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Chapter Nine
SURPRISES
EGYPT
It has been a trying day, to say the least, but I’m glad it’s almost over. Finally, I can go home and immerse myself into a wonderful tub filled with lilac scented bath salts with a glass of Merlot.
“Hey, Egypt. I’m calling it a day. Do you need anything?” Daniel asks. His tired brown eyes study me closely, and I can see the genuine concern in them.
Although I never told Giovanni how Carly treated me, Daniel witnessed her racist comments firsthand. I convinced him not to say anything because at the time I didn’t want to look inept in front of my boss. After that, Daniel understood and kept my secret, but he always checked on me whenever Carly made an appearance.
However, today it was my turn to check on him since I was ordered to stay in the office while Carly was screaming like a banshee and attacking Daniel.Bitch better be glad Daniel is a gentleman and didn’t choke her silly ass out.
“I don’t need anything, sweetie. Make sure you get some rest tonight, and I’ll make sure you have a light day on Thursday.”
“Thanks, Bella. You’re the best. Have a good evening.” Daniel blows me a kiss with a wink and leaves.
I shake my head with a laugh. All of Giovanni’s cousins are the biggest flirts, but they are also very protective, and I appreciate that.
An hour later, I finished almost everything, and I’m ready to call it a night. I shut my computer down and pack up my things before sending Giovanni a quick text telling him I was leaving the office. He and his cousins left a few hours ago, and they are dealing with DeLuca business, so there’s no telling what they’re up to.
When the elevator opens on the ground floor lobby, I speak to the security guards and head out to the private parking garage. I usually don’t think anything of walking out of the building by myself, but for some reason, there’s an unnerving energy surrounding me that I can’t shake.
I slip my hand in my bag and place it around my stun gun before leaving the main building. “You bastards won’t get to catch me slippin’. Not today!”
When I open the door leading to the parking garage, Giovanni is leaning against his car, waiting for me. He’s looking as debonair as always, but he has on a completely different suit than he did earlier. I can’t say that I’m surprised because it is normal for him to mysteriously change suits in the middle of the day.
However, it’s not the different clothes that are unexpected; It’s him being here at all. I was sure I wouldn’t see him again until in the morning, but I can’t pretend I’m not happy to see him even after the way we left things today. We definitely have some things to discuss, but I’m just glad to see he’s okay after handlingMafiabusiness.
“Hello gorgeous.” Giovanni’s voice is smooth as a glass of Tennessee Whiskey, and I don’t waste any time drinking him in.
Before I can respond, Nick gets out of the driver’s side and gives me his signature mischievous smile. I’ve known Nick since I started to work for Giovanni, and he’s much more than just his driver. Like almost everyone else, Nick is Giovanni’s cousin and his bodyguard. And it’s saying a lot if you are put in charge as The Brawler’s protection.
“Hey, little lady,” Nick greets me.
“Hey, Nicky, baby,” I say with a smile, and we laugh.
“Baby?” Giovanni gives me the stank eye, and I shake my head.
“It rhymes with lady,” I sarcastically respond with a smirk.
“Whatever,” Giovanni leans down to whisper in my ear, “as long as he knows you’re mine now.” Giovanni gives me a devilish smile, and I gulp hard because it looks like Mr. DeLuca is up to no good tonight.
“Let’s go, sweetheart. I want to feed you.” He smiles again, but this time, it’s sweet. I catch a glimpse of the man he keeps hidden from everyone but slips out for me from time to time.
The sweet version of Giovanni is the reason I fell for him in the first place. The man who remembers my birthday and coffee every morning. The man who takes care of everyone around him no matter what.
When we pull up to one of the most popular restaurants in Nashville, I look over at Giovanni, “Giuseppe’s?”
Giuseppe’s is my favorite restaurant, and it’s impossible to get reservations for a normal person such as myself. Now, I’m not saying I haven’t dropped my boss’s name to get in. I’m just saying I wouldn’t know that the food is to die for if I hadn’t.
“Yeah, I know you didn’t eat much after we left, and you’ve been working hard. Plus, I know how much you love this place.”
I don’t even ask how he knows I didn’t eat. Giovanni has eyes and ears all over the company. And rightfully so.
Nick gets out and opens the door for me, and I slide out of the car. I smile at him and I giggle when Giovanni gives him a death glare. But Nick just chuckles as he tips his imaginary hat at the two of us.
Giovanni hooks my arm through his and leads me into the restaurant. As soon as we step through the door, the hostess’s attention is zeroed in on Giovanni. The young woman is attractive with a caramel complexion and long braids. Her big brown eyes widen, and a big grin breaks out on her face.
