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"I don't care about that." Her expression brightens, and she grins at me. "Besides, I highly doubt it'll bore me."
Her happiness is infectious, and I find myself smiling back, even as an odd discomfort pricks at my heart. This newfound camaraderie between us is as unexpected as it is fragile. I just wonder how long it will last.
* * *
The last of the meetings draws to a close, and I can practically feel the weight lifting from my shoulders. As I take a deep breath, Lulu appears in my doorway, having retreated to her desk after our last conference. Her eyes scan the room before settling on me. "You have a meeting with Primo next," she says, her voice soft yet assertive. "I saw it on your schedule."
"Thanks for the reminder," I reply, surprised by her diligence. She's been more attentive today than I ever would have expected.
"Would you like me to attend?" she asks, her hazel eyes searching mine.
"No, thank you. It won't be long, and then we'll be going home for the day." My tone is gentle but firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Okay," she agrees, giving me a small nod before returning back to her desk.
Primo strides into my office moments later, his gaze darting between me and the closed door. "Is that Lucia Manuel outside your office?"
"Yep," I confirm, leaning back in my chair. "Welcome to my new world."
He chuckles, shaking his head as he takes a seat across from me. "Why is she here?"
"Believe it or not, I needed an assistant." I rub my temples, feeling a headache brewing. "With Mariana on maternity leave, I had to find a solution. Lucia was the best option."
"Couldn't you just get a temp?" Primo raises an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.
"Plans fell through," I admit, letting out a sigh. "Besides, I'm hoping this keeps her occupied and too tired to try any more escape attempts."
"Or," Primo counters, "it gives her even more opportunities to either escape or irritate you to death."
"True, she does have a talent for that," I acknowledge with a wry smile. "We'll just have to play it by ear."
As we discuss business matters, I let my mind wander occasionally toward the woman outside my office door. Her presence is like a siren's call, drawing me in despite the danger that may lie beneath the surface.
"Hey," Primo snaps his fingers in front of my face, pulling me from my thoughts. "You with me?"
"Yeah, sorry," I apologize, refocusing on the conversation at hand. "Alright, let's continue," I say, leaning forward in my chair and turning my full attention to Primo. "How are things on the streets?"
"Things seem calm, for now," Primo replies. "But I'm worried about the Irish."
"What do you mean?" I ask, my interest piqued.
"Ever since our family took charge, the Irish have been resentful," he explains. "They never really wanted us in control, and Constantino just made matters worse when he interfered a few months back. Now that he's fled the country, it's even more complicated."
"Interfered? How did he interfere?"
"Well, he was always the one to maintain the relationship with the Irish, so I'm still trying to work out the details. But, I think he promised them...something."
"Has anyone heard from him?" I inquire, unable to keep the anxiety from creeping into my voice at the mention of our younger brother.
"Nothing yet," Primo admits, his eyes darkening. "But I've got people keeping an eye out."
I nod, trying to push down the unease that threatens to overwhelm me. "What do you think we should do about the Irish?"
"Nothing for now," he says, shaking his head. "The issue is that they always handled the shipments for guns. Without guns to be shipped, they're not making any money. But there's nothing we can do about that at the moment. We just need to hold tight."
"Alright," I agree, though the thought of standing by doesn't sit well with me. We conclude our meeting, and as Primo stands to leave, I ask, "Do you need a ride back home?"
"No, thanks," he declines. "I'm meeting Isabella for dinner in the city."
