Page 15 of Arturo's Temptation

“Sorry about earlier Papa, I shouldn’t have stormed off. You raised me better than that.” He held me at arms length, and of course, dropped his gaze to my sneakers.

“Isabella, we’ve talked about this.”

“Oh, stop with the pouting, they’ll be under the table and I’m comfortable, that’s all that matters.” He let out a deep sigh before shaking his hand down towards the floor—a gesture that he usually used to communicate that I was impossible to live with.

As he went to pull out my chair, I noticed the one beside mine—the one where Luca usually sat in—empty. Confused, I glanced along to find he’d moved down one. This plan stank of my father.

“Papa, why isn’t Luca sitting in his usual place?” I asked, crossing my fingers against the answer I knew was coming.

“I thought it would be best if for this evening Arturo sat beside you. It’ll give you two a chance to get to know each other and try to find some common ground before you commence training tomorrow.” He said as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Giving him my sweetest smile I quickly retorted back.

“Surely finding some common ground can wait until tomorrow, right?”

“Your father has a point, Isabella.” Speak of the devil and he shall appear. “If this is going to work, it would be better for you to accept sooner rather than later that you’re under my command now.”

“Your command? You can’t be serious.” I couldn’t hide the disgust in my voice.

“Bella, he will control your training and your safety, that’s all.” I looked up at my father but he seemed completely at ease. He couldn’t be that oblivious to this guy’s mind games, could he? I knew my mother wouldn’t fall for his shit. Where the hell was she?

“Exactly.” He lowered himself into the seat beside me. As much as I tried to follow the conversation my father and Red were having, the asshole to my left just wouldn’t let me ignore him. “What’s wrong, princess?” The warmth of his breath skating across my ear made my whole arm tingle. He leaned in further, making it look to everyone else like we were in a deep discussion as he whispered, “still thinking about how good I could make you feel?”

“I hate to burst your bubble,” I turned to face him, “but the only thing on my mind right now is how fast I can get you out of my house. Maybe I’ll start with trashing your bike.” His nostrils flared and I knew I hit a nerve. Good! “Papa, will you excuse me for a moment? I’m going to go and hunt down Theo.”

“I can go.” Luca jumped to his feet but I caught his gaze and gave him a wide smile.

“It’s okay, you stay here. I know exactly where he is.”

Tucking my chair under the table, I pulled my shoulders back and made my way out towards the flower garden, not looking back once.

8

That woman was something else.I was banking on her digging her heels in and not doing as she was told, I was hoping for it actually, then she’d see the man she so desperately wanted to see.

You have no idea who you’re dealin’ with Miss Ricci.

Time we taught her a lesson?

I stiffened as my demons reared their ugly heads.

Come on, you know you want to.

Leave me alone!

“So, tell us, Ramos… who have you worked for before?” Red asked, sipping his scotch. I’m sure he already knew but he couldn’t help himself asking.

“The Hamiltons.” I scoffed, the name tasting like ash in my mouth. “Until I ventured out alone.”

“Oh, yeah, I’ve heard that name before. English family, right? Completely obsessed with drowning people. Heard some pretty fucked up shit about them.” The guy known as Emmet commented from across the table, his accent similar to my own.

“Yeah, they’re as fucked up as they come.”

“Lorenzo, did you hear from Duval? You know, about the new deal he wanted to cut?” Red questioned, turning his attention from me to his boss.

“Yeah. I can’t say it’s one I’m willing to accept right now, though… The guy thinks he can throw his money around and I’d just dance. Asshole needs a wake up call.”

I’d heard of this Duval guy in passing, and I’d done my research. He was as sharp witted and cunning as Lorenzo was, but only just. Lorenzo Ricci was rarely outsmarted especially when it came to business.

“Why, what does he want?” I asked.

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