“I’m Serafina Moretti, Nico Costa’s ex-wife,” she said and I must have paled because she laughed softly, “Don’t worry Tristan saved me from him.”
“I’m… not… um… well versed in certain… industries of the city, so forgive me if I’m being forward here. Is Nico as bad as people say he is?”
“Worse actually.” Sera gave me a genuine smile but I saw her eyes darken slightly and I swallowed.
“Okay.”
“The Firm and the Teresi family have had a long-standing alliance, often utilizing each other since the businesses align so well. My three are here to talk about an actual business project, so no worries.”
I nodded and quickly changed the subject to books, which I felt was a much safer subject. I discovered she liked reading dark romance books because they helped her deal with the own trauma she experienced in her own life. Seeing the amusement in Sera’s eyes when she talked about a why choose book, I couldn’t help but notice the way she talked about the three men in the kitchen and I wondered if she was the main character of her own why choose romance.
After about an hour, the four people left the apartment when Liam escorted them out. I made my way back to the kitchen to raid the fridge and pour myself more coffee. Liam came walking in as I put together a bowl of fruit, yogurt, and granola.
“Sorry about that, they are doing some work for me,” Liam said.
“Sera told me.” I blinked at him but then turned back to my food on the counter.
“Hannah, we need to discuss everything that's happened with my family since California.”
“There is nothing I want to hear. How long are you keeping me here?”
“I’ll keep you here until it’s safe.” Liam crossed his arms over his chest.
“That’s not an answer. I have a job and a life. I haven’t lived separately from Ashley since high school. This isn’t a long-term option.”
“Until I know that Salvatore or any of his little soldiers can’t get their hands on you, you are stuck with me.”
“Fuck you, Liam.” I tossed my spoon in the bowl and stood at the counter.
“Please, Hannah.” Heat pooled in me as his eyes roamed over me, but I narrowed my eyes on him, refusing to move at all.
We stood there glaring at each other for several minutes before Liam sighed and ran his hand through his hair, “I have a family dinner tonight. You’re coming with.”
“No, I am not.”
“Yes you are, I’m not leaving you alone right now. Don’t argue, be ready by five. I have some work to do,” Liam walked away, then I heard the door to his office slam shut.
I sat back down on my stool and continued eating my breakfast. Liam was going to be overprotective of me and I hated that. I was completely capable of handling myself, even if Liam didn’t realize that yet. My phone went off with a number I didn’t recognize.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Hannah, it’s Declan, sorry I’m calling you outside work hours.”
“It’s fine, what’s going on?”
“I’m calling to let you know that your work from home request has been approved for the foreseeable future. You can come in for the monthly meetings.”
“Work from home request? I never…” I started.
“Your safety is our priority Hannah. Work from home for now. I’m having everything you need sent to you for video calls with your team,” Declan said, and I bit my cheek hard enough I tasted blood.
“Thank you, Declan,” I said after a long pause to compose myself.
“No problem, Hannah. We’ll talk on Monday.”
“I’m sure we will.”
Chapter 43