Page 40 of His Beautiful Revenge
Norah chuckled. “Yeah, like old workaholic Giacomo will leave work this early. Have a good night, Zul, and kiss Ferma and Lando for me.”
She was surprised to see two pink spots of blush appear on Zulika’s cheeks when she mentioned Lando, but, clearly embarrassed, Zulika merely smiled and waved goodbye.
Norah put her pencil down and went to make some fresh coffee. She wondered about Zulika and Lando. Going through all that trauma had certainly brought them closer, and now, based on Zulika’s reaction just now, Norah wondered just how close it had brought them. She chewed her lip as she brought the steaming cup of coffee back to her desk. She hoped neither would get hurt if somethingwasgoing on; they were both so vulnerable at the moment.
It’s none of your concern. Don’t interfere.She could almost hear Giacomo’s voice and smiled to herself.
Her email pinged and she opened it up to see an email from the contact at the advertising agency. As she read it, her heart sank.
Dear Ms. Reddy,
Further to our conversations regarding the Temple Bliss Hotel project, I am writing to inform you that, unfortunately, the company has asked us to remove you from the project.
We are not entirely sure why this is and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. You will, of course, be fully compensated for your time and the work already undertaken.
Please note that as an agency, we cannot enter into any discussion of why this has occurred, and as we are still employed by The Temple Bliss organization, I would ask you please to be discreet and remember the non-disclosure agreement that we all signed.
Please accept, again, my apologies and my wishes for your future success.
Yours,
Peter O’Flynn
C.E.O.
Harlequin Advertising
Norah stared blankly at the screen. “I’ve just beenfired.” She said it aloud to make sure it sunk in. She’d never been fired from anything in her life. What the hell had happened? Why had they asked for her specifically to be taken off the project? She couldn’t help but feel the sting. Was it because she was inexperienced? No, it couldn’t be—the status that working with Giacomo had brought her had been immeasurable. Was it that her romantic relationship with Giacomo was starting to be noticed and commented on? No, again, Giacomo’s good name and social standing would never hold her back. She hated even thinking like that. Giacomo could work in a chop shop and she’d love him the same.
She felt her chest get heavy with the disappointment. She drove home a little while later, still chewing it over.
Giacomo’s smile faded when she walked into their kitchen to find him already cooking. “What is it,Bella?”
She told him and he put down the knife he was using to chop vegetables, wiped his hands, and took her in his arms.
“I’m sorry,mio caro.”
She sighed, leaning into him and feeling the solid warmth of his big body. “I know these things happen. It’s just a blow, is all.”
Giacomo pressed his lips to her temple. “I know.”
They embraced for a few minutes, then Norah pulled away, forcing a smile onto her face. “That smells delicious …what have we got tonight?”
“Ginger-glazed Mahi-Mahi, fresh green beans, and asparagus.”
Norah was impressed. “Fancy. Sounds delicious.” She hoisted herself onto the counter and watched him cook. She loved the way his dark curls were always in disarray and how his light-green eyes were so intense on whatever he was concentrating on. She grinned to herself and he noticed.
“What?”
She shook her head. “I was just wondering how many other billionaires take the time to cook for themselves.”
Giacomo grinned and kissed her. “I wasn’t always a billionaire. Some things I couldn’t give up. Back in Italy, we would always cook together, then at college, Lando and Carmel and I were known as the ‘Gourmet Geeks.' I missed that until you. When Tara and I were dating, she would never entertain the idea of eating in. Having said that, she didn’t entertain the idea of ‘eating’ that often either.”
Norah shuddered. “I could never starve myself for work.”
Giacomo smiled at her. “Glad to hear it. Although you could easily be a model.”
“Boring.”
