He nodded, setting his plate in the sink. “Your loss,” he said with a wink that sent a shiver down my spine.
He returned a while later in a crisp suit that made him look utterly handsome. He stopped in front of me, hesitating for just a moment before leaning down and pressing a kiss to my lips.
It was quick, casual, like we'd done it a hundred times before. But it left me breathless.
“See you tonight,” he said against my lips.
And then he was gone, leaving me alone with my cooling coffee and very confused heart.
***
The next few days passed in a strange blur. Gastone would leave early for work, return late, and I’d find myself up at night, waiting to see if he had time for me. But he always came back exhausted. Usually gave me a quick kiss and claimed he’d eaten already.
I was disappointed each time.
I didn't know what had come over me. All I knew was that his touch was addictive, and I wasn't strong enough to keep away.
But since that night we spent together, something was happening with Gastone. He was distracted. He'd come home with dark circles under his eyes, tense and tight-lipped about his day. When I asked, he'd change the subject or distract me with his mouth until I forgot what I'd asked in the first place.
It was a very effective strategy, I had to admit.
But my curiosity was starting to gnaw at my nerves. Especially when I noticed the hushed phone calls, the way he'd step out of the room to speak in low tones, and the increased security around the building.
Something was up. And I wanted to know what it was.
“Dom,” I called, spotting the hulking bodyguard as he came to relieve the night guard one day. “Got a minute?”
He looked wary. “Mrs. Ajello.”
“Do you know what's been keeping Gastone so busy lately? He's been... distracted.”
Dom's face gave nothing away. “Mr. Ajello has many responsibilities.”
“Yeah, but something specific has him worked up. Is there trouble?”
“Nothing that concerns you, Mrs. Ajello,” he said firmly.
That only piqued my interest more. “Is it my family? Are they causing problems?”
A flicker of something crossed his face, but I couldn’t tell what it meant.
“I can't discuss Mr. Ajello's business,” he said stiffly.
“But it is about my family, isn't it?” I pressed.
Dom checked his watch and sighed. “For your peace of mind, it’s not them. Now, I really need to check the perimeter. Excuse me.”
He walked away before I could ask anything else. Whatever was going on didn’t involve my family, thank God. But it did involve Gastone, and I worried for him.
Whatever it was, I needed to know about it.
I spent the next day watching Dom more closely. He was distracted, often stepping out to take calls. I noticed him checking his watch repeatedly around noon, like he was waiting for something.
When he finally announced he needed to step out for a bit, I knew this was my chance.
“Take your time,” I said casually. “I'll be fine here.”
He hesitated. “Please, miss. Lock the doors. You… won’t have company for a while.”
