Page 71 of Giovanna

Usually, I can shake off a girl who is being too keen. Communicate my disinterest in blunt terms. Get on with things. But as much as Francesca is way too keen on me, I’m just as much too keen on her.

It is more than just physical attraction and that’s saying something because every inch of her is stunning. It is her sweetness and sass, her resilience, and her exuberance. It’s the insane chemistry that crackles between us even if we are on opposite sides of a room. Even the ultra-feminine scent of her perfume is enough to drive me to distraction.

Last night when I had her in my arms on the dance floor, my brain was flooded by temptation screaming at me to take her for myself. It reminded me that Elio has treated her like shit and she deserves so much better. God, I want to be the one to give her everything she deserves.

She is probably still fuming that I sent her home with Massimo, but I had to get her out of there. The last of my defences didn’t look like they were going to hold and I couldn’t risk it.

My duty is to theFamigliafirst and foremost.

The thought of those huge brown eyes, framed with thick black lashes, looking up at anyone but me makes me fuckin’ homicidal though.

She has always looked at me like I am her hero, but now it’s that and so much more. It’s like she thinks I could prevent nuclear war, cure cancer, and make chocolate calorie-free all at once. Her beautiful open face hides nothing and it says plain as day that she would hand me her heart if only I would take it.I want to take it.

I remind myself over and over that she is marrying my brother. She is also fourteen years younger than me and I used to babysit her! A not-insignificant detail that I keep overlooking.

Demonstrating exactly how much younger than me she is, she had never even heard ofIrisby theGoo Goo Dolls. It is probably a good thing. Choosing that song was a moment of weakness.

It’s a cruel world. A cruel, cruel world. I’ve had girlfriends over the years, but I tend to end things before they get too serious. Our world is very different from the one most Aussie women live in and I’ve never met one who I thought would fit. Who would cope with the violence, and criminality, and be able to navigate the often archaic social dynamics.

It’s not that I’m afraid of settling down. I just want to do it right and I’ve always thought it would only work with a woman who already knows my world. Sadly, there isn’t an abundance of lesbians kicking around Italian mafia families. Not ones that are out of the closet anyway.

It seems beyond cruel that here is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life, who has grown up in the mafia and shows me she wants me, and my Dad is marrying her off to my little brother. Murphy’s Law. CueAlanis Morissette.

The safest thing for me to do is stay the fuck away from her. Especially when my blood alcohol level is sky-high.

The doors open on the 26th floor and I banish Francesca from my thoughts as I approach our reception desk. “Morning, Chelsea,” I croak, failing to disguise how rough I sound. “Is Elio in?”

Cheery and professional as usual, Chelsea replies that she hasn’t seen Elio since last week. She’s probably in her mid-thirties and is one of the most thoroughly pleasant people I have ever met. Marino Corp is the legal and legitimate part of our business and despite knowing what our family is famous for, Chelsea has diligently played Captain Oblivious for about four years now.

“Would you like a coffee, Giovanna?” she asks.

Looking into my empty takeaway cup I thank her, “God, yes, please. One hasn’t done the trick.”

As expected, the door to Elio’s executive suite is shut. I roll my eyes to myself as I read his name on the door above the words ‘Chief Executive’. The man hasn’t a clue about what is going on in this building. He’s here so infrequently that staff are already whispering and wondering if the company will tank now Dad has left. Never mind, I’ve been running the corporate side of theFamigliawith Dad for years now.

Even pushing the door into my own, more humble office takes far too much energy and I sink into the seat behind my desk with pathetic relief. I’d prefer to be working out of home, but it's important that I’m here if Elio isn’t.

“Here you go,” Chelsea says brightly, placing a perfectly made coffee in front of me.

“You’re a legend. Thanks, Chelsea. When Matteo gets in can you tell him to come see me please?”

“Sure. Hope that one hits the spot, but if you need more caffeine let me know!”

Half an hour or so later, Matty pokes his head around the door. “Morning, boss,” he mumbles.

“Hey mate,” I yawn.

“You look a bit worse for wear. Out on the turps last night?”

I drop my head to my desk and pretend to sleep. “Yeah, went for a few and it turned into a big night. Now, I suffer.”

He chuckles, smug that his head isn’t pounding. “Seems like I’m the only one who didn’t get hammered last night. I saw Massi and Francesca looking very dusty this morning.”

Time to change the subject. “Don’t suppose you’ve seen our other brother recently?”

He shakes his head. “What’s today…Thursday? Hmmm, don’t think I’ve seen him since the weekend.”

“Jesus Christ! This is a joke, Matty. What’s going on in his head?” I pull my hair in frustration.

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