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I’m an engaged woman now, after all… and I have a feeling neither Leonardo nor Antonio Brambilla will let me get away with thinking about a boy I used to be with.
Besides, Julian’s made it plenty clear he doesn’t give a damn about me.
Not anymore, not after what I did to him... It’s over.
19
FRANCESCA
The message arrives the next evening, hand-delivered by a courier who luckily knocks on my door while Luciana is out. He hastily hands over an envelope stamped with BB and takes off while I sit back to tear through the paper.
Inside, there’s a simple message.
Tell Miss Ricci you’re desperate for money and follow her instructions. -BB
I swallow thickly. It’s obvious Bruno Bernardi has come to collect on the favor I owe him, and it’s going to happen right now. I furrow my brows, checking the address included. It’s on campus, only a short walk away from where I’m staying.
I have little of a choice in the matter. I get ready in a rush before going to the address, trying to figure out an excuse for Luciana, who will surely be worried about me.
The address leads me to a small two-story townhouse. I ring the bell that reads Ricci and patiently wait until the voluptuous university teacher opens the door for me. She instantly frowns at the sight of me glaring.
“What do you want? It’s not school hours.”
“Could I come in?” I get out, struggling with my own words. “I really need help.”
She groans, glancing over her shoulder before taking in my outfit. “Fine, come in. This better be quick, though.”
I follow her into her home. While it seemed understated from the outside, the inside it anything but. Everything is neat, and judging by the artwork Miss Ricci has hung in her home, she’s definitely bringing in some extra money on top of her university earnings.
She motions for me to sit down in her living room. She doesn’t offer me a drink, and I don’t ask for one. I want to get this over and done with as soon as I can.
“What are you doing here, Francesca?” she hisses at me, taking a seat on the armchair opposite of me. “This better be good or I’ll be forced to file a complaint with the principal.”
“I need your help, Miss Ricci,” I say, hoping I’m convincing enough. I twist my fingers in my lap. At least the nerves are real. “I desperately need money. My family has fallen on hard times.”
“So I’ve heard,” she smirks at me. “But what makes you think I’m willing to help you?”
“I don’t know,” I mutter. “I just really… really need help. Do you know of any after-school jobs or opportunities for me?”
She quietly stares at me as if she’s sizing me up. “Maybe.”
“Please.”
“How desperate are you?”
Even though her words are making me nervous as hell, I scoot closer to the edge of the couch, muttering, “I need help. So badly. Please, I’ll do anything.”
“Anything?”
I don’t like her tone one bit, but I still force myself to nod along to her question.
“Well, maybe I could help with that,” she smiles slowly. “I may have a… job of sorts. Call it an extracurricular. And a way to make some extra money, too.”
I nod eagerly, remembering I owe Bruno for sending me to the University. “Yes, please tell me. I’ll do anything.”
“Good.” She checks something on her phone before redirecting her attention back to me. “I’ve organized a meeting for you. A car will pick you up here in half an hour.”
I pick myself up, dusting off my dress. “Thank you, Miss Ricci.”
She purses her lips unattractively, giving me a once-over. “Another thing… You may need to wear something else.”
It’s an hour later and I’ve never felt more uncomfortable in my life. Miss Ricci convinced me to put on one of her revealing dresses that leaves nothing to the imagination. I’m at the club I met Bruno at before, and I already have a feeling about what’s going to happen.
I’m not surprised when I see Antonio Brambilla, flanked by security. I assumed he was the one I’d meet here.
I’m beckoned over to a private booth. Antonio smokes a cigar, holding a tumbler of whiskey in one hand and regarding me with a twisted smile.
“Ah, Miss Esposito,” he smirks at me. “So we finally meet again.”
“Yes,” I mutter, trying to hide how nervous I am. “Miss Ricci told me I could make some extra money with you.”
“Indeed, you can.” He takes another long puff of the cigarette. His eyes rove over my body watchfully, as if he’s trying to imprint every feature to memory. The guy gives me the creeps, but I have to go through with this - I owe Bruno that much. “Do you know what business I’m in, Francesca?”
I shake my head wordlessly, assuming he doesn’t mean his regular work.
