Page 6 of Beastly Boss

“Sure, whatever you say, Boss.” Enrico shoots me a glance that says it all.Bull fucking shit.

“It doesn’t matter either way. Nothing can happen between us. She’s almost two decades younger than me, her father is overprotective,andhe’s an invaluable resource for the Family. We can’t afford to jeopardize that relationship, especially now.”

“It sounds like you’re looking for any excuse not to get close to her, which means she must have really made an impression.”

“I’m not being dramatic by saying hooking up with the Lieutenant’s daughter would throw an unnecessary wrench in our already fragile plans. This isn’t about me avoiding a relationship; it’s just a fact.”

“Mmhm,” is all Enrico says. I can tell he has a whole speech prepared, but I’m not in the mood to be lectured.

“There’s a package waiting for me at the front door,” I tell him, swiftly changing the subject. We both stand from our seated positions, and I usher Enrico out of my office.

“We’re not done talking about this,” he calls out.

I ignore him and make my way to the front entryway, where a small package is resting on a side table. I slip it into my pocket and look around, making sure no one else is near. I’m not being shady. I just… This is so out of character for me.

Sneaking my way up to the third-floor library, I locate the ornate jewelry box sitting to the left of the fireplace. I don’t know how or where we obtained the floral stained-glass box outlined in crystals, only that it’s been in my family for years. This mansion is filled with countless treasures, from rare trinkets to original paintings by the world’s masters.

I examine the box in question to ensure it’s still intact. Once I’m satisfied, I open the top left drawer of an antique apothecary nearby, where I’ve been collecting scraps of fabric over the last few days. Who knew I had so many upholstered chairs, lounges, and couches in this house? I figured it was time to update a few, leaving me with plenty of material to cut up into strips.

I fold as many scraps of fabric as I can fit into the jewelry box, then I finally take the package out of my pocket, revealing the emerald necklace I just purchased. After placing the necklace on top of the fabric along with a brief note, I close the box and wrap it up so no one will get suspicious. It’s not that I’m embarrassed. I’m just… not ready to face what this means. I can’t answer questions about Kimbra or why I have a scrap fabric pile like I’m some eighty-year-old quilter. All I know is that she makes me want to take care of her and give her things that make her smile every second of every day.

Jesus, I’m losing it.

Leaning against the grand piano, I take a moment to gather my thoughts. Didn’t I just tell Enrico I can’t pursue anything with Kimbra? Then why am I going through all this effort to give her a second gift?

My feet propel me forward, apparently not caring that my heart and mind are at war. Actions are what matter.

I watch myself walk down the stairs and out to my car as if having an out-of-body experience. Everything is a blur until I pull up to a spot next to Kimbra’s apartment building. The overhanging tree limbs provide a cover for my sleek, black sedan, giving me a bit of protection.

My fingers drum against the steering wheel as I consider my next move. I haven’t done anything yet. I can still turn around, toss the jewelry box in the nearest dumpster, and forget all about Kimbra. Even as the thought occurs to me, I know in my soul I could never forget the evening we shared. I may not be able to dance with her again or hear the richness of her laughter, but I can still bring a smile to her lovely face. At least for now.

I step out of the car with the wrapped box in hand, looking to my left and to my right in case anyone is watching me. When the coast is clear, I stride across the parking lot, set the package down, knock on the door once, and slip into the shadows. It’s allover in less than fifteen seconds, yet my heart is threatening to crack a rib from beating so hard.

A few moments pass before I hear the lock click. The door to Kimbra’s apartment swings open, revealing the gorgeous woman from a few nights ago. How is she even more irresistible in jeans and a T-shirt? Kimbra’s dark hair falls over her shoulders as she bends to pick up her gift. She pops her head up and looks around for whoever left it there. I hold my breath, hoping she doesn’t notice me lurking in the shadows. I can’t seem to help myself. I needed to see her again. Just one last look.

Kimbra tears into the wrapping paper, making me grin. She’s too excited to wait until she’s inside, and for that, I’m thankful. I like giving her gifts, and it appears she likes receiving them.

“Oh, my god…” she gasps, her fingers running over the surface of the jewelry box. Kimbra takes her time appreciating the details then opens it. “What…? Who…?” She lifts the necklace from its bed of fabric scraps, her eyes growing wider the longer she looks at it.

The intriguing woman sets the emerald necklace aside and then lifts the pieces of cloth one by one. Her smile is just as big when examining the fabric as it was when she saw the expensive necklace, and something about that settles deep in my heart.

My breathing grows shallow when she opens up the folded note. Her cheeks glow the prettiest shade of pink, and she nibbles on her bottom lip, making me want to do the same. Those magical, multi-colored eyes roam over the parking lot, and I know she’s searching for me. It takes everything in me to stay anchored in my hiding spot, but I know nothing good will come from us seeing each other again.

“Thank you, Aurelio. Wherever you are.”

Her whispered words breathe new life into my tattered soul. Kimbra clutches the box and its contents to her chest and closesher eyes. The soft, sweet smile on her face nearly brings me to my knees. It’s torture to be so close yet infinitely too far away.

She scans the parking lot one last time, then heads back inside her apartment, locking the door behind her. I wait a few minutes before moving from my position, taking the long way around the complex to get back to my car.

I can’t see her again. This is the last time. No more gifts, no more spying on her from ten feet away, no more obsessive thoughts, and definitely no more dirty dreams. Nope. I’m totally done with all things Kimbra.

It’s a lie, of course, but what other choice do I have? She doesn’t belong in my world. It’s in everyone’s best interest that I stay far away from her.

4

KIMBRA

“Are you on schedule to graduate on time?” my dad asks before taking a bite of mashed potatoes.

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