Page 25 of Reign of Fate
He lifts the wrapped sandwich. “He’ll eat it in the car.”
“I feel guilty,” I say.
Francesco chuckles. “We know our job, and trust me, we’re used to it.”
When we’re done eating, I insist on buying the coffee to take with us. It’s the least I can do for all they’ve done for me today. Evangeline is being escorted back to the car while Massimo waits at the door for me.
“Hey, pretty lady,” a deep voice says. I look up to see a handsome man in a tailored suit smiling down at me.
“Hi,” I reply politely and turn back to see if our coffees are ready.
“Forgive me, but I couldn’t help coming over to talk to you. I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and I know I’d regret it if I didn’t.”
I’m stunned. I’ve never been hit on before. Guido and I were a foregone conclusion, and we never dated or even flirted.
“I, um, well, thank you, but I’m attached,” I tell the gentleman quietly.
He looks at my hand. “No ring, baby. Can’t be serious if a man doesn’t put a ring on your finger,” he teases.
“Well—” I’m at a loss for words, but Massimo has other ideas. I find him by my side with a menacing look on his face.
“Buzz off! The lady told you she’s not interested,” Massimo states sternly. Unfortunately, this man doesn’t scare easy. He takes out his business card and puts it in my hand. I place it on the table, leaving it there.
“Call me,” he says and gives me a sexy grin. Massimo is about to grab the guy by the collar, but thankfully, the coffees are ready. I put the tray in his hand.
“Don’t,” I whisper. “It’s not worth it.” Massino glances down at me with a murderous look. “Come on, a really tasty sandwich and heavenly coffee are waiting for you, and he’s not worth our time,” I coax.
He takes my arm and leads me back to the car, and on the way, he grumbles, “Ivo would have torn him apart.”
“Men will be men, and how is he to know I was engaged? I’m not going to give it another thought, and neither should you.”
When we join Evangeline and Francesco, Francesco notices Massimo’s expression and immediately asks, “What happened?”
I give Massimo a pleading look to not make this more than it was, harmless flirting.
“Nothing.” Massimo sighs. “All good.” Francesco narrows his gaze, but Massimo keeps quiet. Evangeline gives me an inquiring glance, but I just smile and change the topic back to the success of finding the perfect dresses.
IVO
“You gotta tell him.” I hear Francesco talking to someone as I come across the courtyard from my home through the gardens and over to see Raffaele. As I get closer, I see he’s speaking with Massimo. Massimo has his head down, staring at his shiny black shoes.
“Nothing happened,” Massimo replies. “I handled it.” I stop short and stay out of sight. Nothing should be kept a secret from Raffaele, and if Massimo doesn’t come clean on his own, I’ll have to question his loyalty.
“If it were your woman, would you want to know?” Francesco asks.
“Fuck!” Massimo swears. “Ivo’s going to be pissed.”
I’m already enraged, knowing that it has something to do with Elisa.
“Are you worried he’s gonna take it out on you?” Francesco asks.
“Hell no! I would have broken the guy’s hand if he even attempted to touch her. I made it clear he needed to fuck off. Elisa was so stunned, she didn’t even realize the guy was hitting on her at first, and once she did, she was completely lost. By that time, I was giving the guy his marching orders. Arrogant asshole, though,” Massimo says.
“Then you got no problem,” Francesco replies.
“Yeah, but Elisa didn’t want to make a big deal of it. I think she was embarrassed,” Massimo responds.
I’ve had enough and come into view. Both men see me at the same time. Francesco looks at Massimo, giving him the eye. Massimo nods.
