9. Emilia
CHAPTER 9
The hardest part of the plan was staying in bed for as long as possible. I rarely lazed around in the mornings, especially with Alessio. We’d smile and cuddle for a minute when we woke up, but then it was on to coffee or showering.
Pretending to sleep in, then slipping over to his side to wrap my arms around him until ten was bordering on painful. We didn’t talk very much, but he dropped kisses on the top of my head while he scrolled through his phone. I rested my head between his shoulder and chest.
He wasn’t even looking at anything interesting or useful, just his various social media accounts. Judging by his algorithm, we would never make it as a couple in real life. Lifestyles of the rich and famous were less interesting to me than political conspiracy theorists, which also showed up too frequently.
The clock ticked over to ten fifteen, and I decided I’d waited long enough. I rolled onto my back and stretched.
“Do you have anything important today?”
He lowered his phone and smiled. “Did you have something in mind?”
I propped my head up on my hand and smiled. “The guard at my building is always talking about this place for brunch, but I haven’t had a chance to check it out. We’re usually busy when I stay over, and it’s such a hassle coming from my place in the morning.”
I cursed the choice to live on an island with only boat access every second of this stupid mission.
“Well, let’s go.”
I sat up. “Really? You don’t have somewhere you need to be?”
“You’re where I need to be.” He leaned over and kissed me. “What’s the name of the restaurant? I’ll have my assistant call and get us a table.”
“First Light, but let me take care of it.”
“It’s no problem.” He picked up his phone. “I’ve heard good things too.”
I touched his wrist and squeezed, giving him my brightest smile. “I want to do something for you for a change.”
He laughed. “Okay.”
“Do you still have some of my clothes from––”
“Millie, I didn’t get rid of anything.” His brown eyes held too much tenderness. “I didn’t touch anything. Your side of the closet is still full.”
I smiled and hurried to the bathroom. I knew it was only a few days, but I didn’t know how he had reacted to me needing a break. He could have thrown everything I ever touched away. He could have returned all the gifts he bought me. He had every right to destroy my memory from his home, but from the wounded look, the thought never crossed his mind.
He never stopped caring for me, even when I left him in the middle of the night. When I told him I couldn’t do it anymore. When I told him I didn’t trust him.
Either he was overly confident or overly hopeful.
Or he believed what we had was real.
But it wasn’t, no matter how sweet and boring he could be in the morning.
Don’t break, Em. Focus.
What-ifs were a dead end. For both of us.
He wasn’t what I wanted, and if he knew what I was doing here, he wouldn’t want me either.And losing the morning cuddles would be the least of my problems.
I stepped into the shower and let the cold water shock me back to reality. I had to play my role perfectly this morning. I couldn’t look for Martin. I couldn’t even react if I spotted him before Alessio.
My shocked and concerned expressions were dialed in. They had been for years. Millie mode engaged again; everything was in place.
Alessio stepped in as I rinsed the conditioner from my hair. His eyes roamed over me, and he wrapped his hands around my waist. “You’re so beautiful.”
I looped my arms around his neck and lifted to my toes to kiss him. At least this was easy. Making out and letting him touch me, lighting my skin on fire, wasn’t much of a hardship. He was a shit person but a fantastic lover.
His palms roamed over my ass, squeezing and kneading as his tongue explored my mouth. A moan escaped my chest as his hand moved between my legs and he began rubbing my clit.
“That’s it, baby,” he whispered before gently biting the tip of my ear. “Let me hear you.”
“Fuck,” I groaned and let my forehead drop to his chest as his fingers thrust into me, his thumb still working me into a frenzy.
He knew my body well enough by now to have me climaxing not once but twice before my knees began to wobble.
“Good girl.”
He kissed the tip of my nose as I rode out the second wave with my body lazily pressed against his.
I smiled up at him and wrapped my fingers around his length, pumping slowly.
His eyes fell shut. “You don’t have to. That’s not why I––”
I ran my thumb over the tip, and his hips shot forward.
“I know I don’t have to.” I kissed him but pulled back before he could react. “I want to.”
No better way to lower his guard and put him in a good mood before I ruined his day. Plus, he needed to believe I’d forgiven him.
I had him coming over my stomach in two minutes. He braced himself on the wall, caging me between his arms as he panted.
