<i>“</i>Thank you for


    for your time. Texpect the signed contract in my inbox by the end of business tomorrow.”


    The seller and his legal team grunt their agreement. Roger, ever the professional, extends an offer to answer any further questions they might have.


    It’s all just a formality. I’m offering twice the value of the nes, bally confident they’ll boost our profits by thirty percent in no time. Sometimes, being generous is part of the strategy. Turning down my offer would be foolish.


    Roger’s knowing grin reflects his agreement.


    “Nice work,” I tell him, loosening my tie as the video call conclude


    “Want a drink?” he offers.


    Idecline. “I’m going to grab some coffee from the kitchen.” As 1 rise, I add, “<b>You </b>should take the rest of the night off. <b>You’ve </b>been burning the candle at both ends.”


    He looks puzzled. Since when is working too many hours a problem


    Given that I’m anticipating a special visitor and would prefer not to be interrupted, I’d rather not have him around I’m unsure whether I should confront her about her previous visit or give in to the temptation of what she clearly wanted that night. Tatiana didn’t specify her arrival time, so I’m on edge, waiting. Roger’s presence would only add to the tension.


    “If I need you, I know where to find you,” <b>I </b>say. His house is just a minute’s walk away on thepound grounds


    As an afterthought, I add, Tatiana mentioned Caterina will be staying here while she’s away. <b>So</b>, we have our answer about where she’s moving.”


    The mention of Tatiana’s name makes Roger’s brow furrow. I know she gets under his skin, but if anyone can handle her, it’s him. As long as he doesn’t speak ill of her in my presence, we’re the “She didn’t mention that to me.”


    “Same here. She dropped that little surprise on me as she was leaving. Always full of surprises,” I reply with <b>a </b>sigh. “Just wanted to give you a heads–up in case you see her around. The staff’s used to her being here, but with Tatiana gone, there might be some questions ”


    I’ll make sure everyone knows,” Hoper says, and I grunt my thanks before heading to the kitchen.


    Sheryl, our long–time <b>cook</b><b>, </b>looks up as lenter.


    “Just coffee,” I say, as she wipes her hands on her apron. Sheryl may look like a sweet old grandma, but she’s got a sharp tongue and can handle a knife better than most men I know


    “Gianni, if you don’t eat, you’ll wither away,” <b>Sheryl </b>scolds, her hazel eyes narrowing.


    I’m not sure who appointed her as my mother, but her concern, though sometimes irritating, shows she cares. “Doubtful, but if you’re really worried, I’ll make sure to eat something before I go to bed,” I assure her with <b>a </b>spudé,


    She crosses her amis. “You better. If Ie back and those meals are untouched, I’ll be slicing more than vegetables.<b>” </b>


    I almostugh. She’s not much taller <b>than </b>five feet, her graying hair tied back in a bun, and she looks frail, yet she’s threatening


    Ichuckle. “Your threats don’t scare me.”


    “They should. You have no idea what trouble I caused back in my day.” She winks, leaving me shaking my head.


    Truthfully, my appetite is nearly nonexistent. I’m on edge, waiting for something significant, and my longing for what’s toe is making it hard to sleep. It’ll be a miracle if I get through the month without copsing from exhaustion or starvation


    I can’t stop my body’s reaction to her. Dunn, she’s like an angel–perfection and innocence wrapped up in <b>a </b>beautiful package. Awaming echoes in my mind.


    Thut she’s also a woman. Just like any other.


    <b>No </b>wonder I can’t eat. My heart and mind are raging war against hoher Torn to pieces, I’m battling between what little conscience thave leti, my jaded views of women, and the ever–present craving that’s slowly consuming my entire existence.


    Acraving that magically materializes as a stunning young woman who appears at the other end of the hall Caterina Her shoulders are turned inward, her bonly facing away from me. I can’t make out her face from this distance. Then, like a misty fo she disappears and ducks into my office. My legs tunaten to carry me to her without thinking through what might happen next Fuck, I don’t trust myself enough around this girl How fortunate, then, that she’s staying here while your daughter is gone


    With a single look, I can strike fear into the heart of the hardest, mest brutal men. Certainly, I can handle this little girl, no matter how enticing; she is. It doesn’t matter that we shared one day secret Yes, it was wild and hot as fuck, but it was a ometime thing. She probably assumes 1 didn’t see her anyway. It’s not a big deal. We were both caught up inst. No doubt that’s <b>how </b>she’s chosen to brush it off.


    The desire to confront her pulls me forward. As I walk the length of the hall, every stepbringing me closer to her, the animal list ring to life low in my gut leaves me wondering if 1 should fuck her and get it over with or at least eat her pussy the way I’ve been longing to do since that night. Business wise, it might mean getting her out of my system. The way such acts typically leave me bored and uneasy almost as soon as I’ve finished, prepared to show the woman in question to the door and promptly forget


    We ever met


    Caterina is different. I can’t forget her. She’s part of my life, part of Tatiana’s<b>. </b>


    She’s also too young for you.


    I fight my subconscious. She’s <b>a </b>grown woman


    She’s your daughter’s best friend.


    Tatiana never has to know.


    My <b>insides </b>are coiled with tension <b>as </b>I step through the doorway. Estop, taken aback by the sight before me. The room is filled with quiet sobs, and Caterina’s shoulders tremble with every breath. She looks fragile and delicate, as though she might shatter at any moment. Seated in the chair behind my desk, her small hands are covering her face. Is she embarrassed by her tears? She has no reason to feel that way. My protective instinctpetes with my lingering desire, each vying for dominance.


    I want to bothfort her and fulfill my desires.


    One thing is clear, my feelings for her are too intense to ignore. I can’t dismiss her as merely a distraction or temptation when hier tearspel me to seek out whoever caused her pain.


    The urge to protect her is overwhelming, and feel an intense rush of anger. I’ve never felt such a strong, possessive drive towards a woman before. Fcan’t just stand here and let her cry, her sobs are breaking me down