Page 32 of Arturo's Temptation

The moment the door closed behind me, Lorenzo folded his arms and leaned against the wall opposite me. He tapped his index finger against his chin as he waited for me to speak.

“There was an incident in the kitchen this evening involving myself and Mik. Isabella got caught in the crossfire whilst makin’ ice cream for her and Theo. ” I said, swallowing as I thought about the memory.

“Is that how you got that shiner on your face?”

I nodded. “Mik made a disrespectful comment about Isabella, one I didn’t take kindly to.” He nodded and indicated for us to start for the stairs. “Isabella wanted the fight to stop and when she tried to pull us apart, Mik accidentally knocked her backwards?—”

“And the glass?”

“Shattered when Isabella dropped them during the commotion.”

“Mhmm. And where is he now?!” Beneath Lorenzo’s calm exterior I could see his temper flaring. I knew if I didn’t diffuse the situation quickly, the night would end in a body being dropped.

“Dealt with. I made sure all the men are aware that Isabella is to be shown the same respect as yourself and Luca.”

“I see.” Lorenzo ran his fingers through his hair before nodding.

“As for why I was in Isabella’s room, I’d brought replacement sundaes for herself and Theo seeing as it was my fault they were fucked up in the first place. While Theo watched the film I checked on Isabella’s foot.”

“You bandaged her foot yourself?” I nodded. He pondered something for a moment before sighing. “I apologise for my earlier outburst. I’m not used to having people in my daughter’s room.”

“Understood.”

“I trust you, Arturo. I wouldn’t have hired you if I didn’t think I could.” Lorenzo patted his palm on my shoulder, making mefeel a small pang of guilt. He couldn’t know I fantasised about his daughter day and night.

“I appreciate that, Lorenzo,” I replied as we headed down the stairs beside one another. “Drink?”

“Good idea. I’m still hovering between firing that shithead and paying him a visit.” He seethed, the veins in his head popping.

“No need,” I assured him. “I was the one that fucked up. You entrusted me to oversee this team and ensure they all understand that Isabella is their new boss. But Mik won’t do anything like this again, and the rest of the team now knows I’ll end any fucker who tries to disrespect her in future.” As I finished rattling off my speech, we entered Lorenzo’s office to find Red and the kid called Tyler waiting for us.

“It’s safe to say, I like you,” Red slapped his hands together as the kid beside him chuckled.

“You got a crush on me or somethin’, Red?” I winked as I dropped into the seat opposite. The kid next to him chuckled and held out a ring-clad hand.

“Hey, I’m Tyler. You can call me Ty if you want, everyone else does.” I took his hand in mine and gave it a tight squeeze. “Fuck me, you’ve got an iron grip,” he muttered and snatched his hand away. Red and Lorenzo erupted in laughter.

“Oh good, you’re learnin’,” I teased as Lorenzo handed me a scotch.

“Ah, a scotch drinker.” The red headed giant held his beer up in approval and knocked it against my glass.

“Yo, Unc! What about me?” Tyler held out his hand as Lorenzo arched his brow.

“Nice try, you know how your dad feels about you and alcohol.” The kid immediately began to sulk.

“Oh come on, Uncle Lorenzo! I can easily buy it my?—”

“Fine. Then you explain to my wife what happened to her chandelier last Halloween and I’ll happily pour my nephew a glass.” Lorenzo wasn’t his uncle by blood, but clearly he and his men had a firm bond—which included the kids. I admired that. Family was important.

“Boss?” The sound of Mik’s voice floated through the door

“Get in here!” Lorenzo called, settling into his chair.

The door creaked open. As Mik stepped inside, his face fell as he noticed Lorenzo wasn’t alone.

“Come in, and shut the door,” Lorenzo ordered.

“Mr Ricci, I?—”

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