Page 29 of Big Book Boss

"Oh, really?" She smirks at me.

But my mother asks, before she can shift the conversation off herself and on to me.

"If I asked your brothers, what would they say?"

"That I'm fiercely loyal." The sincerity in her eyes stirs my gut when she looks at me and adds, "I meant what I said earlier."

If my mother needed any more convincing, which she didn't, Samaera couldn't have answered with a better description, but she asks for clarification. "What's the difference between loyal and fiercely loyal?"

"The degree with which you defend them." She laughs.

Hmm," my mother looks at me. "My son has that same quality, you know. He is loyal to a fault. Half his security detail served with him in the military."

"Oh, well." Samaera looks across the restaurant and spots Mickey enjoying a pizza with a woman. "Who better to have your back?"

"True. I've had some sleepless nights worrying about him not having someone loyal to him at the office. But I think I'm going to sleep well from now on."

Samaera smiles, "I got him. Don't you worry anymore. My middle name is 'Fearless.'"

I clear my throat. "You two do remember I'm sitting here, don't you?"

"Yes, darling." My mom waves me off. "We're just communicating as like-minded women." She bats her eyes at me, then winks at Samaera. "Oh, do look at the time. I've got a date tonight. I must be getting to the salon."

She stands to say goodbye, and I follow suit. She reaches across the table to take Samaera's hand. "I'm very happy to meet you, my dear. Do come with Bastian to the house on Sunday."

"Likewise, Cilla. If he requires my presence for business, of course, I will. But we have to be mindful not to mix business with pleasure. I'm sure you understand."

Her dismissal stings. Gut check. Employee!

My mom nods out of respect, but as soon as we hug, she whispers, "Bullshit. Don't let her out of your sight. She's 24/7 material, Bastian."

I laugh, "Yes, mother."

She pats me on the chest just like Samaera did a little while ago, tilts her head, and raises her eyebrows. "I'm serious."

"I know you are. Patience, Priscilla." I look back at Samaera, sitting as posed as a princess, patient, polite, with a pleased smile on her face. Then bend down to kiss my mother's cheek. "I am too. We'll see you Sunday."

She grins like a mother whose search has ended. Waves again to Samaera, then leaves. I watch her stop to speak to Mickey, then walk out the pizzeria door. The little bell tinkles her exit, and I slide back into the seat next to Samaera. "Want dessert?"

14

Samaera

"Sure.I like chocolate. Anything and everything with chocolate."

He chuckles, "They have a wicked brownie pizza you'll love then." He raises his hand, and our waiter comes over.

After he orders, he says, "My mom loves you."

I grin at him. "That's a good thing. I feel the same way about her. She's amazing."

He shakes his head. "You have no idea how good a thing that is. She's been hounding me since I took over to hire a female."

"I intend to prove her right."

The dessert arrives, and I lose my train of thought with its deliciousness. The crust is a thin layer of brownie topped with chocolate custard, flakes of shaved chocolate, and drizzled with chocolate syrup. Heaven! I make no pretenses how good it is. "Umm, it's FAB-U-LOUS!" I moan and roll my eyes. "Ah! This is soooo good! Want a bite? I feel guilty hogging it."

He shakes his head. "No, thank you. You enjoy it."

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