Page 14 of Giorgio

He was also selfishly thinking that just a few seconds could ruin a person’s life. Yesterday, he was playing polo with friends atthe club and making plans for today, ones that would never be realized.

And now – now, he was mired down in despair and hopelessness. His dad’s money had ensured that this latest catastrophic incident would be kept out of the press for now.

But if she did not recover, he would be facing criminal charges and that was what was frightening him. He had spent his entire life skating through, without a care in the world. His every need and want were provided for, without him having to lift a finger.

His suite of rooms was comprised of three very large bedrooms, two and a half baths, a sitting room, a private balcony, a gym and a game room with a pool and a theater where he entertained friends, if he was in the mood.

He had household staff who picked up after him and he was careless and untidy. His closet was a work of art and was more like a department store than anything else.

He was not into wearing a lot of jewelry – an expensive smart watch and a thin gold necklace with a medium sized cross pendant which had been a gift from his mother. The thought of her caused nostalgia to course through him, the memories of her swamping him.

Chapter 4

“Coffee?”

The man nodded as he took his position at the informal dining table. Maids were busy putting the various breakfast dishes on the sideboard before leaving the room.

The room was smaller than most of the others, but no less impressive with its creamy walls and antique furnishing. Instead of the usual glittering chandelier hanging from the concave ceiling, recessed lights were hidden in the intricate pattern.

The aroma of strong Italian roast vied with that of freshly baked biscotti. The fruit was fresh, the yoghurt creamy and the jam homemade. Helping himself to the yoghurt and biscotti and jam, Dario accepted the cup of coffee with a gracious nod.

He wasn’t just the family’s counsel; he was also Alfredo’s best friend and Giorgio’s godfather. The two men had seen each other through a lot. Dario had lost his wife five years ago and his son ininfancy. The bond between the two men was stronger than that of brothers.

Bringing the coffee pot over, Alfredo pulled out a chair and poured a large cup, before starting the conversation.

“Any word?”

“I spoke to Edoardo earlier and he told me she is still unconscious, but stable.”

“I suppose that’s a good sign.”

“What do you think?” Alfredo had given him the highlight of the conversation the brother had with both Giorgio and the doctor.

“A lawyer huh?”

“Yes.”

“It could mean problem for us. The good news is, I have not heard anything indicating that he has contacted the authorities, and I am keeping a close eye on the situation.

The staff at the clinic are discreet and well paid enough to keep their mouths closed. Not to mention the fact that they signed a non-disclosure before being employed.” He buttered his biscotti. “How is Giorgio holding up?”

“What do you think?”

Dario’s thick brows lifted at the terse tone causing Alfredo to ameliorate his tone. Setting aside his cup, he rubbed his hands up and down his face wearily. “All of last night, I kept thinking how this could have been worse. And it still has the potential to be. Anything could happen.”

“We must hope for the best.”

“I wanted to reprimand him, but he looked so distraught and dazed, I did not have the heart to. He is sincerely contrite.”

“More than. He wanted to call the authorities and do the so-called right thing.”

“I still do.”

“Both men lifted their heads to stare at the topic of conversation.

Giorgio was propped up against the doorjamb, his hands shoved into the pockets of his denims. His hair was tousled and had not been brushed. His handsome face was strained, eyes bleary from lack of sleep.

“Come and have some breakfast.”

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