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I throw my hands up. “I just told you why! I want to be alone right now. This is about boundaries.”
“Fuck boundaries. What is this actually about?”
I rub my face. “Oh, my God. Three times. I shouldn’t have to tell you why I’m upsetthree fucking times, Nico.” The elevator dings and I point at the doors as they open. “There. This is your floor. Get out and let me have some space. Just don’t bother me tonight. Got it?”
He clenches his jaw, and I see the debate in his head. It would be easy for him to throw me over his shoulder and haul my ass back to his room, where he would probably make me come undone all over again. But I can’t do that right now because he’d know I’m lying, and he’d figure out why.
So, I genuinely don’t want this right now. I want space.
Nico must sense that because he finally steps out. “Fine. You get space for tonight, but I get tomorrow.”
“Whatever makes you happy, Undertaker,” I grumble, pressing the elevator button for my floor.
Chapter 14
Nico
“No meetings. No calls. Just field everything.”
“Understood, Mr. Fiore.”
Despite the early hour, Sarah picked up after one ring, and it sounds like she’s been up for hours. She’s young, barely in her thirties, but her resume and gleaming recommendations have proven true, especially regarding her promptness. I suppose it’s no surprise that an overachiever like her gets up at an ungodly time every day.
I had a lot set aside on my plate today, checking things in my businesses, but Sybil’s abrupt behavior change yesterday left me sour and bothered. Especially because I can’t figure out what caused it. Yesterday morning, it was a chore to leave Sybil in bed with her sweet kisses and her leisurely stretches that showed off every mesmerizing curve.
Going from that back to her infuriating temper and her kicking me out of the elevator….
I meant what I’d said. I gave her space last night, but she’ll pay me back with today.
“And my meetings tomorrow in Toronto with Aventure Holdings and the others,” I add, shutting the door of the antique Aston Martin now parked in my typical parking space. “Those will need to be moved.”
“Already done. I just rescheduled them for two weeks from now in case you needed wiggle room.”
Another ode to Sarah’s professionalism. She doesn’t pry or ask how long this little break will need to be. I thank her and hang up, strolling past the old vehicle parked in front of my apartment building where Ace is dozing in the driver’s seat.
I’d left early to retrieve the Aston Martin from the secure underground parking garage I usually keep it in. I specifically wanted this car for the outing I have planned for Sybil—after all, I’d bought it thinking of her. Four years ago, she had told me about her love of this classic car stemming from her favorite movie, some old James Bond film. She was scandalized that I didn’t know what she was talking about.
I smile as I step into the elevator, remembering how she and I had lingered in bed together as she described the old movie and the car. I hadn’t paid much attention to her words then, too enchanted by the vibrant, angel-faced woman lying naked beside me.
That memory is like a dream tinged with pain, but I want more of it.
The elevator comes to a stop, but I hesitate before stepping out. This is Sybil’s floor—her private space in this building. She was on edge yesterday and didn’t want to be near me. Was it really because of things like this—me seeking her out without permission? Or was it because she’s rethinking the contract and wants as little to do with me as possible?
That thought makes my fists clench, and I step out of the apartment and into the delicately furnished living room.
Whatever caused Sybil’s anger at me yesterday, today will be different. Perhaps she was annoyed because I’ve been away so much recently. But it couldn’t be helped. Between my business affairs and my responsibilities asCapo Bastoneof the Attolini family, I’ve been swamped. The rising tension and outbreak of altercations between families have only increased, and my businesses have always kept me busy.
I need Sybil today. Her presence soothes the vengeful violence that usually clouds me. Being around her makes me feel more like myself than ever before.
She’s going on this outing with me. I won’t take no for an answer—because she needs it just as badly.
Rapping softly on her bedroom door, I wait for a long moment. It’s possible she didn’t hear that. She’s proven over the last few days to be a deep sleeper. I check the handle, but it’s locked.
I knock again, louder. Still nothing. I tense. What if she isn’t here? What if she slipped out of the building while Ace was asleep? If Sybil is out on her own, she’s in danger. The Gattos want blood, including hers. I need to protect her from them, so if she was stupid enough to leave without telling me—
“Marmocchio testardo,”I growl, ready to break the door down to ensure she’s still here.
Before I do, there’s a slight click. The door cracks just enough for Sybil to peer up at me, and all my building tension dissolves at the sight of her sweet half-asleep face. She yawns and gives me a blurry-eyed frown. Her braided hair is falling out over one shoulder, beautifully undone.
