Page 205 of Niccolo

He laughed.“See you soon, consigliere.”

And then I hung up.

As I lay there trying to gather the strength to get up and get dressed, I thought about what I’d just done.

I was pretty sure it had helped me mess with Niccolo’s mind…

But I also realized that maybe my own personal boundaries weren’t quite as strong as I’d thought.

Because I really,reallywanted to see him again. In person.

Despite what I wanted, though, I told myself I was still in control.

I told myself thatIwas the one toying withhim.

…I just wasn’t entirely sure I believed it.

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Niccolo

Madonn – what a woman!

As I took a shower, I tried to analyze everything that had just happened from Sofia’s point of view.

She was obviously trying to manipulate me…

To get me to desire her even more than I already did (which would be difficult since I was borderline obsessed with her).

And possibly even to fall in love with her.

I wondered, though, how cold-blooded her machinations really were.

I wondered how emotionally involved she was…

Or if she was just acting out a part in order to wrap me ‘round her finger.

If so, then she was the best damn actress I’d ever encountered.

But I didn’t think shewas.The best damn actress I’d ever encountered, I mean.

In my opinion, she was playing with fire…

And without realizing it, she was slowly getting burned.

Which worked out to my advantage.

Whatever the situationreallywas – whether she was playing me, or I was playing her –

I’d never enjoyed my job asconsiglieremore than the last 48 hours.

I just hoped it continued to be this good…

And that I wasn’t making a monumental mistake.

My bit of ‘afternoon delight’ with Sofia was wonderful.

However, it’s a bit odd when the only good part of your day is phone sex with a woman who’s trying to kill you.

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