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Good to know we’re both riding the same boat here. At least he can get his hands on an energy drink. I haven’t had a good taste of caffeine in days. I’d kill for something.
We make it to the elevator and soon, my workplace.
Before we make it even a step inside, Dante is stiffening up like a board at my side. Without a word, his hand is curled naturally around my arm. Like he wants to pull me back.
A strange reaction to seeing Nicola Lombardi, but who am I to understand how these guys act toward each other?
The man looks our way and offers a smile. With his hands behind his back, he shows a slight interest in his surroundings. Like the man at my side, he’s got olive-colored skin, dark hair, and one charming smile. I’ve seen him on the camera feeds too, but hardly paid enough attention to his appearance.
When those dark eyes point in my direction, my stomach tightens.
Not a good feeling at all.
If I didn’t have Dante, I might even fall for the curve of his lips if I were a woman who hadn’t mixed my way with this family. Knowing it’s nothing but an act, I feel nothing.
After all, I’m pretty sure Nicola wants me dead. Is that why he’s here?
“It’s been a while since you’ve come down here.” Dante keeps his voice flat, his face emotionless. I haven’t seen him like this since my days watching him on my computer. Though, he seems more on edge than usual. “Where’s Dario?”
I didn’t even notice my partner in crime missing in action.
“I gave him the day off.” Nicola takes a look at the computers once more and his nose scrunches.
Dario and I might not be best of friends or anything, but I’m hoping that’s not code ‘I had him killed’.
“I’ve come to talk to her.” Nicola puts his attention back onto me and I get a chill as he settles one of his hands on the chair closest to him.My chair. “I need to borrow her for a few hours.”
One look at Dante and he can’t hide his distaste for the request. His jaw sets and his brows narrow. Ten whole seconds of heavy silence pass between the three of us before I feel his grip on my arm slacken.
“She’s done everything she’s been told.” Despite releasing me, Dante puts the information out there. His body doesn’t move, slightly blocking me from moving forward. It’s the last barricade in my way before I can do as I’m told.
Nicola lifts a brow before scoffing, piecing together Dante’s thoughts before I can. “I’m not going to kill her. Ineedher. Right now, she’s useful.”
After swatting his other hand, he shakes his head at the very thought.
Right now.I don’t like the thought of that one bit and neither does Dante. He doesn’t move quickly enough.
“Go help Luca or go to your station. This is something I only need her for.” Nicola clicks his tongue, making a shooing motion to encourage Dante to leave the room. Patience wearing thin, I have a feeling that Dante is going to get in trouble if he doesn’t do as he’s told.
Without thinking, I reach out and grab his hand. I don’t know why, but I feel like he needs the reassuring squeeze I give his thick fingers.
“I’ll be fine. We can eat lunch together later,” I promise him, hoping that can be the case. Nicola will want to eat eventually, long enough to give me a little freedom.
His fingers curl, squeezing me back before he pulls away. With little choice, he gives his boss one last look before tearing himself away from my side with a scowl.
“I’ve never known Dante to get attached to anything,” Nicola muses as I move to join him. He shifts to Dario’s chair, sitting down as elegantly as a man of his stature can. “He’s never been fond of pets either. You must be quite the special case.”
Did this man just call me Dante’s pet? What am I, some kind of dog? I’m not something to be owned.
Biting back a frown, I decide to be smart and not anger the man who calls the shots around here.
Should I introduce myself? Maybe an apology should come first. That, or some appreciation for being able to breathe air up until this point. All these conversation starters, yet, here I am fighting off the urge to defend myself. I won’t throw Dante’s name around either.
I will not let Nicola see me as a distraction for his head of security. The last thing I need is another excuse to take me out of the picture. If Dante is attached…then that’s something that can be between the two of us and no one else.
“You wanted help.” Clearing my throat, I power up the systems and watch each monitor light up. “What can I do for you?”
His smile slips away and a more serious look takes over his expression. Leaning forward, the chair creaks beneath his weight.
