“Oh, so it was a great day.”
She gave a quick smirk before she took a bite. “But Leo came into my office…and had some shit to say.”
“Let’s hear it.”
She took another bite of her food because she gave a quick shake of her head. “Just seemed really pissed off that I was back and said coming back was a betrayal to you, which is a stupid thing to say because he thinks you’re the rat.”
I smirked. “I’m guessing he was taking care of everything the past week.”
“Yes. But to be honest, he didn’t take care of a damn thing. I pretty much spent the entire day reorganizing and getting thingsback on track. No wonder my dad called me. He’d probably lost his shit.”
“Not surprised.”
“I kinda felt bad for Leo because I didn’t want to make things worse, but he kept saying shit that pissed me off, so I gave it right back to him.”
“That’s how you’ve got to be.”
“So, it was a rough first day back. How was your day?”
“Fine.”
“What did you do?”
“Worked out, made some calls.”
She turned back to her dinner and didn’t ask me to elaborate on anything. “It’s not the same without you there.”
“It’s probably best if I’m not there. Otherwise, I’ll bend you over that desk.”
She gave a slight smile like she thought I made a joke.
Nope, wasn’t a joke. She was publicly mine now, so I’d do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.
“I can’t wait for you to be there again. I like looking out the window and seeing you outside.”
I grinned. “Spying on me, baby?”
“I wouldn’t call itspying…”
“Seems a little creepy.”
“You’re my boyfriend, so it’s not creepy.”
“I’m not your boyfriend. I’m your man.”
“What’s the difference?”
“Oh, there’s a big difference.”
She finished her dinner then downed the glass of wine, but she continued to sit there like she was tired from the long day at her desk.
I already missed Palermo and how we devoted all our energy to exploring the town and the sea. But I knew we couldn’t live like that forever. Francesca had a legacy to fight for, and I would help her seize it. “You look like you’re ready for bed.”
“I’m ready to see you naked…and then go to bed.”
I smirked. “Sounds like a deal.”
I borrowed a work truck from a friend and brought my supplies to Francesca’s house in the vineyard. The destruction was worse in daylight, with the thousands of bullet holes dotted everywhere. There was still broken glass on the floor from the shattered windows. I stood there for a while and examined the mess that I would clean with my bare hands before I got to work.
