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“Already on it, Niko.”
I nod, knowing Donovan is always on pace with me, sometimes even a step ahead. But I begin to second guess staying in the city. It’s crowded and public, but that also makes it easy for my enemies to slip through. My compound out on Long Island is easier to protect and monitor for enemy advances.
“I want Elena out of the city by tomorrow morning. Take her to the compound.”
Donovan arches a brow. “You’re on a first-name basis with her?”
I scowl. “What do you expect me to call her? Mrs. Romeo Abate?” Like that would ever happen. It won’t. Not while I’m alive.
Donovan shrugs and smirks. I don’t like the smirk. It’s like he can see through me, see that she’s getting to me.
“I want more men on Fiori and Abate as well.”
Donovan nods. “On that too.”
I stand and roll my shoulders. “Good. I’m heading down to New Jersey tomorrow. Tour the clubs, act like all is normal while you head to the compound with El… the woman.”
“Will do.” Donovan holds up his beer like he’s cheering me.
I leave the pizzeria and head back to the penthouse. I have my driver weave through the city, watching for any of Fiori and Abate’s men. Finally, I return to the penthouse, my driver dropping me off in the garage.
I take the elevator up to the penthouse and make my way to the kitchen where I believe Maria and my cook staff will be.
“How is my guest?” I ask when she rises from her chair upon seeing me.
“She requested books, which I brought her. She didn’t eat much.”
I wonder if Elena is on a diet or if it’s just stress that has her not eating and losing weight. “We’re going to the compound tomorrow.”
Maria nods her understanding.
"Keep an eye on her meals. Make sure she eats."
"Of course, Don Leone."
It's good to know that she's not causing any trouble, but I can't help but feel a twinge of concern. Elena is a wild card, one that I can't quite figure out. And I don't like not being able to predict someone's actions.
I go upstairs to my bedroom. With each step I take, I imagine Elena warm and naked in my bed. It makes my blood heat.
When I reach my room, the guard at her door straightens. "Everything quiet?"
"Like a tomb, Boss."
“I want her quiet, not dead.”
“Yes, sir, I meant it was quiet. Maria brought her books.”
“Good. You can go.” I push the door open and step into dimmed light from the moon shining through the window. I look to the bed and see her shape beneath the covers, a silhouette of sexy curves and vulnerability that pulls at something primal in me.
I disrobe, noting the phone I left on the table. It appears to be exactly where I left it. Is it possible that she didn’t use it? Did she pass my test? Or is she clever and simply put it back as I’d left it? I find that I don’t want to know the truth. At least not tonight. Another sign that she may be my downfall.
I slide behind Elena, my body curving to hers—a puzzle piece finding its counterpart. Her breath hitches slightly as I pull her closer, spooning her with an arm that has felled men but now holds a woman with a careful, possessive touch. I realize she has a robe on.
"Didn't realize a robe was part of your wardrobe now,” I murmur in her ear.
"Was cold." The warmth of the room belies her words.
"You know I can punish you for lying, don't you?" I say, my voice low and dangerous as I let my hand drift down to her thigh, feeling the heat of her skin through the thin fabric of her robe.
