Page 40 of Matteo

Maybe even respect.

I think I've done enough.

He turns his back to the system. A few seconds pass. “You’ll report to me while you’re here.”

“I know. Your father already said that.”

A muscle in his jaw ticks.

“And don’t touch anything without my approval.”

“Anything?” My inner vixen sneaks back out. Fact, I've not been around a sexy guy for a long time. Matteo will be the unraveling of me if I'm not careful.

He ignores me and steps out of the server room, and onto the middle of the floor. Without warning, he loudly announces, “Listen up everyone. I'd like to introduce you to Elizabeth Raven. She's an external consultant who will be working here for a while.”

A murmur of “hi's” floats around the room, and curious eyes once stare at me again.

“I suggest you get settled in,” Matteo says, moving towards his office quickly. “I'll email you login details to the systems you need.”

Then he closes the door behind him, without so much as a glance at me.

Chapter 12

ELIZABETH

I sit at my new desk, and get out my personal things. My pens, my own notebook. My cell phone, which I set to vibrate mode.

I hate that my desk is right outside Matteo’s office. Luckily, I have my back to him which I’m thankful for because I'd hate to be facing him. I wonder if that was intentional, because surely it can't be a coincidence.

People pass by and introduce themselves. They all seem like a friendly bunch, though I don't know. First impressions rarely give away the truth and also, people tend to be more guarded, especially in a work environment.

I'm the only woman down here, and though I'm used to being in the minority wherever I work, and with the few clients I've had, I still feel like the odd one out.

I’m sure some of these guys must think I'm weak, or a walkover, and I look forward to having them mansplain things to me. I get it wherever I go.

Sonny seems sweet and friendly. I like him already. I get good vibes from him. Safe, nice vibes, which is nothing like the ones I get from Joel. I shiver when I think of the way his eyes roved hungrily all over me.

Alex comes over. He was one of the first to introduce himself to me, and I find myself warming to him. He seems quiet and reserved, possibly a little shy, which is surprising given his title and position.

“Did Matteo show you the kitchen?”

“He did. He showed me around the entire floor.”

“He doesn’t usually do that.”

Goosebumps erupt all over my spine at hearing that.

“Just know that we have tea, coffee and herbal teas here. There are cold drinks in the fridge, and cookies, donuts and fruit all day,” he says. “And cakes, if someone has a birthday. Most people around here bring in their lunch and have it at their desks, but I wouldn’t make a habit of that.”

“Noted.” I don’t plan to sit at my desk much, if I can help it. I like getting out to get some fresh air, especially being stuck down here in the basement.

“He spoke very highly of you.”

“Who?”

“Matteo.”

I swipe a hand across the back of my neck, suddenly feeling hot. “Did he? I don’t know why,” I say, suddenly feeling shy and coy.