Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 91238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“You have a secretary kink?”
“I have an Allegra kink.”
I roll my eyes, but he’s got me smiling, the bastard. “I’m showering now.” But I pause before I leave and add, “I’m glad you like the pillows, and I’ll think about work. Don’t bother me again.”
I close the door, and even though I should be very conflicted right now, I’m still grinning to myself.
Now I just have to survive dinner with his family tonight.
Chapter 29
Allegra
“You don’t have to be nervous,” Gian says as he parks out front of a sprawling mansion estate. Men in dark suits wander the grounds with guns slung over their shoulders. Sometimes I forget that the families are at work, but it’s hard to ignore in this place. It’s better guarded than the White House.
“What’s there to be nervous about? We’re just having dinner with your family for the first time. Oh, and they all think we’re in love and you stole me from your brother and I nearly married your other brother.”
“At least you didn’t sleep with Carlo or something.” He grins at me but his smile falters. “You didn’t, right?”
“Don’t be a dick,” I say and punch him in the arm. “No, Carlo somehow avoided any connection to me. Lucky him.”
“They like you.” He puts the car in park and opens the door. “And Maddie’s really nice. You’ll be fine.”
I know he’s right. It’s just a meal with his brothers and Renzo’s wife. It won’t be a big deal. But for some reason, I’m still nervous and I want them to like me despite everything. In theory, it shouldn’t matter, since we’re getting divorced in a year—if his brothers hate me, I’ll only have to deal with that for a short amount of time. But I still want to make a good impression.
The Rossi mansion is gorgeous. It reminds me a lot of home, but less ostentatious. There’s not as much art, but everything is pristine and expensive. High class without having to prove itself. Tasteful and subdued. I’m basically taking notes for our own place as Gian takes me toward the back porch.
Before we reach it, a girl hurries over. She’s young and pretty, full figure, wavy brown hair, with a little button nose and a big smile. “There you two are. I was wondering if you might ditch us again.”
“Never.” Gian greets her with a quick kiss on the cheek. “Maddie, this is Allegra.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say.
“Welcome to the family.” She gives me a quick, awkward hug. “Although you’ve probably known these guys longer than I have.”
“Ah—” I start, but she’s right. “We’ve been running in the same circles.”
“Allegra and I went to school together. Saul knows her, but she was never close with Carlo or Renzo.”
“Well, you nearly married my husband. I’ve been meaning to say thank you.”
“For what?”
“Running away to Italy. If you hadn’t done that—” Maddie beams and hugs me again. “Anyway, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I like her immediately. She’s got a very warm, very gentle manner about her. She’s not loud like the other Rossi boys, but she still radiates a firm strength, which I’m guessing comes in handy when she’s dealing with Renzo.
We head out onto the porch. Carlo, Renzo, and Saul are already there. I greet the guys, kiss cheeks, make the rounds, and a glass of wine gets shoved into my hand. “We’re eating out here. I hope you don’t mind.” Maddie leans up against Renzo. They’re so easy and comfortable with each other, it’s actually kind of amazing. I didn’t know a Don could look that relaxed.
“No, it’s lovely. The garden is amazing.”
Maddie seems really proud as she looks out at the profusion of bushes and flowers. “Stella and I have been working on it. Well, mostly me, but she helps as much as she can. Gardening’s good for her.”
It takes me a beat to understand that Stella is the Rossi mother. “That’s really great.”
“She’s the only one that can draw out Mom,” Gian says, one hand on the small of my back. I like the way he’s staying by my side.
“No pressure or anything,” Carlo says, smirking as he raises a glass. “But the bar is set very high.”
“She doesn’t have to prove shit to you, dickhead,” Gian snaps at him.
Carlo rolls his eyes. “I’m just kidding, bro.”
“If she were my wife, I’d never take an insult like that,” Saul says, drawling a bit, a cheeky smile on his face.
“Don’t start,” Gian answers, and the boys fall into good-natured bickering as I chat with Maddie over wine. She tells me about living in the Rossi house (“Weird, but good.”), about dealing with mafia (“Also weird, much less good.”), and we bond over some lighthearted banter at the expense of the boys.
“Despite the war, it’s been so quiet around here.” Maddie leans back in her chair and looks flushed and happy as Renzo absently strokes his fingers down her back. I’m not even sure he realizes he’s doing it. I’m both sickened by how sappy it is but also crazy jealous. I want Gian to touch me like that.