Page 65 of Crazed

"What are you doing?" I ask.

"Smelling you."

I smirk. "Good thing for your nose that I just showered." I take a sip of the latte. "Mmm. Perfect."

He beams. "I'm glad I had them add the machine at the last minute." He shovels a forkful of eggs into his mouth.

I pick up a piece of bacon and take a bite. We chew in silence for several minutes until his phone buzzes.

He glances at the screen and groans.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Nothing. Just work crap I need to take care of today." He clenches his jaw.

"Anything exciting?" I question.

"Normal stuff."

"What does normal stuff mean?" I press.

He puts his fork down and wipes his mouth with the napkin. He turns in the chair, studying me.

I nervously mutter, "What?"

He takes a deep, calculated breath. "Katiya, what do you know about my family?"

I lock eyes with him, don't hesitate, and answer honestly. "I know you're a well-known crime family. That's about it. You've always shied away from telling me what you do all day."

His face stays neutral. He declares, "It's for your protection."

I shift in my seat. "I'm a big girl. And I know how to keep secrets."

His stare-down continues until his phone vibrates again. He glances at it, types something, then tosses his phone on the table.

I've been good about not prying until he trusts me. Now that we're living together, I assume we have it. My heart thumps harder against my chest cavity, and I take a risk, asking, "Will you tell me what you do? Like, what's your job for the family? All you've ever told me is you're a businessman."

Minutes pass. The pounding of my pulse between my ears grows louder. His scrutinizing gaze doesn't falter.

I pick up my latte and take a sip, casually adding, "It's okay. You don't have to tell me."

He sighs then picks up my hand, caressing his thumb over mine. Another silent moment passes, and then he states, "I'm going to tell you some basics. Whatever we discuss is between us."

My chest tightens. I nod, cringing inside since anything he tells me might go back to Leo. I lie, "You have my word. Nothing you tell me will ever leave this room."

He tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear, confessing, "I've never told any woman anything about my business."

My guilt eats deeper into me, creating a hole in my stomach.

He takes a mouthful of his latte then taps his fingers on the mug. "So, I am a businessman. I own different businesses."

"Such as?"

He taps the mug faster. "The club, obviously, but some restaurants, too. I also own gyms, construction firms, gas stations, rental properties, and shipping vessels, to name a few."

I gape at him. I only knew what Leo told me, which was that Massimo was involved in jewelry. I clear my throat then compliment, "That's amazing! What business is your favorite?"

His eyes gleam. He replies, "None of the above."

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