Page 187 of The Italian Obsession

“I want to show you something, but I can’t do it in a fancy house.”

“It will be unsafe.”

“No, I’ll get an apartment, and the guards can stay downstairs. Lorenzo will check it over.” She smiles, as if suddenly relieved. “Thank you.”

“I didn’t say yes.”

She bounces off my lap. “Yes, you did.”

“When did I?”

“Just now.” She kisses me quickly. “I could see it in your eyes. I’ll organize something and we’ll go there tomorrow after work.”

“You know, most women would be happy with your house in Lake Como and my property portfolio.”

She smiles. “I’m not most women.” She kisses me again. “Oh, and Lorenzo is here to see you. I brought him with me. I think you two need to talk.”

My eyes hold hers.

“You need to make this right, Enrico.”

I swing on my chair and exhale. “I don’t like it when you call me that.”

“Why not?”

“Because you only call me that when you’re angry and scolding me.”

“I love you, Rici,” she whispers as she runs her fingers through my stubble.

I smirk at her. I would literally walk through fire to make her happy.

“That’s better.”

She kisses me one last time. “I’ll send Lorenzo in.”

“How are you getting back to the office?”

“Maso is going to take me.”

“Have a nice afternoon.”

“I’ll be counting the hours until I see you.” She blows me a kiss.

I smile; her playfulness is contagious. “Get out of here, troublemaker, before you get yourself into real trouble.” I tap the desk in front of me with my open palm.

“I wish.” She gives me a sexy wink and disappears out of the door.

I turn back to my computer, and there’s a knock on the door.

“Come in!” I call.

Lorenzo comes into view, and emotion fills me. “Hello, Enrico,” he says with caution.

I point to the chair at my desk, and he closes the door behind him. He walks in and takes a seat. We stare at each other. His eyes are sad.

Out of everyone I know, Lorenzo is someone I never thought would lie to me.

“Enrico. I know you feel betrayed.”