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“You’re serious?”

“Yes, I’m fucking serious,” I snapped, thoroughly irritated I had to tell him twice. “Just do it. She had an interview today that she didn’t show up for.”

Of course, it was an absolute lie, but there was no need for Hale to know I was completely bordering on stalking.

“Right, boss. Give me a minute, and I’ll text you the location.”

I have to be out of my goddamned mind.

Chapter Ten

Krystina

Isat at a little table in La Biga, staring at the heart-shaped pattern on the foam of my cappuccino. This was coffee number two, and my already frazzled nerves were jittery. I forced myself to look back at my computer screen and scroll through the job listings, attempting to keep thoughts of Alexander Stone at bay.

It was practically impossible.

Maria came over to my table to check on me, a worried expression on her face. “You look lost. Where is your beautiful smile today?” she asked, wiping her hands on her apron.

“I’m okay. I just have a lot on my mind,” I said, forcing a smile.

“Tell Maria. Maybe you will feel a little better.”

“Don’t worry. It’s nothing I can’t handle. I just need to get rid of an annoying little problem, that’s all.”

“Difficulties with a man?” she asked. Her eyes were kind as she sat down in the chair across from me.

“Oh, you could say that,” I admitted.

“Ah! Say no more. I understand. Men! Impossible to live with, but we need them all the same,” she said with a knowing smile.

“No, we don’t need them,” I said firmly. “Men are nothing but trouble—the whole lot of them.”

The bells on the café doors jingled, signaling the arrival of a customer. Maria looked over my shoulder to see who had come in. That sound meant she would have to busy herself with another customer.

Oh, thank goodness!

I appreciated Maria’s concern for me, and I felt a twinge of guilt for wanting her gone. I just wasn’t up for conversation at the moment, even if it was with the kindhearted woman.

“Maybe you’ll change your mind when you see the handsome man coming our way,” she said as she stood up, pointing her finger at someone behind me.

I turned and felt my stomach plummet to my feet. Alexander Stone, wearing blue jeans and a black T-shirt, casually strolled toward my table.

As much as I didn’t want to look, I couldn’t help but take in his godlike appearance. The denim fit loosely around his hips, while his fitted shirt stretched tight across his pectorals and around his bronzed biceps. He was irresistible and self-assured, his blue eyes piercing through me like knives. If I had thought he was mouthwatering in a suit, the man was undeniably deadly in a pair of jeans.

“Hello, Krystina,” he said smoothly in that ever so cultured voice. A sexy grin spread across his features.

Oh. My. God.

A thousand emotions ran through me at the sight of him. It didn’t matter that I hated him. It didn’t matter that I never wanted to see this infuriating, arrogant man again. Just the sight of him ignited a spark, and my heart skipped a beat. I was practically swooning in only a few short seconds. His smile alone made my insides quiver. I had to remind myself I had been furious with him just moments before.

I’m supposed to be pissed off—not drooling like a dog after a bone!

But the reality was that I was more irritated because I was being so pathetic and allowing his pure male hotness to get to me.

So rather than reveal how utterly captivated I was by his presence, I threw him an icy glare, allowing my fury at him and myself to come out in full force.

“You have some nerve! Why are you here?” I demanded, my tone menacing. People glanced in our direction, and I realized I was shouting. Maria raised an eyebrow at me and quickly retreated behind the counter to busy herself with the pastry case. Angelo was there as well, concern showing plainly on his face. I knew they were alarmed by my sudden outburst and were probably straining their ears to catch my every word. I forced myself to lower my voice. “I don’t want to see you!”