Page 66 of The Devil Can Be Kind

“Just kidding, Boss,” I mocked and continued up the stairs.

His deep chuckle followed me as I went.

It felt like I was seeing a different side to him…again.

Again, the lines between ruthless Mafia boss and twenty-nine-year-old relatable and extremely attractive guy were becoming blurred and I didn’t know how to stop it.

CHAPTER

THIRTEEN

ADALYN

The moment I stepped out of Jesse’s G-wagon at Diamond City Casino, I regretted leaping at Marco’s job offer. I had accepted it over the course of the weekend. I finally summoned up the courage to say yes to the management role he had offered, despite being horribly under-qualified for it. I had felt up to the challenge at the time…but staring up at the enormous sleek structure that Monday morning had me feeling nothing short of a nervous wreck, with a side of imposter-syndrome to boot.

I was about to duck and run when Jesse, sensing my unease, grabbed my arm and heaved me inside.

My anxiety was somewhat eased when we were greeted by the bright and cheerful smile of my new personal assistant, Keeley. She enthusiastically gave Jesse and I the grand tour, introducing us to staff along the way and babbling about the latest renditions to the hotel. She showed us through the various casino floors, restaurants and showed us some of the more luxurious hotel rooms too.

My office was on the same floor as the general manager’s, Jon, and although not as grand in design it was unnecessarily ginormous. Ceiling-high windows ran the entire length of one room, allowing me a view of the city beyond from the comfort of my desk. It was quiet, comfortable, and definitelyme.

I was just getting myself settled and logged into the work system when the phone on my desk rang, scaring me half to death.

“Hello?” I asked hesitantly.

“Miss Rossi, I have Don La Torre on line one for you. May I patch him through?” Keeley’s now familiar voice bled from the speaker.

My brain took an extra moment to catch up before an anxious thrill ran up my spine.

Why the hell is Marco calling me?

“Yes please, Keeley.”

I waited for the quiet click before speaking again. “You’re through to Miss Rossi, how can I help?” I toyed.

“Hello Miss Rossi, Don Marco La Torre calling. But you can call me Sir for short.” His familiar voice echoed down the phone, a lilt of humor coloring his tone.

I couldn’t help but smile.

“Is that so? How very informal of you. What can I help you with, Sir?”

I was met with a heavy silence and looked back at the screen to check we were still connected.

“I’m just checking in to see how the new job is,” Marco eventually said, though his voice sounded rougher than before.

“It’s awesome. My office is huge, my personal assistant is lovely, and I think I’m in the manager’s good books,” I enthused. “Although, the owner is a bit of an asshole I hear.” I bit back a laugh.

“Oh, is that so?” He questioned. “That’s a shame. If only there was some way to bribe yourself into his good graces…” He trailed off suggestively.

That was an interesting thought,I mused.

“Keep dreaming, sweetheart.” I quipped.

“Did you just call me sweetheart?” His voice was so incredulous, and I couldn’t stop my giggle.

Eww what am I, twelve?

“I’m glad you’re settled and enjoying the job.”

---