Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 77824 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77824 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
I hand her my cup. “Drink some.”
She doesn’t hesitate and takes a couple of sips before handing it back to me.
When her eyes connect with mine, a smile spreads over her face. “Are you really going to let me cook in your kitchen?”
“The kitchen belongs to Chef Alain,” I say. “But he won’t be in until eleven, so you’ll have plenty of time to make breakfast for me.”
Her smile widens even more, and I find myself staring at her with wonder.
“Prepare to have the best breakfast you’ve ever tasted,” she says, excitement coming off her in waves.
I drink the last of the coffee before putting the cup in the sink. When I walk toward the elevator, Skylar’s right behind me.
Once we’re in the elevator, I turn my head and stare at her. There’s no tension on her face, and she seems genuinely excited.
The doors slide open, and stepping out, I walk toward the Bentley. I didn’t bother calling Vincenzo and Fabrizio, leaving my men to get a good night’s sleep.
“No guards?” Skylar asks when I open the passenger door for her.
“No. It’s just us.” I don’t elaborate why.
She climbs inside, and while she tugs on the safety belt, I shut the door and walk around the front of the car.
Sliding behind the steering wheel, I adjust the seat before starting the engine.
When I pull out of the basement and steer the Bentley onto the quiet streets, I feel Skylar stealing glances at me.
“Sooo, last night was nice,” she murmurs. “We should do that again.”
Letting out a sigh, I mutter, “I’ll make you deal. Just for today, I won’t be an asshole, and you’ll drop the act.”
“What act?”
“The one where you think flirting with me will make me care enough to let you go.” My eyes flick to hers. “I’m not that kind of man. If you make me love you, there’s no fucking way I’ll let you go. You’re fighting a losing battle.”
“Are you saying there’s a chance you might fall in love with me?”
My hand grips the steering wheel tighter as I clench my jaw while growling, “Don’t make me regret bringing you along to La Torrisi.”
She drops the subject instantly and turns her attention to the window.
“I just want one day where we’re not kidnapper and captive. Just one fucking day where I can be myself around you, and you can show me what you’re like when you’re actually happy,” I admit.
Her tone is soft as she whispers, “Okay.” I hear her taking a deep breath, then she adds, “It will be a nice change of pace.”
I park the Bentley in my designated spot, and getting out, my eyes scan our surroundings for any threats.
Skylar climbs out of the car before I reach the passenger’s side. She follows me to the back door that’s used for deliveries and staff.
I search for the right key, and unlocking the door, I walk inside and flick on the lights as we move through the hallway and past my office.
When we reach the kitchen, I glance at Skylar. Her lips are parted with a look of awe as she slowly moves forward.
“Holy crap, you really own La Torrisi,” she murmurs as she trails her hand along one of the counters. “This is surreal.”
I walk to the freezer, and opening it, I say, “You’ll find everything in here.” Noticing stacks of fish, I mutter, “The fucker once again ordered trout. I’m going to kill him.”
Skylar comes to stand next to me and peeks inside. “Does Chef Alain love using trout in his dishes?”
“Yes, but it’s not the most popular dish on the menu. Last time he fucked up, more than half went into the trash.”
Her eyes flit to me, a flash of worry on her face. “Are you really going to kill him?”
Letting out a chuckle, I shake my head. “That would draw attention to me, but at this rate, I’m going to fire his ass.”
“And kidnapping me doesn’t draw attention to you?” she asks as she moves deeper into the freezer.
“You weren’t connected to me when I took you,” I explain.
“Right.” Her eyes meet mine. “What do you want for breakfast?”
“Whatever you feel like making,” I say as I pull my phone from my pocket. “Just not trout. I’ll be in my office if you need me.” Walking away, I call out, “Don’t burn down the kitchen.”
I hear her chuckle as I dial Elio’s number while heading to my office.
“Yes, boss?” his sleepy voice comes over the line.
“I’m taking the day off. Make sure everyone reports to you, and don’t call me unless you find Servando Montes.”
“Okay. You going to get some rest?”
“Something like that,” I mutter before ending the call.
Taking a seat at my desk, I switch on the computer so I can get all the work out of the way.
It only takes me fifteen minutes to check everything because Viviana does a good job of running the restaurant.