Page 90 of Seeking Vengeance

“Your offer is something that should be reserved for your sons. Yourrealsons.” Matthew reaches for his piccolo, calm and controlled as he takes a sip.

“You already know they’ve received the same offer. You’re also well aware that hard work never suited them.”

“It’s not the hard work they’re opposed to,” Bishop mutters. “They’re already successful in their own right, and so are we.”

“Il tuo successo non è niente in confronto alle profondità dell'impero familiare.” An edge creeps into Lorenzo’s tone. “Saresti uno sciocco a rifiutare l'offerta.”

“Then call me a fool.” Bishop returns his attention to the conversation. “As tempting as the offer is, I have no plans to return here.”

“Questo è un insulto alla famiglia.” Lorenzo glares. “You both know this.”

“It’s not meant as an insult.” Matthew sighs. “Don’t take your frustration out on us. It’s your sons you should be speaking to.”

“Fanculo i miei figli.” Lorenzo slaps a hand down on the table, startling me. “They don’t deserve to be part of this.”

“Calmati,” Matthew says, a warning in his tone. “If I’d known you were going to push the issue, I wouldn’t have brought Layla here to sit awkwardly through the exchange.”

I press my lips tight at his protection. Appreciating it. Loving it.

I’ve always hated when my brother did the same.

Lorenzo’s shoulders loosen, his face losing the harsh lines of irritation. “My apologies.” He drags in a long breath, regaining composure. “Forgive me,bella.As you can see I’ve grown frustrated at my children for turning their back on the family business. I didn’t raise them to be ungrateful.”

“Families are tough. I know that better than most.” I pull my cell from my dress pocket. “But please don’t censor the conversation on my account. I’ve got messages and emails to return. Pretend I’m not here.”

He holds my gaze, admiring me in silence for long moments before he says,“Non lasciarla andare. È una da tenere stretta.”

“Lo so.”Matthew shifts his chair closer to mine, sliding his arm over the back of my seat, the heat from his suit jacket sinking into my shoulders, the strength of his body settling in against me.

I glance at him, hoping for a translation. Our eyes lock, and without words, I understand the silent message he conveys.

Lorenzo approves.

I’m considered worthy.

The realization is enough to make my stupid throat dry.

He leans in, placing a kiss to my temple, a whisper to my ear. “You’re amazing.”

I flush, so much more than cheeks and chest. I feel the heat everywhere. Arms. Legs. Stomach. No place more potent than my heart.

“Enough of the PDA bullshit,” Bishop mutters. “I’m not here to watch soft porn.”

“If whispering in my ear is considered soft porn, I truly feel sorry for your lovers.” I give him a smug smile.

“Who says I’m talking about a whisper?” He gives me the same look in return. “Maybe I meant the helicopter flight.”

I stiffen, my temper flaring.

“Watch it,” Matthew threatens him while he squeezes my shoulder.

“It’s jealousy,bella.” Lorenzo claps my nemesis on the chest, a gesture that’s harshly shoved away. “I doubt poor Bishop has experienced love.”

Love?

I ignore the implication. “Nonetheless, I think I’m becoming a distraction. I should go for a walk on the beach—”

“No, stay.” Matthew’s hand remains firm on my shoulder. “Eat. Enjoy your coffee. Our conversation won’t take long.”

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