Page 34 of Sweet Deception

The sounds of a struggle outside the office tells me Gio's fighting to get in here. "Gio, I'm fine. Go back to eating." I'd already set a code word with him and since I didn't use it, the struggling noises stop and Rome's men file back out of the room.

I hang my head and sigh.

"Please, Luca. Sit. I don't want trouble between us. I understand why you don't want in and I respect that. But youarefamily. I'm not my father and I won't turn a blind eye like he did. I want better for all of us. You've seen the changes I've made. Trust in that."

I lift my head to look at him. He waits patiently while I battle with my self control. "Fine." I move to sit back down. "What's the plan? And don't think for a moment the plant is Kylie. I'd stake my life on it." Even if she is, I wouldn't allow any harm to come to her.

"No, she's not. I had a background check on her and I know why she signed for the service. She's not a suspect anymore." He smiles at me. "You got a good one. You keeping her?"

I growl. "We are not talking about Kylie anymore. Since you know she isn't the plant, do you have any ideas who it is? I'm struggling with this, because I vet my people extensively and regularly to keep an eye on things."

Rome nods. "I've always thought you had a brilliant head for business. Whoever is doing this is staying low key right now. All I've got are some rumblings, so you need to continue as normal so they aren't tipped off. I'll call you when I know more. But Cousin, when I find the mole, I'm taking them. You won't be getting your hands dirty on this."

I grit my teeth, but seeing the logic of it, I nod.

"Good." He stands and grins at me. "Come on, let's go have some of mama's tiramisu before Gio eats it all. After, we can create a plan to catch this asshole."

Chapter fifteen

Kylie

Iwish I thought to ask Luca what we’re doing today so I could dress accordingly. I keep waffling between a dress or something more casual.

After showering and doing my hair and makeup, I've only gotten as far as putting on my underwear. Each time I think an outfit will do, I try it on and look at myself in the mirror before deciding it won't work. That started an hour ago.

I've never been that girl. My lip curls in disgust.

"Make a decision, Kylie." I huff.

Putting my hands on my hips, I survey my surroundings. It's a total disaster, with clothes covering every inch of my small bedroom.

Frustrated, I grab my beige plaid dress pants that are flung over my nightstand. Depending on the top, it can tow the line between business and casual. I love these pants. They're comfortable and I wear them to school with a T-shirt probably more times than I should.

My lack of wardrobe never bothered me before, so why does it now?

As I slip them on, I scan the room, looking for the right top, when I find a cream sweater peeking out from under a pile on the floor by the closet.

"That will do." I decide as I button my pants.

As I'm slipping the sweater on, there's a knock at my door.

And just like that, my heart ratepicks up.

Luca will not want to wait for sex anymore. A few days ago, I would've been terrified of the thought. Now? I think I might want him just as much.

There's still twinges of guilt for why we're together, but I can admit if he'd approached me that first day and asked me for a date, I would've said yes. I would've been terrified, but still I would've said yes and I'd still be here, trying to decide what to wear while I waited for him to pick me up. It's the reason I've been able to stick my head in the sand about being an actual sugar baby.

Grabbing a pair of small gold earrings and my purse, I head to the door while sticking the purse under my arm. Another knock echoes as I work at putting my earrings on.

"I'm coming!"

As I pick up speed, the purse slips from under my arm, causing me to trip over the darn thing. I stop to focus on latching the second earring while blowing out a breath to push my hair out of my eyes. Once done, I straighten and adjust my sweater before remembering the purse on the floor. I grab it, put the strap over my shoulder, and straighten my sweater again. Then I take a deep breath and plaster a smile on my face before swinging the door open.

"Oh." My smile drops when I find Joanna there instead of Luca.

"Hey, Kylie." She gives me a once over before nodding. "Nice. I approve."

I look down at my outfit, dumbstruck. "Thanks …"

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