Page 31 of Milo

"Do you know the saying; curiosity killed the cat? It might be an overused adage, but it holds some merit, don't you think?"

I roll my eyes as the car rounds a corner and pulls into a driveway surrounded by lush greenery and spurting fountains.

"Holy shit…” I peer out of the window, my gaze traveling up the length of the stone-arched white Hotel; mystique and grandeur captured in all the fine details of the design. An attendant opens the door for me and I step out, the warm autumn sun soaking into my skin. "You own this?"

"Yes,” Milo says with a casual shrug. “Come."

I twist my head toward the other SUVs. Marchello hops out of the car and immediately lights up a cigarette. He really shouldn't smoke at his age. I'm sure Luisa wouldn't want to lose her father prematurely.

"Kiara, come.” Milo taps his foot impatiently. "They will join us later."

I follow Milo through the glass doors, gripping my purse as employees greet us with polite smiles; their respect and admiration for Milo evident in their body language, the way they bow their heads as he passes like he's a king, a god.

"Don't we have to check-in?" I ask as we pause in front of the elevators.

He lets out a small chuckle, Gio and Mateo joining in. "No, we do not." He pulls out a keycard from his wallet. "The top floor is always reserved."

"Right…”

It's his palace, after all.

We ride the elevator to the thirty-first floor, my ears popping from the elevation and speed. The door opens into a lavish suite; sophisticated furniture sprawled around the room, avant-garde design in the fine details of the decor, floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city center, French doors that lead to a rooftop patio with a sunken pool in the center, a hot tub just off to the side.

Wow.

"Your room is over there.” Milo gestures down the ash-grey hallway before handing me a key card. "You have five hours to explore. I expect you to be ready at eight."

"Thanks." I slip the keycard into my wallet next to the visa card as I glance over to Mateo. "I need a few minutes to freshen up and then we can go, okay?"

"Sì," he says, keeping his expression neutral. "I will get the car."

"No, I want to walk. It's a nice day."

Mateo's eyes drift to Milo for approval.

"Whatever she wants.” Milo checks his phone, frowning. "I must go now."

"Is something wrong?" I ask, pulling items out of my purse to make it lighter.

"No.” He looks at me, expression softening. “Everything is fine. Enjoy your afternoon."

I wave his visa card in the air. "Oh, I will."

Taking two strides toward me, Milo leans down and pushes my chestnut brown hair off my shoulder. His intoxicating cologne permeates the small space between us as he whispers in my ear, "Wear something red."

"Red?"

"Yes," he smirks. "It would please me."

I toss him a sweet smile. "Of course, Mr. Di Vaio. I aim to please."

I'm wearing fucking black.

Chapter 11

Smoke and Fire

Milo glares at me as he slides into the SUV, his judgmental gaze taking in the itty-bitty scrap of luxury fabric wrapping my body, hugging all the right places. I don't say anything, instead simply flash him a small smile, my combative eyes doing all the talking for me.

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