Page 50 of Pietro
Well, I'm watching. And I don't like what I see.
I dial Liam's number.
"Sir?" he answers on the first ring.
"Cancel all my meetings tonight."
"May I ask why?"
"I'm having dinner at Osteria Langhe."
A pause. "The Italian place on Armitage?"
"The very one."
I toss the phone on the desk.
NORA
I take my time getting ready, selecting a deep burgundy dress that hugs my curves without being too obvious about it. The neckline is modest but flattering, and the hem falls just above my knees. Professional enough for a work colleague, but nice enough for dinner.
I know Josh will report every detail back to Pietro. The thought makes me smile as I apply a touch of lipstick in a shade that matches my dress. Let Pietro stew in whatever this is between us. I'm not his possession.
Truth is, I'm looking forward to talking with Mark. In Boston, I never had the chance to just be a woman having dinner with a nice man or just a male friend. I was always Connor O'Sullivan's daughter, always being paraded in front of potential allies, always Declan's fiancée.
Mark doesn't know anything about my past. He just sees me as Nora Kelly, the competent secretary who laughed at his accounting jokes.
I slip on my heels and grab a small clutch, checking my reflection one last time. I ordered everything online for tonight and thankfully had arrived this morning. My hair falls in loose waves around my shoulders.
As I step into the hallway, I nearly collide with Vittoria coming from the opposite direction.
"Oh!" She steps back, her eyes widening as she takes in my appearance. "Wow, Nora. You look stunning."
"Thank you." The compliment feels genuine, warming something inside me. I haven't had much chance to spend time with Vittoria or anyone else in the house. Pietro keeps me busy, and when we're not working, I've been keeping to myself.
I notice her eyes are rimmed with red, and there's a slight puffiness to her face.
"Vittoria, is everything okay?" I ask, stepping closer.
She attempts a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "I'm fine."
"You don't look fine." I keep my voice gentle. "You look like you've been crying."
Vittoria's shoulders slump slightly. "That obvious, huh?" She glances down the hallway. "It's nothing. Just... family stuff."
I hesitate, not wanting to pry but feeling a genuine concern for this young woman who's been nothing but kind to me. "I know we don't know each other well, but if you ever want to talk, I'm here."
Something vulnerable flashes across her face. "Thank you. That's... that's really nice of you."
"I mean it." I touch her arm lightly. "Sometimes it's easier to talk to someone who's not directly involved."
Vittoria nods, a real smile finally appearing. "I might take you up on that. Thanks, Nora." She gestures toward my dress. "You heading out?"
"Just dinner with a colleague."
"Well, have fun. You deserve a night out." She turns toward her room, then pauses. "And Nora? Thanks again."
I watch her disappear into her room before continuing down the grand staircase. Josh waits by the front door, his expression carefully neutral as he opens it for me.
