Page 14 of Lorenzo & Lily

Chapter Three

Dressedin a suit with no tie, Lorenzo made it to his official office, which was tucked at the back of the upscale conference center. He had a ‘home’ office in his rooms, but many of his meetings were held here, even the ones with his family.

“Captain,” his executive assistant and admin, Michael Rio, greeted him. Rio was another soldier that had come through the MARC, and Lorenzo had hired him after his last assistant had moved.

He took in the shadows under Rio’s eyes. “Rio. What time did you get in today?”

Rio blinked. “My usual time, around six. Did you need me earlier?”

“No. I’m concerned because you were here until about eight last night. Am I working you too hard?”

“No, of course not, Captain. I really enjoy my work.”

“I didn’t ask if you enjoyed your work, I asked if you had too much of it.”

“Sir, your brothers and Agent Bashiera are waiting for you.”

“You’re changing the subject, and just this once I’ll let you. But we’re not done. Also, he’s not an agent anymore.”

The corner of Rio’s mouth tipped up. “He told me differently.”

“I bet he did,” Lorenzo muttered.

“How should I address him?”

“You can call him an asshole, like I do.” His eyes flicked to Eddie, who’d just stepped into his line of sight.

Rio grinned, but said in a warning voice, “Captain.”

Lorenzo sighed. “Have some coffee and my morning shake sent over, will you?”

“Any breakfast today?”

His gut was too wound up for food. “Not today.”

“For your guests?”

“They don’t get any, either.”

Eddie stepped closer. “I wouldn’t mind a pastry.”

“Then go out and get one your own damn self. We’ve got work to do.”

“I’ll take care of it, Mr. Bashiera,” Rio said.

Lorenzo narrowed his eyes on Rio. “You do remember who you work for, don’t you?”

“Well, Captain, while you are my supervisor, I’m technically employed through the conference center, which is run by a board of directors, and your brothers sit on that board, so it would be in my best interest to assist them however I can.”

Lorenzo’s lips thinned, not in annoyance but in an effort to keep from smiling. “Thanks for reminding me why I should start searching for a new assistant.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t do that, Cap. You love me.”

“Not today I don’t.”

Rio put a hand over his heart. “You’re breaking my heart, Cap.”

Lorenzo shook his head smiling. “Get my shake, would you?”

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