“Since when do you do charity?”
“I started a while ago. We needed to clean up rumors and also shred away the feds’ attention on us. It was a risk but it was worth it.” I let my hand casually caress her hip.
“I’m proud of you.” I'm done. She knocked me out with something no one said to me. I pull her closer and take hold of her mouth. The noises in the background pops my happy bubble I share with her reminding me I’m still in a meeting.
As my men leave to attend to their duties, I turn my attention to Ferdinando. He's been a valuable ally in the past and my friend, and I know that I can count on him anytime, and same goes for me.
“Tell me,” I begin, leaning forward in my chair, “have you had any luck reaching her?”
He shakes his head, a wry smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Not yet,” he admits. “But I have my ways.”
I nod, knowing LaTorre is a master at pulling strings behind the scenes. If anyone can track her down, it's him. I push a folder in his direction. “Take a look at this,” I say, my voice low and intense. “It's a case that she won't be able to resist. And if you can get her on board, we'll be unstoppable.”
Latorre takes the folder and flips it open, his eyes scanning the contents with interest. I watch as a smirk plays across hisface, knowing that I've hit the mark. “This is good,” he says, his voice laced with approval. “Very good indeed.”
But before we can discuss the details further, his attention is drawn to Leila. “I have an opportunity for you.”
She looks at me, her brow furrowed in confusion. “For me?”
“I want you to join the company,” he offers, his voice steady. “As our event organizer.”
Her eyes widen in surprise, and for a moment, she's speechless. But then, a smile tugs at the corners of her lips, and I know that she's considering it.
“I'll think about it,” she says finally. “Thank you, Mr. LaTorre.”
“Ferdinando. You earned that privilege.” He winks at her.
CHAPTER 13
LEILA
One month later
Every morning I look at the beauty outside the wall window that overlooks the lake and thank God for having sent Chris back in my life. It's been a while we're here and I'm not sure I want to leave this paradise.
This house, the nature that surrounds it and the breathtaking sunset is all a person can dream about. I turn to look at the open space and smile seeing one of my favorite places in this house: the kitchen. Whoever designed it deserves a monument. I used to hide in the kitchen with Viola and she taught me how to cook, the only peaceful moments I've had and want to remember from my previous life.
My cell phone pings with a text and I walk toward the kitchen island and open it.
Chris: Sorry babe, I may be late for dinner.
Me: No worries. Take care.
Chris: Miss you.
I smileas I play with my necklace. It feels like I've worn it since forever. I love it, and knowing he gave it to me, despite it being his mom's, means the world to me.
Christopher is the best I could ever hope for. I'm getting used to his attention, his hugs and gawd…his kisses. They make my insides mushy. I can't find anything wrong with him. What scares me is to hold his gaze for more than a few seconds because what I read in it is something I can't dare to dream about: our future. A future I've never imagined before. I'm so head over heels with him it scares me how fast my life has changed. We've talked so much in the last period, and finding out his past and why he left made me realize this man is a superhero. With him I've discovered a piece of me I've always thought to have and my heart couldn't choose a better person to beat for. He has promised the world to me but he is the only thing I need in my life.
After spendingthe whole day cooking and cleaning the house with Stacy, I go into our room and take a shower. I need tonight to be perfect to surprise him. I leave my hair loose as he likes then wear the blue dress we bought in Miami last week and the heels he adores.
I peer at the clock, feeling so nervous to see how late it is. When the door that leads to the garage opens my heart starts to hammer in my chest while I turn around and freeze in my tracks.
“Oooh, hey baby.” He comes closer and kisses me. He peers at me from head to toe and snaps his head at me. “Shit, do we need to go somewhere?”
I step closer and lose his tie while slowly pulling it off. “Yes and no.” I smile as I play with it. “Do you want to close your eyes or should I use this to blindfold you?”
The smirk on his face is so adorable. “I'd rather use it in a totally different way on you.”
