“They could come visit anytime.”
“They’d have to ask permission from their husbands. They’d probably say no because Alessio is obsessed with keeping Cat safe in Vegas and Ritchie’s an asshole who’s happier when Gia’s miserable. Maybe you have that in common with him,” I add, bitterly.
“I don’t want you to be miserable. What are you writing?” he asks, leaning over me as my pencil continues scratching across the sheet. Dammit, on top of looking sexy in his suit, he evensmellssexy.
I pull the paper toward me, worried he might laugh at the sappy lyrics I’m playing around with. “Just a song. It’s not good.”
His dark eyes flick up to meet mine. “Would you share it with me?”
“No. My music is… personal.” I feel my cheeks growing warmer.
“And you don’t want to be personal with me.” It wasn’t a question, and I can tell that bothers him. “How about I come home early tonight? I could take you to dinner, show you around my city. Would you like to see a show perhaps?”
“A show? Like something on Broadway?” Excitement fills me when he nods. Even if I’m tempted to say no to him out of spite, I know I’d only be denying myself. “Could we see a musical?”
I cringe as soon as the words are out of my mouth. A man like Carlo wouldn’t be interested in shows where the actors periodically break into song.
“Which one do you want to see?”
“I-I… Any of them! All of them! Only one tonight, obviously, but… isWickedstill on at the Gershwin? That is… if you can get tickets on such short notice,” I stammer, gulping in an effort to contain my enthusiasm.
He smirks. “I’ll pick you up at six. Will you wear something sexy for me?” he asks, leaning in closer.
Heat coils in my belly, but I manage to narrow my eyes at him. “I think my nun’s habit will be perfect.”
Laughing, he dips forward, claiming a quick and unexpected kiss. I should protest, but electricity sizzles on my lips even after he’sstepped back again. “I’ll still take you out even if you wear that. Maybe that reporter can write an article about how I stole you from a convent instead.”
He walks toward the elevator, and I’m flustered when I realize I don’t want him to leave. I want to spend more time with Carlo. Maybe it’s some variety of Stockholm Syndrome kicking in.
Faro steps out of the elevator as he prepares to step into it. “All arranged?” I hear Carlo ask before the doors close.
“Sì,they’ll arrive any minute.”
Must be mob business they’re talking about. My husband and bodyguard have their schedules for watching me perfectly coordinated with me. It sours my mood again.
“Morning, Warden,” I say to Faro, rising to get some more coffee. “How’s Mrs. Warden?”
“Good morning, Mrs. Vicini. My wife is well,” he says, a reluctant smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. I was surprised yesterday when I asked how much he hated shopping with me and was informed he didn’t mind at all. He doesn’t seem the type to indulge a wife with time spent carrying shopping bags and such.
“Where do you lock her up when you’re watching me? Want a cup?” I add, nodding at the coffee.
“Coffee sounds good. So long as I draw breath, Aurora will never be caged again.” His harsh tone makes me feel as though I should apologize for my joke. It was pretty lame, but his phone beeps before I can say anything.
I also realize what he didn’t say. I’m the wife in a cage, not her. I’m the one they have to watch. Because I’m the future Don’s wife or the daughter of a traitor who committed a few treasons herself?
After he acknowledges the message, he looks around the room. “Where do you want this thing set up once they manage to get it up the freight elevator?”
Puzzled, I set the coffee pot down. “What are you talking about?”
***
An hour later, I can’t stop grinning as I stare at the beautiful Steinway Grand Piano Carlo had delivered. The hand-written note one of the workmen passed me is still clasped in my hand as they take their leave at last, and I take a seat on the cushioned bench.
Keep the keyboard for when it’s more convenient but your exquisite voice demands an instrument to match it
~ your devoted admirer
My devoted admirer. Damn him for making it impossible to hate him today. It fits perfectly by the terrace doors, giving me a view of the city as I work and play. It’s a very thoughtful surprise, like the offer to take me to a show tonight.
