It feels almost nostalgic driving through the gates and walking down halls that have felt like home to me. Even when I had my own place to return to, I often didn’t.
I’ve always lived to serve, still do.
Yet, it feels different now.
I’mdifferent, and part of me wishes I’d never been exposed to the sunshine that is Lily Taylor, because perhaps I wouldn’t be questioning my loyalty to Luca and the Armani family.
When I walk into Luca’s office, he’s sitting behind his desk.
He doesn’t even look up as he says, “Are you wanting me to put a bullet in your head, Lorenzo?”
When I don’t reply and simply slide the signed contracts in front of him, he continues. “You were supposed to come to me straight away.”
“I have no excuse.”
He arches an eyebrow. “At the very least, will you tell me where you were? Does it have to do with a certain little blonde friend of Ara’s?”
When I don’t reply, he shakes his head and grabs the papers. “I’ve been warnedby my wife not to interfere with you and her friend. It wasactually more of a threat since she said she won’t have sex with me if I force you to never see Lily again.”
His blue eyes are lethal, and I have no doubt he wants to kill me simply for the fact that he got threatened with no sex. “I apologize for the complications this has brought to your marriage.”
He shakes his head. “Despite your messy interference, we’ve obtained what we wanted, and now you simply have one moretask to finish it. I want this Nicholas Wayne to know exactly what happens when people trespass in my territory. I want them to pay. You deal with them here, and I'll have the remains of their little nest flushed out in Italy.”
“Yes, sir.”
“This has, however, made me acutely aware of the fact that I need to replace Ivan’s position in Italy. Everything's been working well there, but there’s still plenty to be gained and reinstated. Once this is dealt with, you’ll relocate to Italy, running affairs on my behalf.”
Everything stops.
Relocated?
“Sir?”
He looks up from the papers then. “One might consider this a promotion, Lorenzo. Is it not to your liking?”
I shake my head. “I have always made it clear my post is to be beside you, to protect you. It’s why I’ve always done this.”
He shrugs. “You’ve disobeyed me, Lorenzo, more than once. I trust you, but I can’t help but notice your distraction. I’ll appoint someone else here to manage your position. I mean it when I say this is an honor. I want you to grow our business. Don’t you think a fresh start might be good for you?”
I keep my face expressionless as mixed emotions pass through me, something I’ve never had to deal with before.
“You’re excused,” he says.
My hands ball into fists, but I remove myself before I say or do something I'll regret.
Technically, it is an honor to be the head of the Italian arm of the business, but not being by his side makes me uncomfortable.
Not being here where Lily is also makes me feel a particular way.
I have no right to her, and yet, the thought of leaving, of the true end to whatever was growing between us… makes me hate Luca when the only one I should hate is myself.
I chose this, so why the fuck do I hate every single day without her scathing words, laughter, or gentle touch?
I thought I’d come to terms with my decision, but the reality of being moved to a different post, in a completely different country, rattles me in a way I never thought possible.
39
LILY