“Damn, we should start the day off like that more often.”
I kissed him, then moved toward the glass door. “You won’t hear any complaints from me.”
While he finished showering, I picked out a light-blue floral sundress with a corset bodice and an A-line skirt that hit just below my knees. Not my style or even Millie’s, but it was perfect for the humid weather and brunch.
Alessio passed to the closet, dropping a kiss on my shoulder while I blew my hair dry. I smiled at my reflection and allowed this picture-perfect life to be reality. All I had to do today was get him to the restaurant. Martin would do the rest for me.
With my hair and minimal makeup done, Alessio wrapped his arms around my waist. “You look stunning.”
I smiled at him in the mirror. “Thank you. I think you need more lazy days. Relaxed looks good on you.”
“I agree.” He took my hand and squeezed. “But I think it’s you, not sleeping in, that has this effect on me.”
Why did he have to be a greedy idiot? He could have made some lucky woman incredibly happy. Instead, he crossed lines into Velez’s territory and sealed his fate.
The poor fool.
“Are you ready?” I asked.
“Yeah. The driver’s waiting.”
I picked up my phone and dropped it into my white purse, and we headed out. I nodded to Derek, waiting in his car at the end of the driveway.
Alessio followed my line of sight. “We’re just grabbing brunch. He doesn’t need to follow.”
“I feel better with him around.” My slight dig didn’t faze Alessio.
“Whatever you need.” He kissed the side of my head and opened the door for me to get into the car.
Fortunately, he spent most of the drive on his phone. Fine by me. It was a nice break from having to come up with things to talk about.
“Sorry about that. Had some emails to catch up on.” He apologized just as the driver announced our arrival.
“I don’t mind. I’m getting a morning with you all to myself. Of course you have things to check on.”
He climbed out and studied me for a moment, grinning. “You’re amazing.”
I smiled back, and the driver opened my door. Expecting him to take the day off from work entirely was unreasonable and something I’d never ask of him. No wonder he liked having me as a girlfriend so much. Maybe that was rare for him, but I’d never been the type to need a man around all the time. In fact, I preferred my alone time.
Not that I’d done much dating within the Pack. That would ruin the untouchable-bitch persona I’d worked so hard to create.
Alessio gave our name to the hostess, and she led us to a small table toward the end of the large open dining room. I fought hard against the urge to look around.Cruz had confirmed we’d have a clear view of Martin’s party. He told me to have Alessio sit with his back toward the wall, as he usually preferred, and let him find them on his own. Derek stood several steps behind me.
Fortunately, it didn’t take long. Our waiter took two steps away after getting our drink order, when every inch of Alessio tensed. His eyes narrowed, and he stared just over my shoulder.
I delayed my reaction, giving him time to watch and absorb before pulling him back to me.
“Babe?” I leaned slightly to catch his eyes. “Is something wrong?”
He blinked and met my gaze. “I’m not…excuse me for a second.”
Before I could respond, he was up. I twisted in my seat. Alessio marched back toward the entrance rather than to Martin, who hadn’t noticed his boss.
Wherever he was going, the guys would be able to listen. We planned on this, but I was surprised he didn’t confront the man directly.Maybe he’d taken my no-more-fights rule to heart.
My phone vibrated in my bag.
Marco: He’s asking someone to look into Martin. Find out who he’s with and trail him for the rest of the day
Em: He’s pissed. Rough day.
I put my phone away and placed my purse back on the side of my chair and smiled up at the waiter as he returned with our mimosas. “Thanks.”
“Do you have any questions about the menu?” He glanced down at the cream paper I hadn’t even picked up yet.
“No, but my boyfriend needed to step out for a phone call. We’ll be ready in a few minutes.”
“Of course.” He stepped back and went to another table.
I sipped on my drink and exchanged subtle funny faces with Derek until Alessio came back into the dining area. He glanced at Martin but sat back down without speaking to him.
“Is everything all right?” I sat my glass down and picked up the menu.
He shot me a quick smile as he lifted his own. “Yes, sorry about that.”
I didn’t press him, skimming over the options as if nothing was unusual. “I can’t decide between the eggs Benedict or the goat cheese frittata.” He didn’t respond, so I lowered my menu. He was staring down at his phone. “Baby?”
“Yes?” He looked up.
“What are you going to get?”
