for your fiancée?”
“If I can, I’ll join the party later. Right now, I don’t have time for you.”
A grin comes to my lips, and I have to fight not to laugh. The way her face shatters after she tried to throw that bullshit in my face is so satisfying. I want to give a slow clap to Rico as he turns to leave once again.
“Mario, let’s go,” Rico barks, causing Mario to release me immediately and follow after him.
I grab my sandwich and juice then leave Juliana sulking by herself as I go in search of Emilia.
Rico
“Shouldn’t I be back there with Oni?” Mario says as we walk upstairs to the office I’ve set up for myself while we’re here.
“You should, but I needed you to get your hands off my girl. Then I needed to warn you to be careful how well you play your part,” I snarl, knowing I’m wrong even as the words come out of my mouth.