Page 94 of Broken Pieces
“I swear to fucking God, Carter, I don’t know why I pay you.”
He points a finger at me in warning. “I’m doing my best, Romano. I don’t know who the hell you pissed off, but it’s definitely not a solo job. Now, what’s your plan for the email threats?”
I’ve received a handful more threats here and there, giving me yet another chance to fire Aria. That’s simply not fucking happening. I don’t know what the hell this person gets out of this, but I’m not bending my wrist for anyone. “I’m not firing her.”
He puffs. “Even if your whole career is on the line?”
“Please, these people don’t scare me one bit.”
Matteo locks his gaze on me, expectantly, probably jumping to his own conclusions. “Well, I’ll be damned.” He laughs.
“What?”
“You love her, don’t you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say nonchalantly, fixing my cufflinks.
He smirks. “I can’t wait to tell Enzo this. He will have a parade with this information.”
I point to the folder. “Was this all? If so, get out. I have work to do.”
Matteo gets up and shrugs as he walks to the door. Before opening it, he looks at me over his shoulder.
“What now?” I glare at him.
“It’s good to see you in love. You look happy,” he opens the door, “don’t fuck it up,” he finishes as a way of goodbye.
I knock on Aria’s office door as I open it softly. “You ready?”
She looks up from her computer with her bright smile that tugs my heart every damn time. “Hey, yeah. One second.”
We’ve both been working ourselves ragged for this gala, and we’re more than ready for it to be over. I know she’s still stressed because she wasn’t able to find the last statement piece, even though I told her I’d take care of it. But that’s Aria for you; dedicated to the very end.
She picks up her purse, getting up from her desk. “Okay, I’m ready.”
“You hungry?” I ask.
“Starving,” she groans.
“Good. We’re cooking today.”
“You mean you’re cooking today, because you never let me do anything?” She pouts as we’re walking out of her office.
“I cherish my health,Tesoro. You over season too much.” I laugh, grabbing her by the waist and placing a kiss on her forehead.
She rolls her eyes as she murmurs, “Jerk.”
“I still don’t have my phone. I’m picking it up tomorrow. You have the app to set up the alarm, right?”
She nods. “But I don’t have the keys. I lost them. I looked around my apartment and I couldn’t find them. Maybe they are at Soph’s. I still haven’t asked.”
“That’s fine. I got them,” I say as I take them out and close the doors.
Once the alarm and doors are set, my driver is waiting for us upfront, so we get in quickly to go to her apartment. I love staying at her place. Mine is so dark and lonely, whilehers is so homey and welcoming, and she hasn’t kicked me out, so that’s a plus. Because it has become my favorite thing every night after I get off work to go to her house and just be with her.
As we walk into her apartment, I ask, “Are you nervous for tomorrow?”
She shakes her head. “I’m relieved. I can’t believe I let you talk me into doing a whole gala. I’m not doing this ever again.”