“Um…” He looked at the menu. “The huevos rancheros look good.”
And he was back on his phone.
I didn’t push—yet. His freak-out mode simmered, but I didn’t want him to snap. Then again, he was on thin ice, and ignoring me wasn’t the smartest choice.
“Are you two ready to order?” The waiter returned, looking down at me.
“Yes. Could I get the eggs Benedict, please?”
“Excellent choice. And for you?” He looked at Alessio, who was oblivious to his presence.
“Baby?” I leaned forward.
He held up a finger before typing. Oh, no. I would not let the rudeness slide, but the poor waiter shouldn’t have to deal with our drama.
“He’ll have the huevos rancheros,” I ordered for him. Our waiter left, and I crossed my arms and waited.
Finally, at least three minutes later, he came back to reality and took in my frown. “I’m sorry, I––”
“You didn’t have to come. You could have told me no if you were too busy.”
He leaned in. “No, amor, something came up.”
I looked away from him. “Then why don’t you just go? I’d rather eat alone than be ignored.”
He reached across the table, and I stared down at his outstretched palm. “Millie, I really am sorry. I’ll put my phone away.”
I dropped my shoulders and took his hand. “Thank you.”
He grinned and leaned over to slide his phone into his pocket when he froze.
He got another message or call. We stared at each other while he debated what to do. He wanted to check, but he also didn’t want to piss me off.
I narrowed my eyes. “Are you okay?”
He swallowed and straightened, making his choice. “Yes.”
Good boy.
Almost.
He didn’t check his phone while we waited or as we ate, but his attention was focused just a few inches above my shoulder. How Martin didn’t clock the intensity of his boss’s gaze was remarkable. Also concerning.
That was a basic skill anyone in his position should have. Not my problem. That was something Alessio should address.
My attention was focused on my so-called boyfriend and waiting for him to realize how annoyed I was. I didn’t have to fake it. I couldn’t help but want to wave my hands in his face and remind him that his patient, forgiving girlfriend was sitting across from him and quickly reaching her limit.
At least the food was good. If it wasn’t, I would have bolted a while ago. As we finished eating and waited for the bill, I came up with the exact words to convey how royally he screwed up.
He put his black card back into his wallet and signed the slip before finally looking at me. “What would you like to do now?”
I lifted my purse and stood in one graceful move. “I’m going home.”
He shot to his feet. “What do you mean?”
I wasn’t going to do this in front of a crowded room, so I strode to the exit with my head high, knowing he’d follow.
Once we were outside, where his driver was waiting, I stopped and waited for him to catch up. Derek stood beside our black sedan, a knowing smirk on his lips. We hadn’t discussed plans beyond getting Alessio here, but he knew me well enough to predict I’d be ready to get away from him when the meal was done.
My heart swelled, but I pushed it down and kept my face neutral.
“Amor? What’s wrong?”
I put a hand on my hip. “Seriously?”
He looked around as if the explanation for my mood would be printed on the building.
“You were distracted through the whole meal. You didn’t even say a single word to me after you sat back down.”
“I put my phone away,” he protested.
“And stared across the room the entire time. Did another woman catch your eye?”
He scowled. “No. Never. You are the only woman I want.”
“Well, you sure didn’t act that way inside,” I huffed. “You clearly have a lot on your mind, and I’m not going to continue to be ignored for the rest of the day. So go deal with whatever has your attention.”
He reached for me, and I fought against my instinct to pull away, letting him wrap his arms around my waist. “I’m sorry.”
“You’ve said that a dozen times already, but that doesn’t erase your behavior.”
He kissed my forehead. “Please, amor. Forgive me. I didn’t mean to put work before you. I’m trying.”
Apologizing without even explaining why he was so distracted? That was an odd choice, and if this was real, I would have demanded answers. But it wasn’t, and I was ready to go home—my real home, for now at least—and nap.
“Just go, Alessio.”
He tensed at me using his full name.
“Take care of whatever is going on, and call me later.”
I stepped out of his arms and went to where Derek already had the rear door open for me and slid into the seat without looking back.
Throwing this on top of seeing Martin meeting with strangers would provoke him, maybe push him over the edge. Panic, fear, and anger was a lethal combination. We’d have to sit back and watch what he did next and deal with the fallout as it came.