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“Really.”
“Well, good. That’s good.”
“I think you should get a job.”
I burst out laughing. “What the hell? Are you just throwing everything out at me right now?”
“Yes. But I really do think you should go back to work.”
“Do we need the money that badly?”
He smirks and shakes his head. “No, I just like the idea of you wearing pencil skirts and button-downs.”
“You have a secretary kink?”
“I have an Allegra kink.”
I roll my eyes, but he’s got me smiling, the bastard. “I’m showering now.” But I pause before I leave and add, “I’m glad you like the pillows, and I’ll think about work. Don’t bother me again.”
I close the door, and even though I should be very conflicted right now, I’m still grinning to myself.
Now I just have to survive dinner with his family tonight.
Chapter 29
Allegra
“You don’t have to be nervous,” Gian says as he parks out front of a sprawling mansion estate. Men in dark suits wander the grounds with guns slung over their shoulders. Sometimes I forget that the families are at work, but it’s hard to ignore in this place. It’s better guarded than the White House.
“What’s there to be nervous about? We’re just having dinner with your family for the first time. Oh, and they all think we’re in love and you stole me from your brother and I nearly married your other brother.”
“At least you didn’t sleep with Carlo or something.” He grins at me but his smile falters. “You didn’t, right?”
“Don’t be a dick,” I say and punch him in the arm. “No, Carlo somehow avoided any connection to me. Lucky him.”
“They like you.” He puts the car in park and opens the door. “And Maddie’s really nice. You’ll be fine.”
I know he’s right. It’s just a meal with his brothers and Renzo’s wife. It won’t be a big deal. But for some reason, I’m still nervous and I want them to like me despite everything. In theory, it shouldn’t matter, since we’re getting divorced in a year—if his brothers hate me, I’ll only have to deal with that for a short amount of time. But I still want to make a good impression.
The Rossi mansion is gorgeous. It reminds me a lot of home, but less ostentatious. There’s not as much art, but everything is pristine and expensive. High class without having to prove itself. Tasteful and subdued. I’m basically taking notes for our own place as Gian takes me toward the back porch.
Before we reach it, a girl hurries over. She’s young and pretty, full figure, wavy brown hair, with a little button nose and a big smile. “There you two are. I was wondering if you might ditch us again.”
“Never.” Gian greets her with a quick kiss on the cheek. “Maddie, this is Allegra.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say.
“Welcome to the family.” She gives me a quick, awkward hug. “Although you’ve probably known these guys longer than I have.”
“Ah—” I start, but she’s right. “We’ve been running in the same circles.”
“Allegra and I went to school together. Saul knows her, but she was never close with Carlo or Renzo.”
“Well, you nearly married my husband. I’ve been meaning to say thank you.”
“For what?”
“Running away to Italy. If you hadn’t done that—” Maddie beams and hugs me again. “Anyway, thank you.”
