Page 19 of Hired By the Consigliere

“That reminds me, we need to get you a ring as well. We should schedule a trip to the jewelry store. I’ll tip off a few reporters. We will need to make it very public as we should with most of our big moments as a couple.”

“Why should it be so public?”

“We need to make sure the paparazzi captures all of the important moments while also acting like we want to keep things private.”

“I’m afraid I don’t follow.”

“If we were really engaged, we would want to keep our lives private for the most part. We need Ludovic to see proof of our relationship to make it convincing, but he won’t be with us for most of ourrelationshipmoments. The best way for him to see that we are together is through the paparazzi. So, we need to act like we don’t want it while at the same time, making sure all the important moments are captured for him to see.”

“That sounds complicated.”

“It won’t be as long as we are deliberate in what we do.” My phone chimed and I pulled it out to check the time, letting out a sigh of disappointment that I would have to end our breakfast soon.

“I apologize. I have to get to work, but we should have dinner tonight. It would be good to be seen out in public together. Plus, it will give us a chance to work out more of the details. What do you say?”

“Of course."

"Good. Then I'll pick you up at seven."

"Aurora?" A deep voice called out to my right, and I turned to see a man hurrying toward our table.

"Maximo?Ciao." Aurora stood to greet him with a kiss on each cheek and I rose as well.

"What brings you out this way? I didn't think this was your kind of area."

Theareahe was referring to was filled with high-end department stores, elegant restaurants, and large businesses that employed the type of people capable of paying for those things. It was clear that what he offered was a backhanded compliment which sent a flair of anger through me.

"We are just getting Aurora familiar with the area before she starts her job at Morelli Holdings next week."

"Morelli...wow. That's great." Maximo looked from me to Aurora. "So, you'll be working in the mail room? Or will you be one of those people who pick up lunch and coffee orders? I would think your waitressing background would be a good qualification for that."

Aurora's mouth opened and closed before she looked at me for an answer. I'd had enough of that jackass, so I straightened my shoulders and answered for her. "She will be an executive assistant, actually. And I'm sorry, we haven't been properly introduced." I shoved my hand toward him and squeezed just a little harder than I should have when he took it. "Lorenzo Morelli."

"Mor—oh, a pleasure to meet you, Signore Morelli.”

“I’m sure.”

“My office has actually been trying to get a meeting with you about doing some PR work for your company for a while now."

"What company are you with?"

"Silvestri Publicity."

"And what do you do there?"

"I am Vice President of Acquisition."

"I see."

"We should have lunch sometime. Let me tell you what our company could do for Morelli Holdings."

"I apologize but we're not interested. I get the impression that their judgment is far from sound, and I wouldn't want to waste either of our time."

"Oh." He looked flustered. "I can assure you—"

“I’m sorry but we must be going. I’m giving Aurora a tour today and have several urgent meetings I can’t be late for. You understand, I’m sure.”

“Yes, of course. Again, it was nice meeting you.” He shook my hand before turning to Aurora and kissing her cheeks again. “Congratulations on your new job. We should go out and celebrate sometime.”

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