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“Someone really wants to speak to you,” she breathed. I climbed off her, helping her to a sitting position before I tugged my phone out. I had a missed call from Lorenzo, but also from Diego. Fuck’s sake. This better be important.
“Sorry. I have to take this,” I said as it started again, my papi’s name flashing on the screen. She nodded, straightened her clothes and tamed her hair with her free hand. I turned my back to her, but was unable to move away due to our linked wrists. “Boss,” I spoke calmly into the phone.
“Where the fuck have you been Alessio? I have been calling your office and your mobile.”
“Apologies, I was in a meeting,” I lied.
“Well, I need you over to mine this instant. I have Lorenzo on the phone. It seems he hasn’t been able to get a hold of you either. Riccardo is dead.”
“What?” I shouted, causing Elle to climb off the table behind me.
“Get here within the hour. And bring the girl,” he commanded and my stomach dropped.
“Why?”
“Do I need a fucking reason, Alessio?” He hung up and I stared at the phone, my heart thundering in my chest.
“What’s wrong?” Elle asked softly next to me as my grip on the phone tightened. I ignored her and rang Zia demanding she come and uncuff us immediately. Just from the tone of my voice, she didn’t protest and agreed she would be up shortly. I pulled Elle from the room, and made my way to the top floor. As soon as we entered my bedroom, I forced us into the dressing room. For a moment, I didn’t recognise it. All her new clothes had now been hung up on one side of the room. Heels and handbags, along with jewellery, were on the glass shelves.
“What’s going on? Alessio? You are acting like a crazy person,” she shouted as I tugged her towards the outfits lined up neatly and started to riffle through them. I needed something that wouldn’t give the impression I was looking after her too well, but also wouldn’t have every man’s eyes ogling her fucking body the minute we entered. She couldn’t wear this lace suit. It was pretty much see-through and with all the things we had done while she’s been wearing it today, I wouldn’t be able to keep my fucking wits about me with her there.
“This will do,” I growled, pulling a pair of jeans and a grungy grey T-shirt with some rock band’s name written across it. I then pulled out a leather jacket too and shoved it in her arms.
“Are you having some kind of fashion crisis or something? Did inspiration just strike for your next collection,” she teased as I forced her with me to my side of the room and started pulling out smart suit trousers and a crisp white shirt.
“I have to go and see my father. And you are coming with me.”
“What?” She cried. “As in Diego Barbieri?”
“The one and only.”
“Why?!”
I ignored her as I started undoing my trousers and pulling them down.
“Ow!” she whined. My wrist had forced her to bend over and we had bumped heads as I stepped into my trousers.
“And how do you plan on explaining this?” She shook her hand, causing the metal cuffs to rattle.
“I don’t. Zia will be here in a minute to set us free. Elle, I really need you to be on your best behaviour. No sassy comments or glares. I mean it.”
“You seem nervous?” She looked at me with concern. “Is he okay? Isn’t he… dying?”
I paused and stared down at her hard. Fuck, I had forgotten I told her that in confidence when I thought she was Flora.
“I never told anyone, by the way. When I found out who you were,” she added and I exhaled, ignoring the need to kiss her for saying that.
“Yes. He is dying. But even so, he is unpredictable, Elle. And fucking dangerous. So just don’t do anything that will upset him, okay? And definitely don’t give away that you know about his cancer. I know it will probably be obvious when you see him but still... It’s a touchy subject.”
“Why does he want to see me?” she asked, her voice shaking a little.
“I don’t know,” I replied honestly. It was the reason I was feeling so manic. Diego was on edge. Which made me on edge. And the fact he wanted me to bring Elle was not a good sign.
“You won’t let him hurt me, will you?” she whispered, her eyes wide with fear. I closed my own and pinched the bridge of my nose. Fuck, I was hoping it wouldn’t come to that. To me having to stand between her and my father. That would not go down well.
“Alessio?” Zia’s voice called out from the bedroom and I directed her into the dressing room. She held up the little silver key and I breathed out in relief. She unlocked our wrists and Elle started rubbing hers as I continued to get dressed.
“I’m sorry. I thought it would be a good idea to make you both see eye-to-eye,” she started apologising when she sensed my stress and Elle’s worry.
