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So what if Gigi Parker liked it?
Her presence was a nuisance he would delight in doing away with as soon as possible.Whydid he need constant reminding? As if not doing so would be...detrimental? Why couldn’t he switch off his brain from recalling how soft and firm she’d felt when he’d stopped her from falling outside that deplorable place that dared name itself a hotel?
He’d performed an involuntary act he would do for most. Then he’d never wanted it to end. He’d breathed in the scent of her shampoo. Then wanted to remain exactly where he was with her locked in his arms, devouring every ounce of that glorious scent.
Diu mio, was all this snow freezing his brain? Because that could be the only explan—
The buzzing of his phone released a long-overdue growl from his throat. While he could operate from anywhere in the world, Palermo was where he thrived. It helped that it was also where his enemies were. They could cower in his presence, know the true fear of waiting for his axe to fall.
He should’ve put his foot down with Massimo and left days ago, he vexingly accepted, snatching his phone from his pocket.
Speak of the devil...
He read and reread his brother’s text with disbelief and frustration.‘Figghiu ri—’
‘Is this a bad time?’ a husky voice asked.
Alessio bit off the curse and whirled around.
She leaned in the doorway, slim arms crossed and one eyebrow raised in mild teasing. She’d changed from the cocktail dress into something equally scandalous—a pair of denim shorts that barely covered the tops of her thighs paired with a sweater that left most of her shoulders exposed and contained enough slashes and holes to render it useless. And...Diu...was that a neon-pink feather boa wrapped around her neck?
Had Alessio believed in the fates, he would’ve pleaded with them to spare him this insanity.
‘I can come back later if you want?’ she added, the merest wisp of amusement curving her pillowy lips.
Before he could disgrace himself with another uncustomary curse, Johan appeared, pausing a few feet from Gigi. Alessio didn’t know why the presence of the butler so close to his unwanted guest riled him. Surely it couldn’t be because Gigi Parker’s endless expanse of killer legs was on display? Or that she followed his gaze and gifted his butler a stunning smile that made the older man’s ears redden a little?
Jaw gritted, he raised his own eyebrow.‘Se?’
His butler startled a little before inclining his head at Alessio. ‘Would sir like me to serve dinner? I wasn’t sure what time you would be returning but I have prepared several hot and cold meals for you to choose from.’
Alessio waved him away. ‘There’s no need. If everything is prepared, we’ll serve ourselves when we’re ready. You may leave for the day.’
If his butler was surprised by his response, he didn’t show it. The older man had been employed based on his ability to exercise the utmost discretion, a trait Alessio demanded at all levels with his subordinates.
When Johan nodded and took his leave with zero fuss, Alessio sucked in a deep breath. Only to lose it again when Gigi glided into the study, her hips swaying with hypnotic rhythm he would have to be made of stone not to appreciate.
‘I guess I not only need to earn my keep, I need to earn a meal too?’ She stopped in front of his desk, dropped her arms and ran the tip of her finger over the polished surface. ‘Then I guess we should begin.’
CHAPTER FOUR
GIADAKNEWSHEwas playing with fire by goading Alessio this way.
But somewhere between leaving him in the foyer and staring cringingly at the revealing clothes she’d let Gigi talk her into packing, she’d decided that the best way forward was to keep him unsettled.
He’d agreed to her demands when he was frustrated.
He’d looked surprised when she’d admired the view from his chalet.
He’d sported a very puzzled look when he’d watched her climb the stairs to the guest room.
Somehow, for good or ill, she was doing things Alessio didn’t expect. How long that remained the case, she didn’t want to guess. But while he was on unstable footing, at least it would gain her some insight into how she could better deal with him.
So she’d chosen the stupidly skimpy shorts that made her insides recoil with mild horror. The sweater had been no better, with gaps that exposed most of her upper body including the skin-coloured bra she wore.
With no vest or scarf in sight, she’d had no choice but to add the feather boa to concealsomeskin.
She looked ridiculous and felt uncomfortable. Gigi would be getting an earful the moment this infernal exercise was over.
