Page 22 of Stolen Tutor

“No, I wasn’t, but it’s my job.”

“What do you do for Mr. Leone?”

“Whatever he wants me to do. Now, come along before he changes his mind.” I’m curious why he cares. We walk down the stairs, and most of the guards scatter as if I’m contagious. Normally, some greet me and then go on their way. Today’s different and a tad unnerving.

“I bet you want me as far away from this house and the Leone family as possible.”

Another guard opens the front door and Vittorio goes first. Once we reach the vehicle he says, “Ms. Masters, I want to apologize for our frosty meeting. It’s my job to protect this family and isolate threats, not cater to them.”

As he holds open the door for me, I say, “And so you hate me.”

“I don’t know you, but you’re not considered a serious threat, and Mr. Leone has clarified that you aren’t to be treated rudely.”

“So, you’re forced to be nice to me,” I huff, buckling myself in.

He turns his head back to look at me and says, “Actually, how you treat Ms. Anna changed my opinion.”

“Thank you.” Smiling, I feel better until I see Niccolò against my passenger window. I damn near jumped out of my seat. Lowering the window, I ask, “Everything okay?”

“I should ask the same,” he growls, looking at us suspiciously, possessiveness dripping off him.

“Everything’s great. We’re just getting to know each other,” I say with a grin, testing the emotions on his face.

“Unlock it,” he says to Vittorio. When he does, Niccolò opens the door and pulls me to the edge of the seat, fist in my ponytail, dragging our faces close together. “You look beautiful, but I wanted to remind you of one thing.”

“And that is,” I breathe, lips inches from his.

“You belong to me.” His mouth crushes mine in a deep kiss before quickly pulling away. “Be a good girl.”

“Yes, Sir,” I answered, sending a feral look in his eyes.

“Remember that when you’re on your knees, baby girl.” His lips brush against mine once more before he slides me back onto the bench seat and closes the door. He whispers something to Vittorio, and they exchange a brief conversation before he nods and Niccolò steps away from the vehicle, giving me one last look.

As we drive away, I feel like my heart is breaking. My fingers press to my lips as if I can feel his brand on me. It makes no sense to have those emotions since I’ll be returning by the end of the day. “Are you ready to see your father?” Vittorio says, smiling through the rearview mirror.

“Why do you all hate him so much?”

“Listen, all I can say is that he’s not the man you believe he is. He has people fooled and what he’s done to Niccolò is enough for him to die. I’d kill him if I could, so if you’re looking for my understanding and sympathy for him, I can’t. Hell, I’m surprised Niccolò let you go see the chief.”

“Okay.” I sit back and think about what he said. Are they saying my father is a dirty cop? I can’t let them influence my thoughts about him. Although, I will say his words float around in my head about stealing something from Niccolò.

We pulled up to my father’s house, which, of course, Vittorio didn’t need the directions for. It makes me wonder if they cased his place out before. “I’ll be down the road. Anytime you need me, you call, okay.”

“I don’t have your number.”

“It’s programmed into your phone along with Niccolò’s.”

“Really?” I get giddy like a schoolgirl at that news. Vittorio rolls his eyes and then climbs out of the driver’s side, walks around to my side, and opens the door.

“Of course. Now go along; you’re safe right here.” He scopes the area out once more before looking back down at me. He’s a handsome man and now I can see why Niccolò was a bit jealous. Although he has nothing to worry about because all I can think about his how soon I can get back to Nico.

“Thank you. I’ll be ready to go when you come for me.”

“Good. It will be around six-thirty. Be careful.”

“Careful? He’s my father.”

“You heard me. Niccolò wouldn’t appreciate it if something happened to you, and I don’t want to be on his bad side.”

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