Page 47 of Pietro
Liam holds my gaze for one more second before turning and walking away, his message delivered without a word:I see you, and Pietro will know.
I turn back to Mark, who's waiting expectantly for my answer. His normal life and kind smile suddenly seem like a lifeline—a reminder that not every man is dangerous, not every relationship is a power struggle.
"I'll think about it," I tell him, surprising myself. "Things are... complicated right now."
Mark's face brightens. "I can work with 'I'll think about it.' Way better than 'get lost.'"
As he launches into a story about his weekend hiking trip, I nod and smile in all the right places, but my mind keeps drifting to Liam's watchful eyes and what he'll tell Pietro.
I finish my sandwich and gather my things, feeling Mark's hopeful gaze on me.
"I should get back," I say, standing up. "Thanks for the company."
Mark's smile reaches his eyes. "Same time tomorrow?"
"Maybe," I answer noncommittally, though part of me likes the idea of something predictable and safe in my chaotic life.
I make my way back to the executive floor. The elevator doors open, and I step into the quiet hallway, the plush carpet muffling my footsteps.
I've barely settled at my desk when Pietro's voice thunders from his office.
"Nora! In here. Now."
My spine stiffens at his tone. I take a deep breath, smooth my skirt, and walk into his office with my head high.
Pietro stands behind his desk, hands planted on the surface, leaning forward like a predator. His dark eyes flash with something that looks suspiciously like jealousy.
"Close the door," he orders.
I do, crossing my arms as I face him. "You bellowed?"
"From now on, you'll eat lunch in the kitchen on this floor."
I blink, caught off guard. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. The executive kitchen is fully stocked. Giulia sends meals. There's no need for you to go downstairs."
"Are you dictating where I can eat my lunch now?"
"It's a security issue," he says flatly.
"Bullshit." The word slips out before I can stop it.
Pietro's eyes narrow. He rounds the desk in three long strides, invading my space until my back hits the glass wall behind me. He plants one hand on the window beside my head, effectively caging me in with his body.
"What was that?" His voice drops dangerously low.
I lift my chin, refusing to be intimidated. "I said bullshit. The dining room is inside your building, surrounded by your security. This isn't about safety."
His face hovers inches from mine, his breath warm against my skin. "Why do you need to eat with them? With him?"
So Liam did report back. Of course he did.
"Maybe I want to socialize with normal people," I say, keeping my voice steady despite our proximity. "Maybe I'd like to have a friend in this city."
"Friend?" Pietro practically spits the word. "Is that what you call it?"
"What would you call it?" I challenge, my heart racing. "Since you've been avoiding me for days, I figured I'd find company elsewhere."
