Page 6 of Stolen Tutor

“Fine by me. I had to ask. Frankly, I think you should starve personally, but that’s just me.” Goodness, he’s not pleasant, and he’s not even the guy who I have to deal with. The ride goes faster than I hoped as we go from the airport to a wooded area and then up a large hill without hitting any traffic. I swear I don’t believe we stopped once we reached the airport exit. It’s almost as if we had all green lights all the way here.

We pull up to wrought-iron gates, and then they open a moment later. Slowly, we drive around a massive driveway until we arrive at the front steps. My hands shake violently, and I hold on to my bag tighter, hoping to steady my nerves, but it does no good, so I release it to stop the sound of my things banging together.

Captain Jerk opens the passenger door and says, “We’re here. It’s time to get out and meet the boss. I have to park the vehicle, so wait here to be let into the house.” I want to flip him off, but I’m in dangerous territory, and I have to chill. Thinking of Anna, I take a deep breath and walk up the few steps on the portico. When I reach the door, it opens to an elderly woman who greets me with a look of suspicion.

“Hello, I’m Lucy Masters, Anna’s school tutor.”

“Hello, Ms. Masters, please come in. I’m the housekeeper, Sophia.” She steps aside and then closes the door behind me. “Mr. Leone has been expecting you.”

“Does Anna know I’m here?” I ask, hoping that I can surprise her, knowing at least one person will be pleased to see me.

“I have not been made aware of that. Follow me for now and then you will meet with Mr. Leone.” This woman is a little more friendly, yet she isn’t as nice as I’d like her to be.

“Lucy,” Anna squeals. I turn around and see her on the stairs with a man that catches my attention immediately, causing me to gasp. Holding in the instant attraction, I greet my sweet Anna.

“Hey, dear girl.” She runs up to me and throws her arms around my waist. “Surprise.”

“I can’t believe you’re here. This is going to be so much better than I expected.”

“Oh, please don’t cry, doll.” I wiped her tears.

“I thought I wasn’t going to see you all summer.”

“Me too. It’s so good to spend time with you, sweet girl. Although your uncle has me here to tutor you, so it’s not all fun and games,” I inform her, giving her my “teacher,” look that she’s come to know quite well.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m just so glad you’re here.” She squeezes me again.

“Me too. Are you okay here?” I whisper the last part, so he can’t hear me.

“Yes, my uncle is awesome,” she says, pointing to the man who has my heart racing. The same man who I heard is an absolute monster. He stares at me and there’s a mix of anger, venom, and something else.

“Is he? That’s good to hear.” I raise my brow toward him, which seems to add to his already angry expression.

“Anna, my pet, go play in your room for now. I must discuss some matters with your tutor first.”

“Yes, uncle.” She smiles so brightly that I’m completely confused.

Quickly, he wrenches my hand, pulling me away from Anna and to his side. I try to be unaffected, but his strong grip holds me tight and sends my pulse racing throughout my entire body. His large frame towers over mine easily, so I look up at him and see his thick neck and chiseled jaw with his face cleanly shaved. I’m almost tempted to run my hands along it and into his thick black hair and feel the silky strands to see if his moan is as deep as his voice.

It’s clear he doesn’t like me for some reason, but the way our hands are intertwined and the way feel of his thumb rubbing my wrist makes me feel otherwise.

Chapter Three

Niccolò

I made a critical error in taking her hand because the second we touched, I knew that my plans for her wouldn’t be straightforward. Ire built up in me every step toward my office as I thought about how much I wanted her and how close she engrained herself into Anna’s heart.

It was clear for a blind man to see, and my sight was perfect. Lucy had been clever and quickly won Anna over, so I couldn’t just destroy the joy in Anna’s life when she had very little happiness already.

My office never seemed so far away before. Every moment electricity shooting through our connected digits.

Yes, this was a mansion; still, I’d never wanted to move more quickly to get somewhere. I was almost tempted to toss her over my shoulder and run, but we were already drawing unnecessary attention from my staff who clearly had questions they dared not ask.

I grab the handle and yank it open, tugging her ass in without a care for her ability to follow easily. To her credit, she doesn’t stumble.

The moment our bodies clear the threshold, I shut my office door and lock it, releasing my tight grip on her soft, slender hand, hoping the electrical pleasure will fade. It does, unfortunately, and I want it back, amplifying my anger, which I direct at my target.

She’s standing in front of the door, looking meek and frightened as I appraise her. Like a smart, good girl, she keeps her mouth shut, waiting for me to speak while I catalog every inch of her.

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