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My glare is channeling Juno Bianchi, full-bore. “Get out. Now.”
“Alright, alright, I’m sorry if—”
“Save your apologies for my father when he calls you later. You can explain your unacceptable behavior to him. I’m not interested.”
Ricci’s lip curls but he turns and stalks out without another word, his goons on his heels. But he can’t resist calling over his shoulder as he leaves, “Don’t want to find out she’s been here, got it?”
The insolent pig. I clench my jaw so hard my teeth might shatter, nails digging into my palms as I fist up my hands.
As soon as the door shuts behind them I turn to Natalie, embarrassment and anger churning sickly in my stomach. “I’m so sorry. That was completely unacceptable. You can be assured, it will never happen again.”
To my surprise, Natalie merely arches one brow, looking more inconvenienced than truly bothered. “What did he mean about his niece? Surely you don’t allow minors in here?”
“Absolutely not,” I reply hastily, then want to kick myself. I sound so defensive.
For one wild moment, I think about telling her everything. But there’s too much at stake for me to go blabbing, and too many lives on the line aside from mine. Besides, explaining that Sienna is most definitelynotVince Ricci’s niece would be a whole tale in itself, and I don’t have the time to go into it.
Taking a breath, I steady my voice. “I don’t even know his niece. But please, if you’re uncomfortable given what just happened, I completely understand. We can postpone everything.”
Natalie considers for a moment, brow furrowing. I brace myself for her to leave. But finally she shakes her head. “I understand what it’s like dealing with men who think they can control women. I don’t see why we should let them interrupt our plans.”
“Thank youso muchfor understanding,” I say, trying not to sound rushed. “Why don’t you wait in the lounge while I just make a quick call about this unpleasant incident. Then I’ll come collect you, and we can continue.”
“Alright.”
“I’ll call Liana again to show you—”
“No need. I can find my own way.”
The moment she’s gone I grab the phone on my desk with shaking hands and dial my father.
“How’d the audit go,principessa?” Daddy asks without preamble when he picks up.
I sigh. “Not as well as I was led to believe.”
I quickly explain the confrontation with Ricci, unable to keep the angry tremor from my voice. “They’ve never been so bold before, just bursting in here like they own the place,” I finish furiously.
My father is silent for a long moment. I hear the click of his lighter followed by a weary sigh. “Divisions within the Family are growing…difficult to manage,” he finally says, each word heavy with implication. “The old rules don’t hold like they used to. How’s the package?”
“I’m going to check on it now,” I tell him. “Daddy—be careful.”
“That’s my line,principessa. You make sure to keep your head down. I’ll take care of Ricci—and I’ll have a word with the Boss, too.”
We end the call shortly after. I take a deep breath, smoothing my dress again and willing my frantic heart to settle. I cannot let this chaos with the Mancinis interfere. The work is too important.
I open up my second safe, the one in my bathroom that no one knows about, and I extract a key—and a gun. I peek into the lounge on my way through; Natalie is there, a coffee at her elbow, and she’s frowning slightly at her phone as she scrolls through it.
Good. She’s busy for the moment.
I go the long way around to the foyer, where Liana gives me an apologetic look. “I’mso sorry—”
“No need,” I tell her, walking backward as I head toward the security door. “Are the bouncers alright?”
“Just a little ego bruising, I think. Jeremiah said he’d call in some backup.”
“Good.” I turn to the door and unlock it. “And Liana—check on Natalie Moreau for me, will you? Make sure she’s kept happy for ten minutes or so.”
“Will do, Boss.” She slides out from behind her desk at once.
