Page 25 of The Bonventi Secret
"On that note," I say, and turn my head slightly, signaling the guard in the corner to approach.
The man moves forward with fluid grace, his muscular frame showing his military background. He stops at the edge of the table, hands clasped behind his back, face expressionless.
"Livia," I say, turning back to her. "I'd like you to meet Alessandro Mancini. He's one of my most trusted men, and from now on, he'll be your personal bodyguard."
Livia's eyes widen. "Excuse me?"
I ignore her question, continuing as if she hadn't spoken. "Alessandro will be available to you you 24/7. Whenever you leave the house, he'll accompany you. He'll drive you wherever you need to go and ensure your safety at all times."
Livia's eyes narrow, her jaw tightening with barely controlled anger. "I don't need a fucking babysitter," she says, her words almost venomous. "And I certainly don't need your protection."
I raise a hand, silencing her. "This isn't up for discussion, Livia. His presence is non-negotiable. You will cooperate, or there will be consequences."
"This is outrageous!" Livia exclaims, slamming her palms on the table as she rises from her chair. "You can't be serious."
"I assure you, I'm very serious. Your safety is paramount, Livia."
"My safety?" she snarls. "Or your control?"
I remain seated, my posture relaxed despite the tension. "Sit down, Livia," I say, my voice soft, not looking for an argument.
She doesn't move. I can see her trembling with fury, her eyes darting between me and Alessandro.
“Sit down," I repeat, keeping calm with my tone.
For a moment, I think she might refuse, but then she slowly lowers herself back into her chair.
I turn to Alessandro, who has remained stoic throughout the exchange. "Thank you. That will be all for now. We'll discuss the details of your new assignment later."
I wait for him to leave, only Livia and I remain in the room.
"Now," I say, leaning forward slightly to grab my wine glass, "let's talk about this like adults, shall we?"
Livia laughs. "Adults? You want to talk like adults? Adults have choices. Adults have freedom. What you're doing, this isn't a conversation between equals. It's a dictation of terms."
I feel my own anger rising, a hot, familiar sensation in my chest. I've never been one to tolerate insubordination, and Livia's continued defiance is testing my patience.
"You're right," I say, my voice low and direct. "This isn't a negotiation. I'm not asking for your permission, Livia. I'm telling you how things are going to be."
She leans back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest.
I take a deep breath, reining in my frustration. Livia's defiance is infuriating, but I can't deny that it's also intriguing. I've never encountered someone who dares to challenge me so openly. It's refreshing, in a way, even if it's also incredibly inconvenient.
Seeing her in distress, I change tactics. "Since I'm telling you how things will be, I might as well lay out the next few months for you."
I pause, watching her closely. Her gaze remains fiery, and I can tell she's contemplating her next moves carefully.
"I've been thinking, and I know how important your PhD is to you," I say. Her eyes widen slightly at my words.
"You're close to finishing, aren't you?" I continue. "I don't want to interfere with that. Your education, your achievements—they're part of who you are, and I respect that. So, I've made some arrangements to help you complete your studies."
Livia's brows furrow, confusion sliding across her face. "What kind of arrangements?"
"Well, I've had a study area set up for you in my personal library," I explain. "I've ordered a top-of-the-line computer for your use. Marcella is obtaining library cards for you from the local libraries and the research libraries at the University of Chicago. You'll have full access to help you finish your work."
I take a sip of wine, my eyes never leaving her. "And if there's anything else you need—a book, a journal article, anything at all—and you can't find it or it comes with a price, just let me or Marcella know, and we'll get it for you."
Livia's arms uncross, her posture softening, and her lips part, but no words come out. She looks utterly bewildered, the fight momentarily drained from her eyes.
