Chapter 46 #2
I lean my head to the side, looking underneath the desk. Part of me wonders if I could fit. He must tell what I’m thinking because he snorts as he places paperwork onto the desk. He leans against it crossing his arms. “Not under the desk, Autumn.”
I grin back. “Could be fun.”
“I’m never going to hide you under my desk like some secret rendezvous.”
“Not even as roleplay?” I wink cheekily.
He raises a brow. “You’re getting bolder.”
It’s probably because I’ve finally escaped my penthouse tower.
It was such a relief to get outside, even with the summer heat, and to see people again. We haven’t seen many today, but it was more than just the usual handful. So, today being with Leo in his main office has made me cheeky and flirty.
“Because racing around in your office chair wasn’t?” I tease.
“Different kind of bold.” He drops his hands, coming over to bend down and place a kiss upon my temple. “If he looks at you wrong, I may shoot him.”
I reach up, placing my hand against his neck. “Vincenzo’s a harmless flirt. You’re my god, remember?”
A smile tugs at his lips, and then he kisses me briefly upon the lips. It’s sweet and affectionate, but that’s it. That’s all they’ve been. He straightens, turning away to glance over paperwork. I bite my lower lip, trying not to let a different worry claw at me.
I’ve been cleared for sex. Was I expecting it this soon while healing?
No. I figured we both needed time, but there wasn’t even anything sensual or flirty apart from a quip here or there.
It’s still very comfortable between us, such as platonic cuddling in bed.
Light touches. Holding each other. Nothing beyond that.
It reminds me of those early months of dating. Odd how it’s, well, flipped.
I take a deep breath in, shaking off the worry I know I don’t need. Things are just different. It’s not me. Just like it hadn’t been him. He just needs time like I did.
“I’ll stay over near the couches, let him hover by your desk,” I say, moving myself to the area.
“Autumn, there’s something I need to tell you.” I stop, spinning around to face him. He’s been mostly stern throughout the day, hiding fully behind that mask of his as his hands go into his pockets. He comes around the desk, jaw working. A glimpse of different uncertainty.
“Oh, no don’t tell me Vincenzo did something and that’s why he’s here.”
“No, unfortunately, he’s been a valuable asset.” A snort is my response to that. “It’s about what he’s delivering. I didn’t want to tell you unless I absolutely knew for sure the outcome.”
I blink at him, now fully confused. “Leo, what are you talking about?”
“They found Michael in the rubble…alive.”
Everything goes blank. What?
“He had to go through multiple surgeries. Chance of survival was slim. Renaldi wasn’t going to go forward with it, but I told him to.” I stare at Leo, breath becoming short. “After meeting with him today, I was going to tell you, but he probably would’ve said something.”
Words want to form in my mouth. Ask questions. See if I was dreaming.
Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door.
“Not now,” Leo calls out.
The door opens anyhow, and Leo practically growls towards who enters. It’s Vincenzo wearing one of his embroidered suits and a silk red shirt. Embellished as ever, but it’s hard to concentrate on him as my mind whirls. Flashes of that night. Screams. Explosions. “Run!”
“Buonasera, Luciano. Buonasera, signora, a wonderful surprise to see you,” he greets, putting his hands into his pockets as he grins leisurely.
“He wouldn’t wait in the hall,” Chiari steps in, looking agitated as she glares at the other mafia boss. I can see Isaac and Jameson just outside, exchanging glances.
“I’ve already been waiting for months, can’t blame a man for not being patient,” Vincenzo says, grinning at her and tries to wink. Doesn’t sway her.
“Vincenzo,” I say with a rasp.
He steps closer, flicking his gaze over me. I can feel Leo step closer, imposing and territorial. Vincenzo tilts his head to the side, flashing his gaze to Leo briefly. His face softens and tells me quietly. “Your man is outside, waiting for orders.”
My eyes widen, and without another thought I grab the push rims and move. Vincenzo steps aside as I roll past, aiming for the door. I can hear him behind me chuckle, “Ah, well already knew I wasn’t her favorite, eh Luciano?”
Chiari steps aside, keeping the door open as I come out to the hallway.
Isaac nods his head to the side, and I snap my gaze to the right.
My heart almost stops when I see him. Michael sits and waits in a chair.
He turns his head with a nervous expression.
Slowly, I go towards him as he stands and straightens himself.
A large bandage is across his neck, moving down underneath his shirt. His head is mostly shaved, and along one side I can see a gruesome scar. Another across his forehead. I stop, staring at him as he remains in his spot.
There’s a hush behind me. I stare at the man I thought was dead.
He goes to say something, but stops, mouth working. I move closer, leaning my head back to look up at him. He shifts on his feet.
Finally, he says in a much rougher voice than I remember, “Is that bodyguard offer still open, ma’am?”
My heart clenches, tears threatening to come as my throat tightens.
“How healed are you?” I ask quietly.
“I can move,” he answers. “Nothing too extraneous yet, so I doubt I can chase you, especially now that you have the advantage with wheels.”
A tear runs down my face. His face drops more.
I put the brake on the wheelchair, starting to get up.
Michael moves forward, panic coming over him as he tries to stop me. “Ma’am, wait—”
I stand, grabbing his arms and fall into a hug. My legs struggle to stay upright as I hold tightly around his chest. His breath hitches, arms up and away from me.
“Thank fuck you’re alive, and yes it’s open.” My words are muffled. I know he still hears me when his arms finally come down and hugs me back before my legs give out. He keeps me up against him, holding firmly.
Tears fall as I openly cry, not caring who’s watching, even Vincenzo. Michael breathes in shakily. “Thank fuck you’re alive, too, ma’am.”