Page 10 of Merciless Desires

“Why is everyone staring?” Cinzia asked.

“They’re wondering who you are,” I said. “Just ignore them.”

“Why would they care who I am?”

“Because you’re with Gio,” Conti answered, because he probably recognized the need to set some ground rules too. “Gio is a celebrity in this building, and by association, that makes you fair game for the press and all these onlookers who want to get close to him. Keep that in mind before you talk to anyone.”

“She knows the drill,” I said as the doors shut.

“They’re not afraid of you?” Cinzia looked at me. “They know what you do?”

“They don’t know everything, but my persona in the city isn’t as discreet as I would like. That’s the age we’re in. People are intrigued by men like me. Social media doesn’t help.”

“It’s not like that at home.” She bit her bottom lip. “My father keeps his dealings private.”

“That’s a luxury we don’t have here in New York City.” I ushered her out once the elevator doors opened. “It’s a different culture here.”

“So, you don’t have to hide?”

“I don’t post my every move on social media.” I nodded at the guys standing at the doorway. “This is Cinzia. She’ll be staying with me for a few weeks.”

“Hello.” She shot them her signature flirty smile and they were already sucked in by her beauty. “I’m sure we’ll be fast friends.”

Don’t count on it.

Chapter Four

Cinzia

I rolled out of bed much later than I normally did, but the time difference and sleeping in a strange bed had thrown off my schedule. I made my way down the grand staircase and into the main living space of the stunning penthouse. The windows surrounded the open room, creating a spectacular view of the city.

When we arrived here last night, Gio showed me to my room, had my things delivered, and then shut the door. I got the impression he wasn’t pleased with me. If he didn’t want me here, why did he agree to let me stay with him?

I didn’t understand his hostility toward me. We had such a fantastic time this summer. I couldn’t stop thinking about his lips on mine. It was more than a goodbye kiss. It was the start of our future. Why couldn't he see that?

It was quiet except for some distant voices coming from down the hallway. I didn’t bother to investigate, because if Gio ran his house like my father did, my presence wouldn’t be welcome during a meeting.

The less I know, the better.

I followed the smell of coffee and ended up in the immaculate white kitchen, accented with black and gray tiles and large, gourmet appliances. Mia, my father’s personal chef, would give an arm to cook Sunday pasta here.

Someone had left coffee, juice, fruit, muffins, and yogurt in the center of the kitchen island. Pouring myself a huge mug of the freshly roasted liquid, I closed my eyes and savored the taste. Delicious. Gio enjoyed the finer things in life.

“What the fuck?”

I jumped when Gio yelled, spilling some of my coffee on the counter, and turned to see him standing in the doorway of the kitchen.

“What?” I asked as he came toward me, dressed in a dark suit and light blue shirt. The man could wear a designer suit, but all I could think about was peeling him out of it and running my tongue down his body.

“Why are you practically naked in my kitchen?”

“Huh?” I glanced down at my pink tank top and matching boy shorts. “I slept in this.”

“You can’t walk around here like that. I have men all over the penthouse.”

“So?”

“Go put some clothes on.”

---