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“I’ll help you. Go and get set up.” Angelica’s tone softens slightly.
“No offense, Mama, but you can’t help. You’re worse at math than I am.”
“I’ll help you, Bel. Go get your stuff. We’ll grab some snacks and you’ll be rivaling Isaac Newton before you know it.”
Izzy’s eyebrows scrunch down. “Who’s Isaac Newton?”
“A mathematical genius. Don’t worry, Bel, I’ve got ya covered.” I give her a wink, and she runs back into the room. I peer up into the icy glare of Angelica.
“What are you playing at?”
I point to my chest and look around the empty hallway. “Me?” I question. “Nothing. It’s called being nice, Angel. You know, helping out.”
“No one is nice for no reason. Besides, how the hell are you going to help Izzy with math. It’s not exactly your specialty.”
I tilt my head at her. I’m used to people underestimating me in life. I usually let it roll off my shoulders. I don’t have anything to prove to anyone. Fuck them all. If they want to think I don’t know shit, who am I to correct their dumb asses? However, now that it’s coming from Angelica, it fucking bothers me. I feel like I have to prove myself to her and I fucking hate it. “And what exactly is my specialty?” I ask.
“Busting kneecaps, burying bodies. I don’t know, Neo. You tell me?” She huffs as she folds her arms over her chest, and my eyes immediately roam down to that spectacular display of cleavage.
Looking back up, I smirk. “Wow, all that research and digging you’ve been doing, and you didn’t discover something as basic as the fact that I have an MBA. From Cornell, mind you. And a 3.8 GPA, in case you were still doubting my intelligence.”
I can tell I’ve shocked her with this information. “I never doubted your intelligence. I doubted your ability to be a suitable tutor for my daughter; there’s a difference.”
“Okay, Neo, I’m ready.” Izzy comes bounding out of the room, a heap of books and pencils clutched to her chest.
I remove the books from her tiny hands and smile down at her. “Any guy who doesn’t carry your books for you, Bel, is not worth a second of your time—remember that.”
“My mama says boys have cooties. Do you have cooties, Neo?”
“You know what? Your mama’s right. Boys do have cooties. It’s best to stay away from them. Forever.” Without a backwards glance, I lead Izzy down to the kitchen. I know it won’t be long before Angelica comes to spy or check up on me, and I’m fucking looking forward to it.
Chapter Six
I’m standing in the corner of the kitchen watching Neo and Izzy complete her math work; it took me all of ten minutes before I moved myself to the dining room to be able to keep an eye on them. Although my gaze has been more focused on Neo than it has been on my daughter. She’s happy; she’s soaking up the way he’s explaining things to her.
If anyone had asked me if I thought Neo Valentino could be patient, caring, and attentive, I would have laughed. Nothing I’ve heard about my brother or his right-hand man resembles who they are behind closed doors.
Then again, thinking about Neo behind a closed door is dangerous. For one, he’s Theo’s best friend and I’m here trying to build a relationship with my brother. What will he think if he finds out about what we’ve already done? Let alone if I let it go any further. Two, he’s a made man. I swore I’d never get involved with anyone with mafia ties. I had a plan, and that plan did not involve a man. Any man.
I want an escape; I’ve been looking for one since Izzy was born. I need to get her out of this lifestyle. I just have to do it in a way that allows us both to keep breathing.
Needing to put an end to my misery, I clear my throat, making them aware of my presence. Not that I doubt for one minute that Neo didn’t know I was watching. “Izzy, pack up your things and bring them upstairs. Vanessa is coming to take you to Nonno’s for the night.”
“Yes!” Izzy squeals, as she does as she’s told and scrambles out of the room.
I stare at Neo, trying to figure out what this pull I have towards him is. I watch as he heads to the fridge and grabs a beer. Twisting the top off, he leans against the counter and silently glares back at me.
“Right, well, enjoy your evening.” I turn to leave when he speaks.
“Most people would say thank you.” His gravelly voice runs down to my core, sending shivers throughout my body.
I spin on my heels, my hands gravitating to my hips. “I’m not most people.” I practically stomp my foot in a tantrum.
His eyes slowly travel up and down my body. “No, you’re certainly not most people.”
“Argh, you’re impossible!” I need to get out of this room. I can’t let myself get distracted by his good looks. Or the unspoken offer lingering in the air. Without glancing back, I head upstairs to ensure Izzy has everything she needs.
* * *
