“Because it’s you, Andrea.” Ezra drops his hands to her shoulders and shakes her lightly. “I don’t care what happens to me as long as you’re okay. Charlie approved of this plan, for your information.”
“Then both you and Charlie are a pair of id–”
“That is quite enough, Andrea,” Alex interrupts, getting to his feet. “We’re here already. It’s done. I’m sure your fiancé would do everything in his power to make sure none of us get hurt.”
“Of course,” I say smoothly, also getting to my feet. “As long as you’re sure his face wasn’t detected.”
“I’m not a rookie, Massimo. I made sure no one would recognize me.”
“Can we talk to Andrea in private? I’m sure you can understand we still have some reservations.” Alex says.
I glance at Andrea who nods at me. “Of course.” I stretch my hands to her, and she comes to me immediately. I place my hand on the small of her back as I rub my face against her cheek. I murmur, “Get rid of them quickly, or will.”
Her hands come up to my shoulders and she digs her nails into my flesh, “Of course, darling.”
I chuckle, dropping a chaste kiss to her cheek. I nod at the men watching us and exit the study. I enter the nearest bedroom and unlock my phone to watch them. Of course, there’s a camera in my study. I wouldn’t have left them alone otherwise.
“This is unlike you, Andie. How do you expect us to believe you when you’re acting this way? Tell us the truth now while he’s gone, and we’ll find a way to get you out of here,” Ezra says urgently.
“What Ezra is saying,” Alex starts dryly. “Is that you’ve always been logical so we all knew what to expect. This is out of character for you, Andrea. You made it very clear all those years ago that you wanted no part in a life of crime; no amount of money or success was worth the cost to your soul. So, forgive us for being confused when you’re suddenly head over heels for the most notorious mafia boss in all of New England. If you’re in trouble, you have to tell us; we’ll get you out of it, no matter the cost.”
“Ugh, I don’t know how else to get through to you two.” Andrea starts to pace back and forth. “You’re both in love, you know how it feels. Can you be logical when it comes to your partners?”
“Andie,”
She interrupts Ezra with a laugh. “And you don’t really know Hudson if you think he can’t hear everything we’re saying. I promise you he’s watching us right now.”
I chuckle. Damn right, baby.
“Is that why you’re hesitating to talk to us?” Alex asks.
“No, I just want you to know you’re making terrible impressions on a man who’s going to be in our family for years to come,” she answers. She doesn’t even know how true that statement is.
“Let’s go, Ezra. As you can see, she doesn’t need rescuing.” Alex adjusts his cuffs, and I lock my phone. I’ve seen enough. Time to go get my girl.
CHAPTER 27
HUDSON
Ever since her brothers left a few days ago, Andrea has been a little grumpy. I realized seeing her family might be making her a little homesick. I tried to distract her by offering to give her a tour of the mansion this morning, which she refused.
“Where is Andrea?” I ask Eli as I walk into the house later that evening.
“Diane just finished giving her a tour of the house, so she should be in your bedroom. Or the kitchen with Diane,” he answers. So she agreed to a tour with Diane? Is she avoiding me?
I sigh as I take the steps two at a time to get to our bedroom, but she isn’t there. I tug at my tie on my way to the closet. It’s like I take a step toward her and she takes several back. Quite frankly, it’s annoying, and I’m starting to get impatient. So what, I kidnapped her. She has been allowed to roam the house since her third day here, hasn’t she? And as my fiancée, she is well fed and respected by everyone here. How long does she plan to hold on to this grudge of hers?
I swiftly take off my suit and make my way to the ensuite naked. I’ve missed the powerful jet spray in my bathroom. The shower in the guest bedroom I’ve been staying in just isn’t that pleasurable. I turn my head up so the water hits my face. I catch sight of her body wash. I pick up the deep blue bottle and pour a little into my palm. The citrus smell immediately permeates the enclosed shower; my cock stiffens, identifying the scent with Andrea. I glance at the bathroom door. Did I lock it? So what if I didn’t. Honestly, I hope she walks in.
I return the bottle to the shelf and bring my soapy hand down to my cock. I shouldn’t, but I’ve been in a constant state of arousal ever since I met her. I’ve always held myself to a standard of rigid control, but I’m unable to resist the release. I let out a quiet grunt as sexual pleasure courses through me.
The sound of the bedroom door being opened snaps me out of it. It’s quiet, as are the footsteps walking into the room. I’ve trained myself to be hyper aware of my surroundings: it’s the only way I’ve kept my head attached to my neck this long. I let go of my cock with not a small amount of regret and leisurely rinse my body, hoping she’ll peep in, but she doesn’t. When my body is clean enough, I get out of the shower and wrap a towel around my waist.
“Why are you showering here?” Andrea is standing next to the fireplace, her arms folded tightly over each other as I exit the bathroom. Her gaze stays on mine for a few seconds, but then it dips to my chest…to my cock tenting the towel. It flies back to my eyes just as quickly, her face turning a deep crimson.
“You have the sunset on your face, pet. Just what are you thinking about?” I tease and walk to her. She immediately spins away and makes a beeline for the door. “Stop. Don’t go. I’ll get dressed in the closet. We need to talk.” That stops her in her tracks.
I sigh as I walk into my closet, putting on casual pants and a shirt for her benefit. When I go back into the bedroom, she’s perched on the edge of the armchair with a frown on her face.