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The stone building is in a large U-shape, two stories high, with columns and arches along the front on each level. Potted trees and plants are scattered all along the courtyard, making it look more like a home than a place to conduct business.
As I walk up the few low steps to the entrance, I gaze up the expanse of the building and notice a tower soaring above the roof level in the right-hand corner. It reminds me of the fairy taleRapunzel, and I’m expecting a girl with mile-long blonde hair to appear at any moment and let down her mane to allow her lover to climb up.
The walls are a cream color with a tint of pink… the entire set-up looks warm and inviting. It's a stark contrast to what I imagine Tiero’s business dealings are like. To say I’m surprised is an understatement.
I pictured something modern and edgy, even a bit overpowering for his headquarters. Something that intimidates and sets people’s expectations to never mess with the man. Then again, maybe he wants to lull them into a false sense of security so he can pounce on them with an element of surprise.
I’m totally overthinking this.
Alonso appears by my side and gestures to the open front door. Actually, front door is another understatement.
What I step through is more like a medieval fortification. It’s huge and heavy with enormous bolts and locks.
Butterflies are dancing happily in my stomach as I walk into the foyer. I’m excited to see Tiero again.
As I look around, I gasp, my mouth falling open. This isn’t what I expected, judging from the exterior of the building. It’s like another world inside. The twenty-first century is most definitely present here.
The entrance area is a large, open space with high ceilings. Walls must have been removed to create this space. It’s white and crisp and definitely not homey. There’s an elevator in the right-hand corner, which I assume goes up all the way to the top of the tower. To the left is a regal-looking staircase. Corridors run off to either side, well-lit by the windows that are evenly spaced throughout.
At the reception desk, a pretty brunette in her thirties smiles at me. “Miss O’Neil?”
“Yes. Buongiorno.” I smile back as I make my way towards her.
“Signor De Marco is expecting you. Marcelo will take you up.”
She points to a big, burly man standing close by, who has been observing our interaction closely. His head is shaven, and a tattoo peeks out at his neck. He looks menacing. I guess nobody gets past him easily.
Marcelo nods at me in acknowledgment and gestures towards an elevator I hadn’t noticed before. I thank the receptionist and make my way over to him. Up close, he looks even bigger and fiercer than anyone I’ve ever met. No smiles to be found anywhere—I doubt he even knows how.
Alonso disappears down a corridor as Mr. Stoneface and I wait by the elevator door. When it arrives, an elderly gentleman steps out. He briefly scans the length of me, and the hairs on my neck stand at attention.
Who’s that? And why is he giving me the creeps?
I step aside to let him pass, and with a curt nod in my direction and an “Arrivederci” to Marcelo, he takes off and disappears out the front doors.
Mr. Stoneface follows me into the elevator and presses the button for the second floor. We would have been faster using the stairs. In fact, I wish we had taken them because, in such a small space, I feel a little intimidated by my big escort.
Marcelo… I wonder what his name means. I quickly pull out my phone and google it. Even before any results show, I know it has something to do with Mars, the god of war.
As the results show, I bite my lip to stifle my giggle. Marcelo means ‘little warrior’.
He’s the exact opposite of little. The warrior part is unquestionable, at least as far as his outside is concerned. He might be a total teddy bear inside.
Yeah, right.
The thought makes me laugh again—internally, of course, because I sure as hell don’t want him to ask what’s so funny.
The elevator dings, and we step out. Marcelo leads the way through a corridor with evenly spaced windows and glass doors to one side, leading to a balcony that stretches the length of the building. Spacious offices are on the other side, some of them big enough to have several partitioned workstations in them. People are focused and busy at work and pay Mr. Stoneface and me no attention.
At the end of the corridor sits a desk which, I presume, houses Tiero’s secretary. She’s a well-dressed middle-aged woman with a friendly smile.
Santino is standing by a door, and Marcelo joins him. They must work out together and follow the same diet. They’re both huge. Though Santino might have a few pounds on Marcelo.
“Buongiorno,” I say in greeting.
“Buongiorno Miss O’Neil. I’m Maria, Signor De Marco’s personal assistant. He’s expecting you. Just go in.” She points at the door Santino is guarding.
Nerves dance in my stomach. I’m so excited to see him again.
