“To my own curiosity,” I countered, taking a sip. “I'd love to understand what the Sottocapo[5] of the 'Ndrangheta is doing on a continent she was banned from.”
“I’m just here for a quiet New Year’s Eve,” she stated flatly.
“Right,” I remarked skeptically.
“I know,” she continued, a wicked glint in her eye. “My security team informed me that a St. Andrew’s Cross was delivered to your apartment today. This is going to be quite a show.”
“Are you trying to play games with me again, Giorgia?” I asked, arching an eyebrow.
She let out a sharp laugh, throwing her head back. “It's a relief to see you still have a sense of humor behind that mask of yours. Tell me, Giorgia, what do you need?” I prompted.
“But I’m looking to the future,” Giorgia mused, swirling the amber liquid in her glass. “She’ll find me eventually. And who knows? Maybe she’ll trade in her 'Domme in love' for one who actually makes her lick the floor.”
I clenched my fingers into a fist to keep from cursing this woman out. She noticed, her grin widening with predatory delight. “See? Very much in love,” she teased.
“Don't you have anyone else to cheat on, kill, fuck, or drink with?” I growled, the patience I had left wearing thin.
“Making you stressed is always worth more than anything else,” she declared, her tone shifting back to that icy, professional distance. “Remember, don't tell Vanessa anything. She doesn't need to be dealing with those kinds of questions right now.”
“She’s fine, thanks for asking,” I said dryly, looking away.
“I know she’s fine. She started hanging out with your Judge’s two friends. Apparently, the three of them get along quite well,” she added, her expression darkening again as she took another sip of whiskey. “Just be careful with her beloved's ex. If he causes real trouble, come see me.”
“I'll handle it, boss,” I said, giving her a mock, two-finger salute before downing the rest of my drink. “Have fun.”
“I certainly will,” she promised, leaving a crisp five-hundred-euro note on the counter as she stood to leave.
#31
"Não me parece ser real, olha o gatilho que você me deu e agora eu sinto a sua falta. E esse sintoma nunca passa" - Carol Biazin
Iwas sorting through my clothes for the trip, but before finalizing my choices, I checked the forecast. The temperature was hovering near zero—chilly, but not quite freezing.
I opted for gray high-waisted linen trousers, a dark blue dress shirt with a matching sweater, and a graphite overcoat to keep the cold at bay. I finished the look with black Oxfords.
In my suitcase, I packed dozens of lingerie sets, two extra pairs of pants, and a few dress shirts. For any formal occasions, I added a black knee-length dress and a pair of heels. I glanced at my watch; I had just over three hours to go.
I retreated to the bathroom, took a deep breath, and stared at the bullet-shaped vibrator in the palm of my hand. I chuckled softly,rubbing the bridge of my nose with my free hand. At first, the sensation was a bit intrusive, but soon it felt as if it had become a part of me.
I hate airports, but I love flying—that’s just a fact. I’ve struggled with crippling anxiety attacks most of my life, times when even walking into a store felt impossible. But after years of therapy and daily mental exercises, I watched the automatic doors of the airport slide open, took a few stabilizing breaths, and made my move. One step at a time, until I reached the private lounge. Once my flight was confirmed, I messaged Kelsey to let her know I was ready to board.
She called me on video almost instantly.
"How are you feeling?"Kelsey asked, her gaze intense even through the screen.
"Why do you ask?" I countered, trying to keep my voice steady.
"You must have felt at least a little strange agreeing to travel across the world with me after just one night,"she noted.
"I thought about backing out a few times," I admitted. "But I felt genuinely good with you. Our families have history, and it feels like our lives have crossed paths a dozen times before. It is strange." I heard her low, husky laugh. It was a sound that always seemed to soothe my nerves. "And what about you? Don't you think it’s a bit crazy to invite a woman you’ve only slept with once on a trip like this?"
"I have the same thoughts you do,"she confessed."But like I told you—when I first heard your name and everything you’ve built, I found it fascinating. Then, when I actually met you, I saw that beyond your brilliant mind and your beauty, you have an incredible sense of humor."
I glanced around the lounge, confirming I was still alone. An attendant had mentioned I’d have to wait a few minutes for the flight crew to arrive.
"Was it just my humor that won you over?" I teased. "I thought for sure it was the sex."
"That was a winning lottery ticket,"Kelsey replied with a grin."If I need to move heaven and earth to make you happy, Megan, I will. And having sex with you? That is absolutely no sacrifice at all."
