Page 21 of The Bonventi Rise
"I don't know what you mean."
"Yes, you do," I say and lean forward. "I'm starting to think you just want me to say how perfect you are for the job and how I think you're the best and so on because you like hearing it."
She thinks for a moment and then shrugs. "Fair enough. But in my defense, it was a valid question not to mention what girl doesn’t like receiving compliments?"
I take a sip of my wine and smile. "No, it wasn’t and I prefer to give them in a more intimate setting."
She gives me a look but doesn't respond.
The waiter comes and delivers our food, breaking the tension.
"So when do we announce?" she asks, unfolding her napkin.
"Story will come out tomorrow, so day after," I say and pick up my fork. "Between then and now, I still need to show you the main office and introduce you to a few of your staff."
"Wow, you're really on top of all this," she says and takes a bite of her food.
"I told you—I don't plan on losing. Now, let's enjoy dinner. Afterwards, we can swing by the new campaign headquarters."
13
ALINA
Istep into the bustling campaign office, my heart pounding as I take in the transformed space. The first night I was here, it was just Marco showing me around an empty space. The following day, it was more upbeat as I was introduced to some of my staff.
At first, I was a little ticked off that Marco would hire positions I normally fill when managing a campaign, but the people he picked were all enthusiastic college students and pretty great. So after our little welcome pizza party, I didn't mind.
And today, well, today we're in full kick-off mode.
Red, white, and blue banners drape across the walls, and a sleek podium stands at the center, ready for Marco's big moment. The air is buzzing with excitement and nervous energy.
Reporters wander about, their voices a low hum as they set up equipment and edge each other for prime positions. I catch snippets of their conversations, my name and Marco's peppered throughout. My stomach churns.
"You ready for this, boss?" Sarah asks. One of our junior staffers appears at my elbow with a tablet in hand.
I force a smile. "As ready as I'll ever be."
She nods, oblivious to the turmoil inside me, and hurries off to coordinate with the tech team. I smooth down my dress, and the engagement ring on my finger feels like a weight. I haven't taken it off since Marco put it there. I tell myself it's because I want to get used to the size and wearing something on my left hand.
"Firefly."
Marco's voice, low and commanding, cuts through the chatter. I turn to find him walking toward me, looking every inch the polished politician in his tailored suit.
He looks… wow, I think as my pulse quickens.
"There are some people I want you to meet," he says, placing a hand on the small of my back. Even through my blouse, I can feel the warmth of his touch.
He guides me away from the others and toward a corner of the room where three figures stand. As we approach, I feel their eyes on me.
"Alina, I'd like you to meet my brothers, Gio and Enzo," Marco says, gesturing to two men who could only be cut from the same cloth as him. "And this is Enzo's wife, Livia."
Gio is all hard edges, broad shoulders, and a muscular frame that's solid as stone. He's about the same height as Marco and carrying the same intense gaze. When we make eye contact, he gives me a curt nod.
Enzo, taller and leaner, offers a genuine smile with very pretty blue eyes. There's a commanding quality to him, like when he speaks, you listen. But it's Livia who captures my attention. She's beautiful and composed, with an air of confidence that surrounds her.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you all," I say, looking at the three of them. "Marco's told me so much about you."
He hasn't really, so I can see the political side of me is starting to appear.
