“I’ll do that too.”
My to-do list is going longer. My other phone rings. Tommaso.
“Gotta go.”
Grandfather hangs up.
Do I trust him? I’m on the fence with that one. He might want that seat at the table sooner rather than later, but to show up in person is too obvious. Or is it the perfect cover?
“Tommaso, what’s up?”
“It was good seeing you last night, but I need you to come in. The family is worked up over Dante being arrested over an obvious set up. I mean, it’s like amateur hour with the detectives.”
“I wasn’t aware.”
Valentina picks this moment to come downstairs wearing the dress shirt I left at the end of her bed. I hope it will hold her until Samira gets her new clothing as he’s is stuck at the hotel as part of the investigation.
No doubt she’ll be called in for questioning, and so will I.
“I’ll be there as soon as possible.” I hang up. “Good morning. I left the espresso machine on for you in the kitchen. Samira will be here soon with some clothes for you.”
She’s at the bottom of the staircase, her hair is tousled, not messy. Sexy as hell. If I wasn’t distracted with work, I’d fuck her on the steps.
“Thank you. I need espresso.” She runs a hand through her long bangs, tucking her thick blonde hair behind an ear. “The kitchen? And I’m starving. You know, we never ate dinner last night.”
“There’s some food in the fridge. Make yourself at home. I have guards everywhere and the house is secluded, so don’t get any ideas.” I show her into the old farmhouse style kitchen with the long family table in the middle, covered with a checkered tablecloth, chairs and two benches.
I love how her tits and ass move under the fabric of my shirt. It’s one of my favorite dress shirts with pale grey vertical lines so I’m glad she didn’t burn it in effigy after our last conversation.
“Skillets are there.” I point to them hanging on hooks above the island.
This is my favorite room in the house because the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s always warm with the light coming in through the windows and large doors and the view of the hillside is relaxing.
“You hungry?”
“I am but I have to run. It’s a busy day. The police will probably set up a time for you to be interviewed at the station. I’ll get us an attorney just to be safe. You don’t know anyone who would want to harm your father, do you?”
“No.” She turns on the espresso machine, the hum of the machine interrupts us.
“Are you sure? It’s very important that you’re honest with me. No matter what our arrangement is, it’s my job to protect you. I have a lot of shit to get done today. You know how to reach me, so keep in touch. If I call, make sure you answer it.”
“Or what?”
She turns to face me with her cup in one hand and I swear she’s trying to make me horny as hell knowing I have to leave. Is she really teasing me?
“You want a good spanking? Keep it up. I know plenty of ways to make you obey. Follow the rules I have for you, and we can work on some of the things you want. It goes both ways, remember that. And don’t tell anyone but your friend Laura, Giovi and your mother where you are and who you’re with. It will be dangerous otherwise. Speaking to them is dangerous enough.”
“My father’s enemies?”
“His and mine.” I can’t let the Michelis know she’s here. That would make me look guilty.
I turn and walk to the front door just as Savio shows up.
“Can you keep your eye on her? I have a long day.”
“Sure. I just saw Dante on the news. Crazy, no?”
“That’s one word for it. I’m fact-finding today, so do what you can to keep her occupied. She can’t be seen here.”