Page 91 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 2

“What’s the matter? You look like you’re not feeling well.”

“Something’s wrong. Gio didn’t answer my call even after he told me he needed me. Do you mind calling his building and have someone check on him, then call me back. I’m going to keep trying him and head there now.”

“Of course, I can. I’ll be in touch,” Muriel said.

I dashed into the elevator and rang Lee, Gio’s driver. He answered on the first ring. “Mrs. Myers-Falco, do I need to pull the car around?”

“Yes, I’m sorry Lee. We need to go back to Gio’s apartment asap. Please pick me up out front. And hurry.” I demanded. Something felt wrong.

I pulled up Gio’s text and responded.

To: Husband

I’m on my way. Are you okay? I tried to call but you didn’t answer.

The door on the elevator opened and I ran through the lobby of the building as fast as my tight skirt and heels would allow. Many people looked at me, but the security knew me well, so I waved and smiled at them to ensure they didn’t follow me.

Luckily, by the time I reached the street, Lee was pulling the limo up to the curb. I jumped into the front seat, much to Lee’s surprise.

“Something doesn’t feel right. I’m going to need you to follow me into Gio’s apartment to ensure he’s okay. You act as security detail for him, when necessary, right?” I was panting, my breath sawing in and out of my lungs as I tried to calm down.

“I’d do anything for Gio, and that loyalty extends to his wife. Whatever you need, I’m here.”

I smiled, reached out and squeezed his forearm. “Thank you. I have no idea what we’ll see when we get there. I might be making a mountain out of a molehill, and he could be surprising me with something, but the way he texted me to hurry back to his apartment and then wasn’t available for a call is strange. I know with his money and influence he is targeted by whackos, and I would rather be safe than sorry.”

“Agreed, Mrs. Myers-Falco.”

“You know you can call me, Julianne, or Jules. We’re going to be seeing a lot more of one another now that Gio and I are married.” I smiled.

“Of course. Will do, Julianne,” he murmured and sped off toward Gio’s building.

My phone rang, and I hoped with my entire heart that it was Gio, but it was Muriel.

“Muriel, what did you find out?”

“The front desk said thatMrs. Falcohad called down and requested they not be disturbed.”

“What! But I’m Mrs. Falco,” I breathed, fury infusing every one of my pores.

“That is what I told them, and they said I was lying because they’ve seen Bianca Falco many times and knew her voice well. They thought I was playing a prank on them, if you can believe it!” Muriel sounded pissed, but nowhere near the level of anger that was brewing within my gut.

“I’ll fucking kill her,” I snapped.

“Please don’t get hurt. Gio would want you to be as far away from danger as possible. If that woman is up to no good, I fear for your safety.”

“Don’t you worry about me, Muriel. I’ve got Lee as backup,” I glanced at Lee as he swerved around a taxi and pulled up to the loading zone in front of Gio’s apartment building. He was out of the limo in a flash.

“I’ll call,” I blurted and jumped out of the car.

Lee was at my side, a hand to my lower back, leading me into the building. I walked straight to the penthouse level elevators and pressed the button.

“Excuse me, Miss. You have to be approved to go up there,” someone called out.

Lee turned around and raised a hand between me and the front desk person who approached. I hadn’t been to Gio’s building in so long, I didn’t know any of the staff.

“Mr. Falco asked me to bring uphis wife,” Lee stated.

The front door man shook his head. “No, I talked to his wife, Bianca, earlier. She said they were not to be disturbed by anyone.”

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