Page 12 of Alessio

An hour later, we walk away from the beaten-up body of Richie Coleman. He took his beating like a little bitch, begging and pleading, even offering up some of his waitresses as temporary payment. For some reason, this set Dario off. He stomped on Coleman’s balls, something I’ve never seen him do. The boss never loses his cool. We never take whores for debts, so it was stupid of him to offer.

The only woman I want my hands on comes to mind—her round eyes with puffy lips that turn into a cute pout when she stretches to clean something up high. Although, I had one image of her today that pissed me off.

The way she was flush watching my boss Dario swimming but then fucking denied how turned on she was. There was no hiding the want in her body, the heat pouring off her ivory skin. I could smell her desire, and I’ve never felt so insanely jealous of him as I did in that moment. In life, I’ve always been second to him and never minded, but this is different—she is different. Second place here won’t do.

Chapter Six

June

It’s late Thursday and my first time going back to the apartment. Unfortunately, Alessio is nowhere around when I head to his home to grab my things. I try to fight the sadness because I hoped he’d be there to say goodbye to me. Not like I won’t be around next week on Monday, but it seems so far away.

“Hello, Ms. Beaman.” I turn around and see Michael, Alessio’s usual driver. “I’m here to drop you off at the train station now.”

“Hello, Michael. I’m actually ready right now.” I roll my suitcase toward the back of the car, but then Michael takes it from me.

“I’ve got it.” I wait for him to load it and my duffle bag.

“Thank you.” He holds the door open for me, and I climb inside. I have to do my laundry while I’m gone and pick some more clothes. The girls and I have decided to have a good time out. I was paid by the agency this morning, and it was a hefty check. I nearly cried.

Once he’s in the driver seat, Michael asks me if I’d like some music on, but I just shake my head and say no. My heart actually hurts. “How long have you worked for Alessio, or Mr. Conti?”

“For two years.”

“Oh, that’s nice. And you enjoy it?” I make small talk, trying to learn more about Alessio.

“Yes. Are you not enjoying your position?” His brows knit in the rearview mirror.

“It’s great, actually. It’s the best job I’ve ever had. My temporary bedroom is almost as big as my apartment that I share with my roommates. Everyone is nice, even if no one really speaks about anything.”

“What do you do for fun?”

“I hang out with my sister and our best friend. We watch movies and play tennis.”

“Really? Sounds like some fun. There’s a tennis court here.”

“Really?”

“Yes, it’s on Mr. Conti’s property, but I’m sure if you keep doing good work, he might let you use it one day. Although it might be harder as he’s not as nice to the female employees as he is to the men.”

“Why?”

“Because when women think he’s being nice, they assume he’s interested in them. Twice now it’s happened. It’s why he didn’t want to hire anyone young.”

“I’m surprised they hired me.”

“The agency said you were all they had.”

“Oh.” Tears fill my eyes. I thought maybe Alessio saw me and had to have me. Why am I so obsessed with that man wanting me for more than just doing my damn job? He’s made it clear that he barely tolerates me. We hardly say more than a couple of words to each other before he runs off every morning.

“Hey, you’re doing a great job.”

“Thank you, Michael.”

Ten minutes later, I’m standing on the platform all alone waiting for the train with my things and daydreaming about Alessio. When am I not thinking about that man? He’s always in my head.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I secretly hope it’s from Alessio, but it’s May.Hey, girl. We’re making a fancy dinner. Pizza and a movie. Can’t wait to see you.

Can’t wait, either. Thirty minutes.

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