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The kiss on the roof was an act of a drunken fool, but the lingering effects of it are something I can’t seem to ignore, as much as I’ve tried. Even in my stupor, I could taste the temptation on her lips, the black magic behind her kiss. Like the sound of her voice, it calls to some dark and primitive side of me that longs to place her on a shelf, so no one else can touch her.
What is it about this girl? Watching her leave this afternoon left me with a strange sensation I’ve not felt in a long time. I hate that I wonder what she’s doing right now. Who she’s with. Experience tells me these feelings will begin to fester and evolve into my least favorite thing of all: obsession.
A knock at the door interrupts my thoughts, and I lift my gaze to find Rand standing in the doorway.
“A minute of your time, Sir?”
“Of course.” I lean forward and click the remote that shuts off the camera I’ve been staring at for the last half hour.
“It seems the shipment was an oversight. A new employee. I’ve taken the liberty of firing him.”
“Good. And how is our friend behaving?” Leaving Franco Scarpinato in a state of shock and anger probably wasn’t the best idea.
“It seems you were right about holding the shipment offshore. All has been quiet, and they’ve offered to discuss negotiations at your leisure.”
“We’ll let them wait a bit longer. Wouldn’t want to seem too hasty.”
“Of course, Sir. A very wise move on your part.” Arms crossed in front of him, Rand gives a nod. “I just wanted to provide a quick update. I’ll let you get back to your work.”
“Before you go, I’d like you to look into something for me.”
“Absolutely. What can I do?”
“I want you to find whatever you can on Isadora.”
Clearing his throat, he rolls his shoulders back, as if the request is a discomfort he doesn’t want to confess. Understandable, as I’ve never inquired about any of the workers before. Never really gave a shit. But then, none of them ever pulled me from the edge of a three-story building, either. “I have her interview file, Master. I’ll fetch it immediately.”
“No. Dig deeper. Use whatever resources you need. I want everything on her. Everything.”
“Yes, of course. I’ll get in touch with our contacts and see what I can find.”
“Keep this between you and me. Whatever you find on her.”
“You have my word.” He nods and shifts his arms behind his back. “Is there anything else? Would you like me to fetch Giulia for you?”
Giulia. There was a time she was a source of relief. A means of relieving tension, but lately, I can’t even bring myself to entertain so much as a blowjob from her. “No. I wouldn’t.”
“If I may speak freely, Master.”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
“Very well.” Turning away from me, he heads toward the door, and I sigh.
“What?”
When he spins around to face me, his brows are crinkled, hands fidgeting. “It’s just that … the times you’ve opted not to use her services, you’ve been rather …”
I stay quiet, waiting to see if he has the balls to tell me.
“Irritable. I’ve noticed that hasn’t been the case, particularly in the last week.”
My thoughts flicker back to three nights ago, when I had Isa beneath me, and the sweet flavor of whatever strawberry shit she had on her lips puckering my tongue. “Threatening the mafia seems to agree with me, I guess.”
Rand snorts a laugh and lowers his gaze. “Perhaps. I’ll find what I can on the girl. I should also mention that renovations for the atrium begin tomorrow. Any particular theme you’d like the designer to focus on?”
“Surprise me.”
“Very well. Goodnight, Master.”
