Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 84219 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84219 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
I don’t want Samantha to put two and two together and realize I’m her mystery man.
Picking up a slice of pizza, a smile tugs at the corner of my mouth as my thoughts turn to last night.
I didn’t lie when I told her I enjoyed spending time with her. Seeing Samantha away from the office showed me a different side to her.
For some unknown reason, I like the idea that she’s a wildcat here and a wounded kitten at Paradiso.
Remembering how startled she was when I ran into her at my house, my mood sours a little.
Marcello is always at my place with a group of guards, and now that I’m sure Samantha has a problem being around men, I understand why she ran out of the house.
I’ll never send her to collect my dry cleaning again.
I eat my lunch, and when Samantha comes in to collect the tray, I keep my eyes locked on the documents in front of me.
As she turns to leave, I mutter, “You can go home at five but be here at seven tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir.”
Once the door shuts behind her, I lean back in my chair and tap my fingers on the desk.
Why am I even doing this? Nothing good can come from spending time with Samantha.
Even though I have legitimate businesses, I’m still a criminal. I don’t think being one of the heads of the Cosa Nostra will carry any weight with Samantha.
And even if it did, it doesn’t matter because I don’t plan on dating my PA.
I agreed to spend time with her because she’s paid a steep price to be a member at Paradiso.
Yeah, that’s the only reason I’m doing this.
Shaking my head, I get up from the chair and grab my jacket. Pulling it on, I stalk to the door, and leaving my office, I growl to Samantha, “I’ll be out for the rest of the day.”
“Oh. Should I cancel your four o’clock appointment?”
“Yes.”
I head to the elevators, and only when I climb into the back seat of the G-Wagon do I feel less agitated.
“Where to boss?” Milo asks.
“The factory.”
I’d rather check that the new printers I got a couple of months ago are printing high-quality counterfeit bills so I can get some time away from Samantha.
During the drive to the factory, Lorenzo is quiet as always while Milo hums to a country song playing on the radio.
I think spending less time at Vitale Health and more time at my other companies will be a wise move on my part. At least until Samantha doesn’t need to meet with me at Paradiso anymore.
It will be safer that way.
For who? You or Samantha?
“You okay, boss?” Milo asks.
I’m pulled out of my thoughts and just nod in answer to his question.
“Did you fire the new PA?” he asks another question.
“No, Milo,” I mutter. “I’m just thinking about work.”
“Anything we can help with?”
I shake my head. “No.”
Letting out a sigh, I glance out of the window.
Last night, when I got to be anonymous and just hang out with Samantha, it shined a huge spotlight on how busy I’ve been the past ten years.
I haven’t had a serious relationship since I graduated from school, and I can’t even remember when I last fucked a woman.
The Cosa Nostra and my companies take up all of my time. I’m not the most social person, but relaxing with Samantha was enjoyable.
Why am I obsessing over this? I’m not dating the woman. She gets to work through her issues, and I get to relax. It’s a fucking win-win for both of us.
Annoyed with myself, I let out a huff, and it earns me a glance from Milo in the rearview mirror.
“I’m fine,” I snap before he can open his mouth.
“Sure. You keep telling yourself that,” he mumbles under his breath.
“Don’t make me shoot you,” I warn him.
“Please. I beg you. Shoot him and put me out of my misery,” Lorenzo suddenly says. “I can’t stand his constant humming to country songs.”
Milo scowls at Lorenzo. “Hey, don’t insult my taste in music.”
Listening to the two men argue about country music, of all things, I let out a sigh and shake my head, but I’m thankful for Lorenzo changing the subject.
Chapter 11
Samantha
With Mr. Vitale hardly coming into the office, the past few days have been amazing.
Up until the moment I walked into Paradiso, I felt ready to conquer my fears and was excited to spend some time with my mystery man.
I’ve been looking forward to seeing him again, but I’m also nervous as hell because I’m moving to the next stage.
When I made the appointment, I requested that he sit on the armchair while I lay on the bed.
My heart lurches in my chest when I think about it. It won't be easy but I feel it would be a massive win if I can get through it.