Page 20 of Hired By the Consigliere

“Sorry, I’m afraid I’m busy,” she said, and I couldn’t help but grin.

Maximo looked perplexed. “I didn’t say when.”

“Regardless, I’m still busy. Take care, Maximo.”

I had to bite back a chuckle. Instead, I placed a large tip on the table and offered her my arm before leading her out of the cafe.

Chapter 8

Aurora

My head reeled as Enzo led me out of the cafe and onto the street. Once I was sure that we were out of earshot of Maximo, I gave in to my fit of laughter.

“That was incredible. Did you see his face?”

“What a douche. You were great by the way.‘Regardless, I’m busy.’”Enzo did his best at mocking me and I playfully elbowed him.

As he walked me to my car, our laughter died down, and I took on a more sincere tone as I leaned against the driver-side door. “In all seriousness, thank you for that.”

“You’re very welcome.”

“Executive assistant.” I chuckled. “I really appreciate you covering for me. Maximo has always had a way of knocking me down without me even spotting it. If he’d heard my actual job title...let’s just say, your lie saved me from painful embarrassment.”

“I wasn’t lying. Youshouldhave a job at my company, and I think executive assistant would be a good place to start.” I couldn’t believe what he was saying.

“You don't have to do that, you're doing enough as it is.”

“As my fiancée it would make sense that I would give you a job working for me. Besides, you seem like a very smart girl and you're going to need some form of employment once our ruse is complete.”

“I know but—”

“You said it yourself you don't want to work for Delphine.”

“Of course not, but you don't have to...besides, once the ruse is over, we’ll have to stage some kind of breakup and it would be strange to still work for you after that.”

“Then look at this as a way to add some experience to your resume, plus, I will make certain that you receive a glowing recommendation to whatever company you go to work for. I may even be able to find you a job at one of the companies I own stocks in. That way, you wouldn’t be working for me directly.”

"I guess that sounds fair. But I won’t put up with any special treatment and you’ll only give me the recommendation that you feel I truly deserve once you’ve seen me work.”

“Oh, I’ve seen you work. And I must say, you do a fantastic job—” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively with a sexy smirk tugging at his lips.

“Enzo,” I gasped, realizing what he was referring to and slapped his arm but that only made him chuckle.

“I’m only teasing...sort of.” He winked. “But I promise to treat you fairly. No nepotism.”

“Thank you."

"Then we have a deal?"

“We have a deal.”

“Good. Now, why don’t you leave your car here and I can drive you to the office, give you that tour I promised.”

“You said you have meetings. I thought that was just to get me away from Maximo.”

“That, and I’d like to show you around, if you have time.”

“Well, I guess I could spare the time. But what about my car?”

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