“I bet you would, sicko.” I turn my back on him so he can’t see how much I’m enjoying this coffee. “But don’t worry about me. I’ll get to work on my own.”
“How well do you know New York?”
Not even slightly. “I’ve got a phone. How hard can it be?”
“You’re not going anywhere alone.”
“And I’d rather not get driven to my job by my husband like I’m some awkward teenager going to her first retail gig.”
“Do teenagers usually get married?”
“You know what I’m saying.”
He comes closer and I stiffen. There’s his smell again. More musk this time from the sweat, but I strangely like it. “I’m driving you, and before you argue, there isn’t another option. You’re my responsibility now.”
“I’m not your new puppy. I can handle myself.”
“Maybe you can, but you don’t have to.”
“Thanks for the coffee,” I say, annoyed, and storm out of there. I feel his eyes as I retreat back upstairs, but I pause in the hallway.
Where am I supposed to go right now? Into the empty room with all my boxes? Back into his bedroom?
Nothing in this place ismine, and Cormac’s already acting like a bossy prick.
I feel overwhelmed and lost for the first time since coming here. I blink away tears, refusing to let myself wallow in self-pity.
This is happening. This is my life now. I can tear out my hair and sob all I want and that won’t change a stinking thing.
I just wish my husband made it easier.
“Havea great day at the office,feather,” he says as he parks outside of a beautiful old Art Deco building. It’s a mid-rise with an ornate facade and lots of people milling around.
“We’re not making this a habit.” I glare at Cormac and push open the door.
“I prefer to think of it as a routine.”
“I’m getting my own car, a subway pass, and maybe even a motorcycle. We’ll see how comfortable I’m feeling.”
His expression darkens. “Over my dead body.”
“Sounds like a plan.” I blow him a sarcastic kiss and slam the door in his face.
I’m not even sure why I’m mad. He was fine on the way over here. Mostly he kept to himself, which suited me. I got to stare out the window and get a feel for my new neighborhood. I’ll explore more on foot soon, but right now, I have to put my game face on.
The lobby has a gorgeous marble floor and the security guard at the front desk seems to have been expecting me. After a short wait, a man I recognize comes striding over from the elevator banks.
“Bianca Marino,” Leo says, grinning boyishly. “Glad you could make it.”
“You’remy liaison?” I stare at him in surprise. He’s part of Luca’s crew running the truck depots, or at least he used to be.
“Got a little promotion.” He shakes my hand warmly and clears his throat. “If you’d follow me?”
“Why do you sound so formal right now?”
He keeps his back very straight. The Leo I know is a smirking gangster. He’s on the young side, late twenties, and good looking. “Got to be professional and shit.”
“You’re doing a great job.”
