Page 1 of Greed

CHAPTER ONE

GIA

“Once you’ve iced everything off, you put it in the fridge to help it set,” I say into the camera with a bright smile. “And that’s it for today.”

I catch movement out of the corner of my eye.

“This is Gia from Bianchi’s Bakers signing off.” I hit the stop button; I can edit it later. My brothers are home.

I carry my tray of cupcakes to one of the giant fridges, and the smell of sweet baked goods follows me along like a trail of smoke in a cartoon.

If my brothers were inside, it would reach their noses and tease them along until they reached the desserts and stuffed their faces. Which I wouldn’t mind, except these are for Isabella.

I place the cupcakes in the fridge and shut the door before I tidy up my workspace. Outside, two of my brothers get out of the cars that have pulled up in the driveway, dressed in their expensive suits and looking around as though evaluating some threat.

Lorenzo looks up at the window, and I give a short wave. He indulges me with a small smile before following Andrea into the other side of the house.

I finish tidying, but leave the dishes for the staff to clean. Sometimes I do them myself, but when my brothers arrive, I know to greet them and stay within sight, as Andrea is very protective. He also said he wanted to talk to me about something important today.

Two of their associates follow my brothers into the house, and I know it’s going to be a long business session. I sigh as I grab my phone. I need to edit the video later so that I can post it tonight. I try to post consistently to keep my followers engaged.

I leave the building and cross the yard, following the route my brothers and the associates took. The well-ventilated mansion brings some relief after standing inside a hot kitchen on a summer’s day.

I hear the men talking and lock my phone, walking through the decorated mansion halls toward their voices. I follow their voices toward the veranda out back.

The men have taken a seat on the wrought iron furniture scattered across the veranda. Carla is already preparing drinks for them at the bar on the far side. I smile at her and lift a finger to show her one for me too. She smiles and nods to let me know she got me.

The smoke from Andrea’s expensive cigar drifts toward me, making me sneeze, and I wave the air in front of me. I step away from the direction the breeze is flowing.

Andrea accepts a glass of amber liquid from Carla, probably whiskey, without it interrupting his conversation with Lorenzo while the two associates keep quiet and listen.

Andrea’s eyes scan the area while he talks—he always does this—and they meet mine. His warm smile melts my heart; I would do anything for my brother. Well, almost anything. He motions for me to come over and I do as I’m told.

“Hello, Andi.” My voice is quiet as if I am disturbing them. But Andrea never acts like I am. I am always welcome to say hello.

“Hello, Gia.” He raises an eyebrow, and that warm smile plays on his lips. “Are you done for the day?”

I show him my phone as though the blank screen means something. “Just finished recording the butterfly cupcakes. They’re setting in the fridge.” I point a finger at Lorenzo. “Do not touch them. They’re for Isabella.”

“Your friend doesn’t need more cupcakes. She’s sweet enough.” Lorenzo chuckles, ever the charmer.

“You should swim,” Andrea interjects before we can start arguing. “It’s warm today, and you’ve been in the kitchen all morning. I’m sure you’d enjoy the cool water. We’re just discussing business.”

That’s my cue to leave. I’m not allowed to be involved with the business. I look at the associates. “Mickey. Darren. Hope you guys are good?”

“We’re good,” Darren says with a nod.

I nod back and then leave as the business talk starts again. I stroll over to the cabin next to the pool and let myself in, shutting the door behind me.

I make my way into the left room and slide open the closet door, picking out one of my skimpier bikinis. I get changed. I like the way the powder blue contrasts against my skin. It’s my favorite color and bikini.

I grab a towel and slip into my sandals, tracing my way back out but to the other side of the pool where Andrea thinks I can’t hear what they’re discussing. He doesn’t even think I’m interested, but I know everything that goes on in this family. There’s power in knowing.

I glance over and see the men settled in around the table talking, not bothering to keep their voices down in my presence. As I said, Andrea thinks I have no clue.

I kick off my sandals and put my towel down on the Mediterranean towels next to the white pool lounger. I go to the swimming pool and ease myself into the cold water. It’s not icy, but after being in the hot kitchen, it gives me goosebumps.

I breaststroke across the pool a couple of laps before Carla motions for me to come over.