Page 56 of Unrelenting
“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” I assure her. “They’d be more scared of you than you are of them.”
She gives me a long-suffering look, like she’s been hearing me say stupid shit for years.
“You’re thinking of spiders, Lorenzo. Wolves would definitely not be afraid of me.”
“Maybe not, but no harm would have come to you. The wolves don’t come onto the vineyard, and I was near you at all times. I’d never have let you get eaten by a wolf.”
“Hmm.” She twists her lips to the side as she considers that. “You’d have fought a wolf for me?”
“A whole damn pack if I had to.”
Lucia giggles, a joyful sound I could grow to love. “There’s something sweet about that.”
“Haven’t you heard? I’m a very sweet guy.” Nothing could be farther from the truth, but for Lucia, I’m willing to put in some effort. “Now, how about some breakfast?”
“Are you cooking?”
Although I am capable of producing a decent meal, I’m not ready to showcase my culinary skills for a chef of Lucia’s caliber.Besides, I want to show her around before the staff and visitors start arriving.
The winery has been a massive success, and it gets busy from mid-morning. Breakfast needs to be quick so I’ll have time to give her the tour while we’ve got the place to ourselves.
“I’m opening a pack of croissants.”
“Store bought pastries?” Lucia screws up her nose in distaste. “You sure know how to treat a girl.”
“Well, there’s no Pino’s out here.” I see no harm in reminding her of my thoughtfulness when I stayed over at her place. “And if you want coffee, you’ll have to make it yourself.”
I wasn’t kidding when I told her every cup I make tastes like shit.
“Oh, Signore Volante, you’re hopeless.” Lucia shakes her head in mock despair. “What am I going to do with you?”
“I can think of a few things.” Actually, I can think of many things, most of them completely filthy. “But that can wait. Let’s grab something to eat, then I’ll give you a tour.”
“That sounds great, but I can’t walk around naked.”
“Huh?”
“I don’t have anything to wear.”
Oh, that’s right. Her uniform got wrecked last night.
“I think Olivia left some clothes.” She stayed for a couple of nights. Damiano ran out of ways to occupy her and made me bring her here to sort out my office. She was a pain in the ass the entire time, whining about the heat but, to be fair, she did a good job of organizing my office. “There’s probably something that would fit you.”
“Okay.” Lucia gets up from the bed and walks toward the bathroom, her gorgeous hips swaying. “I’m going for a shower.”
As I contemplate joining her, she seems to read my mind.
Spinning around, she holds up a hand. “And no, Lorenzo, I do not need you to scrub those hard-to-reach places for me.”
With a cheeky wink, she disappears into the bathroom. A second later I hear the snick of the lock being engaged. It’s cute she thinks that would keep me out if I wanted to get in there. I don’t right now.
My aim today is to show Lucia the part of my life that doesn’t involve violence. I want to give her something to like about me because I am falling for her fast, and I don’t intend to let her go.
Lucia
After I’ve madecoffee using Lorenzo’s state-of-the-art machine, he ushers me out onto the terrace where a round wooden table is set up with four chairs. I take the one where my back will be to the wall of the house so I can enjoy the incredible view out over the fields below. My mind is clearer than it was last night. I’m no longer so conflicted about Lorenzo.
When I thought he’d sent his lawyer to make that insulting offer for Gianetta’s, I was mad at him. Then I was repulsed by his casual attitude toward people being killed and injured. He was a total prick when he shoved me in the trunk of his car and brought me out here without asking.
