Chapter Nineteen Ella
Chapter Nineteen
Ella
Istep to the mirror and cock my head to the side, studying myself.
My unruly hair is straightened to within an inch of its life, falling in a glossy curtain around my face and shoulders. My makeup is natural, just enough to make my eyes brighter and my lips softer.
Wow. Even I’m impressed.
I smooth my hands over the blue dress Rhia loaned me, the fabric cool and silky beneath my fingertips, hugging every curve without apology.
I feel… sexy.
Rhia left a few minutes ago, excited and buzzing. I can only imagine what she and Lex are about to get up to. If it were a movie, it would definitely be rated R. Restricted. Eighteen plus.
It’s eight o’clock on the dot when the knock on my door announces Tiero’s arrival loud and clear.
It kicks off the full-blown party those damned butterflies are throwing in my stomach.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
That’s my heart when I open the door.
The air leaves my lungs in a rush, and suddenly there isn’t enough oxygen in the world.
Wowsers.
Tiero looks delectable.
He’s dressed casually for the first time since we met, in black jeans and a black shirt left open at the throat. I fight the urge to step closer and undo a few more of those pesky buttons to reveal more of his sun-tanned skin.
But of course, I behave.
Tiero’s gaze travels over my body like fingertips. His eyes darken, filling with unmistakable desire.
The air between us crackles, and the butterflies start dancing like they’ve been waiting all night.
He leans in, brushing a kiss against each of my cheeks before pulling me into a hug. His lips graze my ear.
“You take my breath away. You look incredible.”
Treacherous goosebumps rise instantly. The warmth of his breath against my skin sends my pulse racing.
“So do you,” I manage, my voice barely above a whisper.
He steps back, studying me as if committing every detail to memory.
“Dr. Agosti said everything was much improved this morning. Are you feeling okay?”
Heat creeps into my cheeks. He talked to his doctor about me.
“Yes, thank you,” I reply. “The area is bruised and a little itchy, but otherwise all good.”
He nods once, satisfied. Without another word, he takes my hand, waits while I lock the door, and guides me toward the elevator, where two of his bodyguards are already waiting.
They’re dressed casually too. I wonder where my mysterious Italian and his security squad go for a casual night out. It seems so unlike him. The thought that he’s taking me somewhere just for my benefit warms my insides.
We ride down to the lobby in silence and walk to the waiting cars. His hand settles possessively at the small of my back, sending waves of heat through me.
God, I hope my body’s crazy reactions to this man calm down. At this rate, I’ll be a boiling mess before dessert.
Two black SUVs are at the entrance, engines running. Two guards flank the doors. I glance at them and resist a smile. Tiero’s security seems to come in only two sizes: big and bigger.
They scan the surroundings as we slide into the backseat of the first SUV. The bodyguard who’s usually at Tiero’s side takes the passenger seat. I assume he’s Tiero’s personal guardian angel, though there’s nothing remotely angelic about him.
Tall. Solid muscle. Bald head. A scar slicing down his left cheek. Intimidating doesn’t quite cover it. I would not want to cross him.
He sits rigid and alert, eyes constantly moving. After what happened the day I met Gualtiero, I’m oddly comforted by his presence. The remaining guards pile into the vehicle behind us.
“Where are you taking me tonight, Signor De Marco?” I ask playfully as we pull away.
“Ah, my beautiful Ella, that’s a surprise,” he replies, a warm smile tugging at his lips.
The drive is short. Ten minutes later, we pull up in front of what looks like an ordinary pub. I read the sign above the door and turn to him with a grin.
“O’Seven? You’re taking me to an Irish pub in Sicily?”
“Something to remind you of home,” he says, amused.
“I’ve only been gone a few days. I’m not sure I need reminding just yet.” I laugh, and he joins me.
Oh, he’s beautiful when he laughs. It softens his face, transforming him from stern to devastating. I can’t look away. My pulse pounds, and I pray he doesn’t notice.
“You must have done your homework if you know I live in Ireland. I don’t think I’ve mentioned it. And I don’t really have an accent, given I didn’t grow up there.”
Has he run a background check on me?
It wouldn’t surprise me. With security like his, I doubt he leaves anything to chance.
