I hate to admit it, but Joshua Accardi is a beautiful bastard. I always thought so as a young girl, but he’s really grown into his skin now he’s older. He takes care with his appearance, andit shows. Unlike his twin, he doesn’t usually sport facial hair, preferring a smooth jawline, which I happen to love. His big blue eyes can be equally smoldering and as glacial as the Ice Caves at Sam’s Point. Where Caleb wears his dark-blond hair in a stylishly messy fashion, Joshua’s thick hair is always slicked back off his face.
He’s consistently immaculately groomed and always dressed to impress, favoring expensive suits that highlight every gorgeous inch of his toned body. The confident vibe he emits is that of a man who is always in control. In fact, everything about him screams control, and I sense that’s on purpose.
I trudge up the spiral staircase hating that I’m attracted to the jerk.
But who doesn’t drool over a hot guy in a suit?
It doesn’t meananything.
When I reach the second level, Joshua has his arms folded across his chest as he leans against the far wall. His impatience bleeds into the air, and I’m glad I’m annoying him.
His eyes lower to my throat for a second, and some of the harshness leaves his face. He drops his arms. “Come.”
I follow him down the hallway, passing copious doors, until we reach a large bathroom.
“Sit.” He jerks his head at the closed toilet seat as we enter the room.
What the fuck?Keep up. Get up here. Come. Sit. Natalia didn’t raise her sons to be such mannerless dicks. Holding my ground, I plant my hands on my hips and shoot daggers at him. “I am not a dog. I do not obey your every command. I’m a person, with feelings, and I deserve a certain level of respect.” Anger pitches inside me. I jab him in his chest, and it’s like trying to poke a wall. Ugh. He frustrates me to no end. “That includes not trying to strangle me because I mentionedshe whoshould not be named.” I was tempted to say it again, but I value breathing, and I know how to pick my battles.
Differing emotions flit over his face before settling on remorse. I arch a brow as I eyeball him. His tongue darts out, wetting his plump lips. “I apologize, Gia. That was unforgivable. It’s my issue, and I had no right to take it out on you.”
I stare at him in shock. Did the cold and mighty Joshua Accardi just show emotion and say sorry? I could continue to bust his balls, but I’ve got to work with him for the foreseeable future. Massimo assigned Joshua as my main contact on the undercover op. It’s better to try to reset things from the outset, and I won’t need the additional stress, so I decide to be magnanimous.
“Apology accepted, and I’m sorry for bringing her up. I’m aware of what she did and how you must feel about her.” That’s true, but I honestly thought he was over it by now. Apparently not if it’s still such a touchy subject.
A muscle pops in his jaw, and he’s holding himself rigidly still.
“For what it’s worth, she is a fool. Elisa and I used to watch you two together and dream of having a boyfriend who treated us so well. You worshipped the ground she walked on, and she was a complete bitch to throw that back in your face.”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” he says in a clipped tone, opening the bathroom cupboard and retrieving a medical kit.
“I just wanted you to know it was nothing you did, and if you ask me, you had a lucky escape.”
“Gia,” he growls, narrowing his eyes as he sets the kit down on the counter.
“Shutting up now.” I drag my finger along my lips in a zipping motion.
He points at the toilet again. “Please take a seat so I can examine your neck.”
I move quickly, depositing my butt on the closed lid. His brows climb to his hairline, and I answer his unspoken question as I smile up at him. “You asked nicely. It’s as simple as that, Joshua.”
Chapter Seven
Joshua
Iprobe her neck with a soft touch, careful not to inflict any more damage. I lost it in the car. I zoned out, and for a few seconds, it wasn’t Gia’s smooth skin under my fingertips, it was Ina’s. I’m usually more successful at blocking out thoughts of my ex—and no one talks about her anymore—so Gia caught me off guard, but it’s no excuse for the way I treated her.
“I don’t think it’ll bruise, but I’ll put this on anyway,” I say, reaching for the arnica cream. I’m embarrassed I reacted like that. Disgusted I attacked her so viciously when she’s done nothing to deserve it.
Mom would be furious with me and not just because Gia is Frankie’s daughter. She has raised us to always treat women with respect and to never raise a hand in anger to any female, no matter the circumstances. We have both failed, and she’d be so disappointed if she knew. I hate upsetting Mom because she means everything to me. She sacrificed a lot for Caleb and me, and she’s been the one true constant in our lives. Disappointing her is something I try to avoid, so this kills me.
“I can do it.” Gia reaches for the tube.
“Let me.” I circle my hand around her wrist, purposely gentling my touch. “It’s the least I can do.”
Her brows climb to her hairline, and I feel like a piece of shit all over again. I don’t know if I got out of the wrong side of bed today or if it’s all this shit with the Irish and the traitor in our midst, but I’m not feeling in control, and I’m on edge. I don’t overreact to situations. I don’t react with anger or violence, yet I’ve done both today, and it unsettles me.
“Joshua. Are you okay?”
