Chapter 4
THOR
Norah had taken up my entire fucking day.
I gave her that only so I wouldn’t have to hear her complain anymore about my distance and blah, blah, blah.
And fuck, I couldn’t take it anymore. This had to end.
It wasn’t fair to her or to me. The thing was, I didn’t want to hurt her, but on the other hand, I had no right to trap her in a relationship that no longer worked as it should.
I exhaled hard, fingers running through my hair.
The sound of voices and muffled giggles drifting in from outside caught me on my way to the stairs. I backtracked a few steps. I cast my gaze through the glass, and in the next second, my eyes darkened with anger, hardened, jealous fury kicking exhaustion aside.
I clenched my fists, tense from head to toe.
My blood burned as I watched the scene unfolding.
Ella was with fucking Benjamin. Having dinner. Too comfortable. Too close. Too intimate. She was saying something between little laughs, leaning toward the fucker, trying to feed him some kind of food.
Fuck it!
***
“You wanted to see me, sir?”
“Close the door and sit down, Benjamin,” I answered evenly, without taking my eyes off the compilation of documents on my desk.
“Sir?”
I closed the folder with the documents I had been reviewing for the last hour, pushed it aside, and turned my attention to Benjamin. Sitting on the other side of the desk, he expressed about as many emotions as a stone. A familiar trait.
“Are you in love with Antonella?”
“No, sir.”
“You feel something for her.”
“Esteem.”
I sank back against the chair. “Esteem,” I repeated.
He inclined his head respectfully.
“If I may say, Miss Vicenti is a good girl. Living in close proximity ended up bringing us closer, but I would never look at her in an inappropriate way. I know my place, and above all, I am grateful for the trust you placed in me to take care of her safety. I understand that the closeness of our professional relationship may not look good to you, and if I offended you with that, I ask your forgiveness.”
“But?”
“There is no ‘but,’ sir. We get along. Miss Vicenti was going through a delicate moment, and I helped her with what I could.”
My scrutiny never left him while I considered.
Benjamin seemed too sincere and calm for someone with something to hide. But then again, I didn’t work with stupid people. And better safe than sorry.
“I understand that daily contact has brought the relationship between you closer, but don’t forget your role here, or who I am, or who she is.”
I stood and went to his side, leaning my hip against the edge of the desk.
“Here, take this.”
Benjamin opened the envelope, then stared at me in confusion.
“Pietra told me you were a great help to Antonella, and I thank you. I also understand that your discretion was necessary. You did an excellent job, son.”
“Are you dismissing me, sir?”
“Fuck, no! Of course not, man! It’s only fair that you receive a bonus. So I took the liberty of buying a ticket to Brazil so you can visit your family. It’s been a long time since you saw your parents, right?”
“Yes. A year.”
“I’m glad I can provide you that, then.”
“I appreciate your generosity, but the money isn’t necessary.”
“I don’t think so. I like well-done work. I demand perfection, but I also know how to reward my employees.”
He nodded and stood.
“Will you still need me, sir?”
“No, you’re dismissed.”
“Miss…”
“I’ll pick Antonella up.” And I added, “Take the rest of the day to get organized. Your flight leaves at seven tonight.”
“Thank you.”
I nodded, returning behind the desk.
“Benjamin?” He stopped on his way to the door. “Have a good time in S?o Paulo and enjoy your vacation. And when you come back, stick to doing only the job you’re paid to do. Am I clear?”