“I have liaised with your brother’s consigliere’s, and they are all ready. Morgan has a weekly hair appointment at a salon in Milan. She always heads to the local spa two hours before and enjoys a massage and a steam room before hair and nails in the salon afterwards.”
“Her guards?”
“Easy to distract. The spa she uses sits underneath a brothel. Many of them take it in turns to visit that, while leaving two men to guard the entrance to the spa.”
“It’s perfect.”
My mind is firmly back in business, and a slow smile breaks across my face as I anticipate a takedown of the cruelest, most satisfying kind.
“They are coming?”
I reference my brothers, and he nods, his eyes alight with interest because, like me, Spencer adores this shit.
“They wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“And their wives?”
I’m curious about that, and Spencer grins. “I heard Milan is particularly agreeable at this time of year. They are looking forward to the break.”
I lean back in my chair, my good humor restored, and my thoughts drift to Tiffany, wondering if this will break her—break us.
I suppose there is only one way to find out.
CHAPTER 33
TIFFANY
Eliza’s home is majestic. It’s very different to Joseph’s; whereas his is modern, almost impersonal but chic and tasteful, Eliza’s is an emblem of wealth, gold furnishings, master paintings, and huge chandeliers everywhere. Marble gleams, silk shines, and wood is polished. The scent of flowers hanging heavy in the air.
There is not a speck of dust, and the mirrors gleam and as I wait nervously in the hallway, I am so far out of my depth.
“Tiffany.”
Her welcoming smile chases away any doubts, and she hugs me sweetly.
“Come, I have arranged a small lunch in the garden room. It’s the brightest room in the house and the prettiest one if I’m honest.”
I follow her inside a glorious room filled with sunshine and pretty white furniture covered in florals.
The patio doors are open, allowing the sunlight in. The warmth of the winter sun lacks heat but brightens everything around us.
“If it’s too cold, let me know and I’ll close them. Malik hates it when they are open; he is used to extreme heat and for somereason I prefer to shiver. I forget sometimes that it’s not for everyone, so please, tell me if it’s too much.”
It’s an odd experience because it is rather cold in here and as I settle into my chair, I’m conscious of a burst of heat surrounding me from all angles.
Eliza drops into the chair in front of me.
“I provided a heater for you. I’m sorry, it’s a strange proclivity of mine.”
Her impish grin chases away any concern, and as she offers me a delicate sandwich from a four-tiered stand, I note the delicate bone china and gorgeous lace napkins nestling beside crystal glasses and silver cutlery. The floral arrangements are breathtaking, and as the heat curls around me on all sides, the cool breeze caresses at the same time, creating the perfect temperature.
“So, how is married life?”
Her genuine smile prompts one of my own.
“Intense.”
“Tell me about it.” She raises her eyes. “These men are extreme in every way, but to be honest, it’s their most redeeming feature. Their personalities take some getting used to, though.”
