However, it’s time I pivot. I know for a fact Lizzy is what I’ve been looking for when it comes to Dante. I need to ease her into his life. This needs to happen naturally. She can’t know what I want, and he doesn’t need to know what I’m up to either.
Lizzy is too shy, and Dante is stubborn and won’t see what’s right in front of him. No, this will have to play out as naturally as possible. Good thing I’ve mastered patience.
“Hello, Gwen, how you doing?” I say into the phone as I pick it up.
“I’m good. You wanted to talk to me on a secure line. Are they okay?”
“They’re fine. As a matter of fact, I’m going to check on them in person. I need something else from you.”
“What do you need?”
“Lizzy, I want to contract her.”
“What? For what?”
“That I can’t tell you. In fact, can you add a clause to the contract that I’m not to be asked about her assignment?”
“Gio,” she groans. “She’s Elijah’s baby. He’s closest to her. He’s going to have questions.”
“I need you to do this for me. Tell Elijah I came for Ny because she’s avoiding me. Instead of taking the assignment, Nyla pushed Lizzy on me. It’s not unlikely. He does know Ny has left me.”
“Yes, but how long is this contract for?”
“Indefinitely. I don’t know how long it will take and I need her for as long as it takes.”
“Tell me one thing. Will she be in danger?”
“No. Do this for me and I’ll owe you.”
There’s a pause on the other end. I wait her out. I need this done before I get on my flight.
“There is something you can do for me. I want to wake Carleen. Do you think you can trigger her?”
“You got it.”
I’ve been meaning to turn my attention to Carleen and Dario. They’re both unhappy. I need to promote Dario again and that’s weighing on his head. Carleen isn’t faring well with her residency.
I can do more than wake her. I plan to push her and Dario into the life they’re ignoring.
She sighs heavily. “Fine. I’m sending over the contract. But, Gio?”
“What’s up?”
“Nyla watches the database. She already left me a message asking about Lizzy working here. As long as Lizzy was only working in the office, I didn’t have to add her. This contract will add her. Ny was my next call after returning yours.”
“Good, I’m counting on it.”
“Why do I always get stuck in the middle?”
“It will be fine. I’ll be waiting for that contract.”
CHAPTER 57
The Hit
Nyla
I sit in this coffee shop with my head ready to explode. Gio has contracted my sister for a job. I really don’t know what he’s playing at, but I’m going to fly back first thing in the morning to find out.
I slam my laptop closed and growl. I need to make this hit so I can get out of here and pack my shit. I’m not waiting until the morning to return to the farm. Gio plays too much.
I shove my laptop in my backpack and zip it up, then toss some cash on the table. Looking at my watch, I see it’s time. I start for the hotel address I was given while grumbling to myself.
“Has Gwen lost her mind? Why is this man playing with me? Pissing me off isn’t going to get me back. Does Jace know about this shit he’s pulling? He needs to get his friend.”
The elevator chimes as I get to the penthouse floor. I look up and get focused. I’ll deal with Gio later. Music blares through the suite I walk into. I have my guns out as I move stealthily.
Something feels off. First, the song playing is Whitesnake—one of Gio’s favorite groups. “Is This Love” is not the typical Italian ballad you’d expect to hear in Naples. Second, I’ve been fucking the man since I was twenty. I know his scent as if it were my own. This place reeks of Gio. Third, the place is filled with roses. The fourth thing to penetrate my brain is his presence.
I feel him before I see him. I keep moving until he comes into view, sitting in all black with the top three buttons of his shirt open, while in a wingback chair, watching me with those intense hazel eyes. His ankle is resting over his knee.
I tilt my head to the side as I take him in. He cracks his knuckles and works his jaw. The man is perfection, and he knows it.
“Why are you trying to make me kill you?” I hiss.
“Ogni momento in cui sei lontano da me, mi sta uccidendo.”
My knees nearly give out. Italian is sexy spoken by anyone, spoken by Gio, it’s panty melting. I close my eyes and try to calm my nerves and build my resolve.