Page 83 of Empire of Temptation

I was surprised. I hadn’t expected him to pick up on any of this, but it was a good idea. He could watch over Valentina when I wasn’t around, as well as keep an eye out for Segreto.

And hadn’t I told Valentina there was no shame in accepting help?

My anger dissipated and a flare of pride welled up in my chest. “You’re right. This is smart. Thank you.”

The edge of his mouth curled like he was fighting a smile. “So you’ll fill me in later?”

“Yes, I will. Nice work, figlio.”

The kitchen door swung open and a very pale Roberto entered the dining room. He came straight over. “Signore DiMarco. Welcome back.”

I put my hand on his shoulder. “Look after him, capisce?”

“Mi dispiace, signore,” he said quietly. “He asked and I didn’t know what to tell him.”

“It’s okay. He’s here to keep an eye on things for me. Treat him as you’d treat me.”

A small, curvy body wedged between me and the manager, forcing distance between us. “Roberto, don’t listen to Luca. We’re happy to have Gabi on staff.”

She pulled me away and I didn’t resist. Finally, she maneuvered me into a small area away from the dining room. “Will you quit it?” Her fingers smoothed my tie. “You’re overreacting.”

“How so?”

“Scowling at everyone and scaring poor Gabi. Don’t ruin our perfect day. If Gabi wants to work here, then let him.”

“Okay.”

Her gaze cut to mine abruptly. “Okay?”

“That is what I just said, no?”

She hooked her fingers into the waistband of my trousers, under my belt. “You are being very agreeable today.”

I dragged Valentina to my chest, then put my nose in her hair and inhaled, letting the flowery scent roll through me. “Thank you for coming with me to the city. I hope you had a nice time.”

“I did. Thank you for taking me.” She snuggled into my body, her arms winding around my neck. She tilted her head and kissed my chin. “Are you coming for the opening tomorrow?”

“Of course. We will have dinner together.”

“Luca!” Moving away, she frowned at me. “I can’t sit down for dinner during the reopening. I’ll be too busy.”

“No,Robertowill be busy. You will be having dinner with me.”

Valentina threw her hands up, her expression filled with exasperation. “Ugh! You’re the worst. Get out of here. I have things to do.”

She turned to walk away, but I grabbed her waist and pulled her back against my chest. I ground my hips into her ass, letting her feel me, then I put my mouth to her ear. “You will come to me when you finish tonight. Capisce?”

She swayed, then softened, almost letting me support her weight. “Okay.”

“Va bene, piccolina.” I let her go, then slapped her ass. “Go and do your things.”

I watched her hurry away, enjoying the view of her body in the skirt and heels she wore. Fuck, she was hot. I couldn’t wait to bury my dick inside her again.

Once I was back in the car, I asked Aldo, “Did you know Gabriele went to the trattoria for a job?”

His eyes flew to mine in the mirror. “No! He did?”

My mobile buzzed, so I took it out of my pocket. “He wants to be our eyes and ears inside the restaurant.” Glancing down, I saw the call was an unknown number. Not unusual in my world, so I hit the button to accept. “Pronto.”

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