Page 26 of Aldo

“They’ll be married again here in short order. Judith is arranging the wedding and dinner. Luca and Justine want intimate. I’m sending them on a honeymoon.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I’ll step in and run things while he is gone. I’ll need you here.”

I nodded. “No problem.”

He sighed, looking out the window. “Hopefully all goes well when he is away. His crew can handle most of it. He runs a tight ship. I’ll just be the figurehead while he’s gone.”

“I’ll cover here, Roman.”

“I know.” He stood, going to the door. “Enjoy your, ah, date. Is dinner involved or just dessert?”

I laughed. I wasn’t known for dating. Neither of us was.

“Time will tell.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “Well, she must be special if you’re waiting to decide.”

I waved him off.

He left, and my phone was out of my pocket before the door clicked shut. I stared at the photo again and went downstairs, speaking to Maurice directly. As usual, he was efficient, asking no questions, simply handing me what I required.

Back in my office, I sent a message.

Room 1710 after work.

Bring your friends.

Then I resolutely put everything out of my mind and did my job.

CHAPTER 9

VI

Istared at Aldo’s text. As usual, it was short, precise, and caused millions of butterflies to flutter in my stomach.

My picture had accomplished what I wanted.

At least, I was pretty certain it had.

The past few days, I had been on tenterhooks. I never knew when a text would appear from him. What it would say. Except it was always provocative. And sometimes sweet.

You look fucking sexy in that uniform.

Another picture, Vi? Naughty girls get what they deserve.

Do you deserve my cock?

Take your break, you look tired.

That isn’t a request.

I didn’t see him, but I felt him. His presence. His gaze. Yet when I would look, he wasn’t there, but I knew he had been.

And now, he wanted me to meet him upstairs.

I stood. I needed to get ready.

Hours later, I was a bundle of nerves. I had exfoliated, shaved, trimmed, and scrubbed. Washed my hair and blew it dry. Packed my “friends” and a change of clothes into my knapsack. At work, I could barely concentrate. My hands shook at times. I dropped a plate—a first for me. Even Wanda was concerned.

“You all right, dear? You’re flushed.”