Page 516 of One More Kiss

Avery

Last night waswithout a doubt the best night of my life. Paolo and I didn’t get any further than kissing, but my lips still tingled. We planned to talk again later, but I had a lunch scheduled with Lena.

I didn’t intend to fall for him, but I had. Over the years I never had a boyfriend or even felt the need, because I knew my life was mapped out. But now Paolo made me feel things I didn’t understand.

I should have known ending up in Paolo’s arms wouldn’t end up this way. Nothing in my life was easy. Everyone I loved either left or was in danger. Paolo was no different.

“Babe?” Paolo asked as I exited my bedroom. “You okay?”

I smiled at him, glancing around the hall to make sure that we were alone. Then I threw myself into his arms. The kiss was short but sweet. He slid his hands to my ass and rested them there as we embraced.

“What’s your plans for the day?” I asked him once I was able to speak without sounding breathless.

“I’ve got some work to do with your father. Arlo and Justin are your guards today. Please stay with them.”

I loved that he was so protective of me. “I will. Lena and I are having lunch at a new Bistro, but other than that, I’ll be right here.”

He pressed a chaste kiss against my lips. “Good. Call me if you need me.”

“Promise,” I whispered. “Be safe.”

He slid his hand around my chin and held me close. “Trust me, honey, I will be, and I’ll ensure your father is too. You just keep yourself safe for me and we will talk later.”

His held my gaze for a moment longer.

“I will,” I replied, wanting that worry to vanish.

We gave each other one last kiss, My lips tingled long after he walked away.

One of the many reasons that I’d fallen for Paolo was that he’d defied my father’s instructions of keeping his distance. And he wanted me safe.

We’d agreed that no one could know about us. Hell, I wasn’t even sure what ‘us’ consisted of. My father watched Paolo’s every move, making sure that he was a gentleman around me.

I wished he wasn’t.

Most men would collapse under my father’s watchful eye. They would drop me like a sack of hot potatoes and act as though I didn’t exist because that was what my father would want. Thankfully, Paolo wasn’t most men and he was able to be his own man.

I scrolled through my laptop, getting everything organized for the party next week. Every year, we had a big one. All the men, and their wives and children, were invited. It was always a hit. This year, we would commemorate Leon’s life and show the world that the Bilottis are a united front, even though I felt anything but.

My father called my name as he walked into the kitchen.

I raised my head and looked over at him. Paolo stood beside him, watching me with heated eyes.

Butterflies swarmed in the pit of my stomach.

“Yeah, Dad?”

“When you go to the restaurant, Justin or Arlo is to be with you.”

I nodded, having already had this discussion with Paolo. I understand that I won’t be without a guard at my back for the foreseeable future.

“I will make sure of it,” I said to him, and then looked at Paolo. I needed him to know that I worried if he was safe.

“Don’t worry about us, principessa,” my father responded. “Do you need any help with organizing?”

I shook my head. “I’m good. I have everything ready. I’m just checking in with the caterers.”

My father strode over to me and pressed a kiss against my cheek. “I’ll be back later. Call if you need me.”

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