“It’s true, you don’t have an accent,” Tiero agrees, “but your friend does. She told Mateo all about her company in Dublin.”
He exits the car and rounds it to open my door.
“Well, that explains it,” I murmur.
It was silly to assume I’d been investigated. Though I’m surprised he and Mateo would talk about Rhia’s company.
When he appears at my door, I take his outstretched hand and slide from the backseat, guards immediately surrounding us.
We’re totally inconspicuous, I chuckle to myself.
“Is it because we’re going to a pub that you have more security tonight? Because it’s crowded?” I ask as we make our way inside. Curious glances follow us. “Are you in more danger here?”
For some reason, I care about his safety. And honestly, I can’t picture Gualtiero De Marco frequenting packed pubs. It doesn’t seem like his scene.
“It’s just a precaution,” he says calmly. “Better safe than sorry.”
He takes my hand and guides me through the crowd toward the bar. “Guinness?”
“Kilkenny, please,” I reply with a smile.
We settle onto bar stools at a barrel table. I’m fairly certain his security cleared it for us. When we entered, there wasn’t a single empty spot in sight. I suppose they do come in handy.
“What would you like to eat?” he asks.
I scan the menu and land on a juicy burger. I haven’t had one in ages, and my mouth waters instantly. He signals to a guard, who approaches, takes our order, and disappears.
“What’s your bodyguard’s name?” I ask. “The one who’s always with you. It would be nice to know what to call him.”
“That’s Santino. He’s the head of my security.”
“Santino? Really?” I laugh. “That means little saint, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, it does. Lucky for me, there’s nothing saintly about him,” he says, laughing.
I glance at the mountain of a man stationed near the door. Pious is not the word I’d use.
“I suppose you don’t get far in that profession looking friendly and approachable,” I say.
“He’s very good at his job,” Tiero replies with a wink. “Especially when I listen to him and don’t wander off.”
The subject of security gives me the opening I need to probe a little deeper into why he requires so much protection. Last night, he changed the topic when I tried to press him, but I want to know who I’m dealing with.
“So… what exactly is it you do?” I ask, keeping my tone light. “You said you’re a businessman, but that can mean just about anything.”
He studies me for a moment, as if weighing how much to reveal.
“My family’s business spans several areas, but we primarily deal in real estate. We own hotels and clubs throughout Italy and Europe. We also run a shipping company and invest in venture capital. Recently, we’ve expanded into cybersecurity.”
“Wow. That’s… extensive,” I say, genuinely impressed. “Do you enjoy being the head of your family’s business?”
“I didn’t have a choice. As the firstborn son, I was groomed to take over. My family has run it for generations and will continue to do so. One day, my sons will take over.”
Hmm, I’m not sure what to make of that. I have no experience with such traditions.
My ex-boyfriend Marco worked in the company his grandfather built, and he’s expected to take over eventually. But he still answers to a board. His rise to CEO isn’t guaranteed unless he earns it.
“What about Mateo and his future children?” I ask. “Is there a hierarchy? Like nobility? Firstborn inherits everything and the rest are… backups?”
“When you’re born into this family, you’ll always serve it in some capacity,” Tiero says, his tone measured.
“Whether you want to or not?” I press. “What about your own dreams?”
“In my culture, family is everything. You give them your loyalty, your heart. Any ambitions you have… you make them fit within those boundaries.”
“So you never questioned taking over the reins?”
“Never. It’s how I was raised. It’s our way of life.”
I shake my head slowly. “It’s such a foreign concept to me to have your life planned out like that. My family just wanted me to find something that made me happy. My dad never expected me to become a lawyer like him.” I tilt my head. “What did you study? Do you have an MBA?”
“I do. But I learned most of it on the job. I was twelve when my father first took me along to his office.”
Twelve. At that age, I was still worrying about playground drama. No wonder he carries himself the way he does. That kind of responsibility so young would change anyone.
“So I suppose it would be a stupid question to ask if you want children?” I tease lightly.
“Like every true-blooded Italian, I want a big family,” he says with a smile.
Then his gaze locks onto mine.
Goosebumps scatter along my spine.
His eyes are pure fire.
“Do you want to make babies with me, Ella?”