Page 14 of Hired By the Consigliere

Enzo's driver opened the door for us, and we climbed inside. Once we were on the road, he turned to me with a look of determination on his face.

“I want to remind you that during the time that you are under my employ, no one can know that we are not really dating. That means that you will not be going on any other dates or appointments or whatever you call them during this time. When I spoke with Delphine, I could practically hear the money-signs flashing in her eyes and I wouldn’t put it past her to try to double book you when you don’t have something planned with me. Also, wemustact as if we are in a committed relationship at all times because we never know who might see something. This region is a lot smaller than it might seem and word could get around really fast.”

“I understand. But..." I glanced over toward the driver and back to Enzo.

“All my employees who are close have already signed an NDA legally barring them from saying anything about our arrangement. They have been given what information they are allowed to say if asked. This includes my driver, Franco, my housekeeper, and my secretary. Those are all the people who would know about any relationship that I would have, even if I was keeping it low-key.

“Wow you’ve really thought everything through haven't you?”

“In my business you have to.”

“You mean politics?”

“That's part of it.” Enzo nodded and I felt like there was something there that he wasn't telling me, but as we pulled up to the restaurant, I decided not to press it further.

The restaurant was filled with white linen covered tables, crystal chandeliers, and more silverware at each place setting than I knew what to do with. I caught myself gawking at the gilded decor as the hostess guided us through the restaurant. As we neared our table, a man, just over middle-aged, rose to meet us.

“Buonasera,” the man greeted in a bright tone as he shook Enzo’s hand. He looked at me and took my hand in his, lifting it to press a wisp of a kiss on my knuckles. “This must be the lovely woman you told me about on the phone.”

“Sì, Sì. I am pleased to finally introduce you to my girlfriend, Aurora Ferro. Aurora, this isPresidente RegionaleSabino.”

“Call me Ludovic, please.”

“Ludovic, it is a pleasure to meet you.” I fought through my nerves to cast him the brightest smile I could muster.

“Please, sit. I took the liberty of ordering wine for the table.”

Enzo pulled a seat out for me, and I took it. “Grazie.”

Once Enzo was seated, the dinner progressed with small talk, expensive food and lots of wine. I was surprised at how casual and easy the conversations flowed between the three of us. Ludovic wasn’t nearly as scary as I had made him out to be in my mind. He was a gracious and attentive host, making sure that my wineglass never stayed empty for long, and I found myself relaxing as I laughed at one of Ludovic's anecdotes.

"So, tell me more about yourself, Aurora. What do you do for a living?"

"I—I'm actually between jobs right now."

"I thought about seeing if there was an opening in one of my companies," Enzo added.

"What area of work do you do?" Ludovic asked.

"My last job I was waitressing."

Ludovic blinked in surprise, and I wondered if I should have made up something instead. It was too late for that, and I figured it would be safer to stick to the truth when I could.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I was actually taking political science at the University, but I had to drop out after my mother fell ill."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that." Ludovic looked sincere but the pity I loathed showed up in his gaze, causing my own eyes to burn with tears I fought back.

"Thank you." My voice wavered.

Enzo squeezed my hand under the table and his touch gave me the strength to hold myself together.

"Is your mother better now?"

"No, I'm afraid my mother passed away nearly two years ago now."

"My sincerest condolences."

"Let's find a happier conversation. Enzo told me that you two have been dating for about a year now so tell me, how did you two first meet?"

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