Page 20 of The Hitman's Rose

Chapter Ten

Ademaro

“I understand,” she whispers.

Rosaline looks terrified. The color in her face has drained and she looks like she might cry. I hate seeing her so worked up; however, a week is a lot less time than I prefer. For international jobs, I’d prefer to have a month-long alibi. At least that’s how I thought before Rosaline walked into my life.

I’m becoming a softy.

“But, before he leaves, you two have my permission to go on a date,” Giovanni drops the biggest bomb of the century down on us. My head whips in his direction.

“What?” Rosaline gasps. The same question is on my mind; however, he’s the boss so I can’t question him. But I damn sure am thinking it.

“I can tell there’s something between you,” Giovanni chuckles and squeezes her hand. His eyes land on me. “Take Rosaline to the Piccolo Paradiso.”

Piccolo Paradiso–Little Heaven– is a small house on the property. It’s where all of Giovanni’s V.I.P. guests stay, when they come to visit. I personally had never stayed there. I’ve only visited there a handful of times with Giovanni.

It’s a weird place for him to suggest for Rosaline and I to have a date. He probably figures that’s the safest place for a date. A place to keep us some distance but still under his watchful eye.

“Yes, Boss,” I nod.

“Guards will be posted outside but no one inside and no cameras on,” he continues.

His words come as one hell of a surprise. No guards or cameras? This is nothing like Giovanni’s normal behavior. He’s the type of man to have a guard watch a guard… and he has. I’ve been sent on countless missions to watch his men from the shadows and report back.

“No guards?” Rosaline asks faintly. Her head cocks slightly to the side as she stares at him in disbelief. Giovanni chuckles and faces her.

“No guards,” he shakes his head. “You will have my best man inside with you so there’s no need for a guard.”

“And… No cameras either?” Giovanni rolls his eyes and laughs at her question.

“I trust Ademaro,” he smiles at Rosaline then stares at me. His look is the kind of look that would set any man in his place. Boss or not.

“Capisco, Capo.”I understand, Boss.I say it without him even needing to give me the order.

“Sono felice che tu capisca,” he says firmly.I’m glad you understand.

“Signore Tacchelli, are you mad at Ademaro?” Rosaline whispers. Giovanni and I both quickly look at her.

“What? Of course not,” Giovanni smiles. “Why would you think I was mad?”

“You sound… um… really angry,” she replies.

“Did I sound angry, Ademaro?” It’s as though he needs me to cosign that he’s playing nicely.

“Not at all, Boss,” I shake my head.

“Real convincing.” Giovanni rolls his eyes and groans. Rosaline puts her hand over mouth and tries to hide her beautiful smile.

“Are you laughing at my expense, Rosaline?” Giovanni faces her and raises an eyebrow. He clutches his chest. “You’re breaking my heart.”

“I’d never dream of doing such a thing,” she teases.

“Uh huh. I see that you both are giving me a hard time today,” Giovanni smirks and shakes his head.

“Never, Boss.”

“Yeah. Yeah,” he chuckles and stands up. “You two kids have fun. Ademaro, come see me in the morning at eight.”

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