Page 88 of Remy

I stop dead in my tracks at what looks to be an impromptu staff meeting in the reception area. Everyone turns to face me—Dad, Ivy, Allison, and a suit-clad man with warm brown skin, eyes dark as night, and a relaxed, carefree energy deceptive enough to momentarily make me forget he must be the one who’s here to watch me on behalf of the mafia.

“Where the hell have you been?” Ivy gapes. “Alexandra’s service starts in less than ninety minutes.”

“It’s okay.” Dad holds up a placating hand, his skin pale, his hair styled to cover whatever is left of his forehead injury. “We’ve got it under control.”

Allison grimaces. “Now we do. It didn’t feel that way when Hugo came storming in.”

“Hugo was here?” I walk farther inside, letting the door fall shut behind me.

“Don’t worry. I spoke to him.” Dad turns to the group. “Liv, come meet our newest employee.”

It takes a conscious effort to drag my feet to my father’s side as I pray my novice acting skills will see me through this mess. “New employee?” I assume ignorance is the best way to play this. “You found someone to replace Hugo already?”

“I did.” Dad beams. “This is Wesley Robinson.”

The clean-cut man steps forward to offer his hand. “Olivia.” He eyes me with deceptive warmth, just like Lorenzo did. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” I force out, sliding my palm over his. “I hope you’re ready to hit the ground running. Today is one hell of a day to be introduced to the team.”

“So I’ve heard.” He inclines his head. “But don’t worry. I’m here to do whatever’s necessary.”

I withdraw my hand, a chill sweeping through me at the subtle threat.

“Given our added duties today, we need to get back to work.” Dad turns to Ivy. “Until we have time to go through day-to-day tasks, Wesley can help you with whatever has to be done.”

“Sure.” Ivy gives Wesley a flirty smile. “I’ll keep him busy.”

Jesus Christ. Not him, too. She really needs to start checking for red flags before gaining interest in a man.

“We’ll be setting up the chapel if you need us.” Ivy guides him toward the hall leading to the front of the building.

Allison walks around her desk to claim her chair.

My father starts for his office.

I’m stuck wading in existential dread. “Dad, wait.” I follow him, entering his office and gently closing the door behind us.

As soon as we’re alone, I want to crumple. The need only increases when he levels me with more remorse than what he’d shared in the hospital.

“I’m so sorry, Liv.”

I stumble the few feet of space between us and wrap my arms around him. Cling tight. Breathe him deep.

He returns the hug with equal desperation. “Are you okay?”

I nod. “Are you?” I pull back, meeting his gaze.

“Yes, fragolina.” He forces a smile. “I’m perfectly fine. There’s no need to worry.”

“You’re so pale.”

“Chemo hit a little harder this time.” He offers a final squeeze before retreating. “And the fall didn’t help. But I’m good. I promise. You don’t need to worry.”

Worry is all there is. All that exists. It’s now my entire personality.

“Ivy’s right, though.” He rounds his desk to sit in his plush cream leather seat. “You’re not looking your best. You didn’t even braid your hair.”

I slump into the armchair opposite him. “I didn’t even do my hair. This morning got a bit hectic.”

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