Page 14 of Giovanni DeLuca

Chapter Five

THE PLAN

EGYPT

The way Giovanni is looking at me right now has me wanting to squirm, but I hold my head up and put my shoulders back becausesexydoesn’t squirm.

“So, you’re the boyfriend I’ve heard almost nothing about?” Giovanni is talking to Smith but looking at me with a death glare.

Smith chuckles good naturedly, “My Egypt likes to keep her business private, so I’m not surprised she doesn’t talk much about me.”

I smile at Smith like he’s the best boyfriend ever when I really want to burst out laughing at how thick he’s laying it on. If Giovanni knew anything about my best friend, he would be able to tell he’s full of shit.

“Hmmm.” Giovanni scowls, and I know that our little charade is working.

I can’t believe the twins were actually right! Giovanni can’t hide that he’s pissed, which isn’t like him at all.Giovanni DeLuca is attracted to me!

I have to calm myself down because I don’t know for sure if he’s pissed because of Smith. But, I need to stick to the plan, and maybe it will force Giovanni to admit to wanting me. I know he doesn’t do relationships, and I’m not naïve enough to think that a leopard can change its spots, but I don’t want a relationship. At least that’s what I have to tell myself not to be disappointed.

“I see you finally decided to show up.” Carly’s snide voice breaks into the conversation.

“I didn’t realize you were watching the clock for my appearance tonight,” I say in an equally condescending tone.

I’m not at work, and even if I were, this bitch would never be any boss of mine. She better keep her slick comments to herself tonight, or she’ll find out that I’m not as subdued as she thinks I am.

“Wehad an issue earlier with the caterer and you were nowhere to be found.” Carly grabs onto Giovanni’s arm like she’s the lady of the manor, and this isherparty.

“There wasn’t an issue. I spoke to Susan already.” I dismiss her words. Carly is trying to make me look incompetent, but she should know by now she can’t. She’s been trying to sabotage me since I started working at G.C.D.

“Didn’t you say you wanted a drink, babe?” Smith caresses my arm, and I smirk at him.

“I sure did. Well, I can’t say it was a pleasure…” I smile sweetly at Carly before turning to Giovanni, “Mario will be here at eleven.”

Giovanni nods, but his face is blank as his dark eyes watch me closely.

“It was nice to meet you, Giovanni,” Smith says with a crooked grin.

“That’s Mr. DeLuca to you, Smith,” Giovanni responds like the asshole he is.

Smith chuckles, “Actually, it isDoctorRogers. You all have a good night.”

When we’re out of earshot of Giovanni and Carly, I let out the belly laugh I’ve been holding in. Smith was the perfect guy to help me.

“I can’t believe you told him to call you doctor. Did you see his face?” I giggle.

Giovanni was fit to be tied. I don’t think he’s ever had anyone talk to him like Smith just did. I’m glad I have a friend like him in my corner.

“Yeah, babe. He looked ready to kill me. You better come to my rescue if he decides to give into his jealousy.” Smith gives me a serious face before we both break out in laughter.

It might be immature to have a pretend boyfriend, but at this point, I will do anything to get Giovanni to admit there’s something between us. I’ve been quiet and patient for two years. Enough is enough. I will not work another year tied up in sexual frustration.

The night goes on, and Smith fits right in with the elite crowd tonight. It’s one more reason I’m glad that he came. I don’t usually have to mingle with these people, and although I’m not uncomfortable, I would rather be doing almost anything else. Having to fake smile and carry on senseless conversations isn’t my idea of a good time.

But at least I’m not really having to work because everything is running smoothly. I guess that’s the effect of using DeLuca resources. Everyone knows exactly who they’re dealing with and the consequences for messing up.

“Egypt, you look absolutely breathtaking.” The silver tongue devil gives me his version of a seductive smile.

“Thank you, Congressman. I’m glad to see you could make it tonight.” I give him a genuine smile because he’s always been nice to me, even if he is a hound dog.

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