Read Online Boss (Chianti Kisses #2) by Tara Oakes - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Tara Oakes
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had no idea at first that you two even had a thing , let alone a thing to be avoided. Apparently, there’s still something there, even if it’s hate. But crap like that gets into things. It’s too late to make a switch, but I need to know if you’re going to be able to stay professional. I know my sister. Unfortunately, I can’t guarantee she’ll be able to keep her cool. She’s got a quiet, simmering temper. When it blows, it takes a while for things to settle.”
Carmine loosens his tie. “I would never, ever, want to hurt your sister. If I thought even for a second, that she still had… feelings… or anger for me, I would never have come. I would have been the first person to suggest someone else. I can swear to you, Dom, I will do everything I can to make sure it doesn’t get in the way of what I’m here to do.”
I nod, falling back into my chair, surrendering to the stresses of the day.
“Just… I don’t know… just don’t let this thing get any more awkward than it already is. Now… I need to stop thinking about my sister’s love life or even the ruins of it. Back to business. Nick’s got some early leads on the photographer. Some possible matches. A couple of those can be crossed off. One’s in jail, been there for a few months, definitely not taking any pictures of anybody. Another’s six feet deep. A car accident a while back. But there are two that could be matches. Two twin brothers. Part-time paparazzi. Tomorrow, I’ll have the house detail on V, so you can pay the brothers a visit and see what you can find out.”
He takes in the information I’m laying out. “You got it, boss. How about tonight? You need me here?”
I eye him. “Not especially. We’re in for the night and I’ve doubled the security around the perimeter. Why? Hot date?” I ask sarcastically.
Carmine stands, stretching his legs. “You could say that.”
My eyes dart up to the private staircase leading to my bedroom where I know V is tucked away. “Don’t be late in the morning.” I speak out to him as he leaves my presence. My drink is my only companion now.
I slouch back, looking to hide from the day. Just a little escape, to press the pause button and let my head catch up with everything. I know she’s OK now, but it was terrible timing. I had opened an anonymous email just moments before getting the call to go to the hospital. A very ominous email very simply stating that collateral damage is sometimes the impetus to make smart business decisions.
It may have been before I knew that it was only a minor cut, but it just fucked me up getting that email and then a phone call to go to the ER. I can’t take much more of this. I’m walking on ice, just trying to make it to the other side without falling through; but every step I take, I hear the cracking under foot.
I abandon the ornately cut crystal glass on my desktop and take the stairs, winding around and around till I reach the top, where the carved wooden door provides me entrance to the master bedroom.
The curtains are drawn halfway, limiting the late afternoon light. Music is playing lightly, one of V’s favorite songs. She’s changed into some yoga pants and a long sweater, sitting at the writing desk with her thin laptop opened and working in front of her.
She doesn’t fully acknowledge me, instead just kind of nods her head in my direction as she continues to concentrate on the text in front of her. I stand in back of her, gently pulling her shoulders back to rest against me. She exhales deeply, lifting her good hand to rest on mine over her shoulder.
“I ruined my dress,” she whispers. “You bought it for me. I loved it.”
I close my eyes, lowering my head, and kiss her hair.
“I’ll buy you another one.”
She uses her bandaged hand to reach forward and close her laptop. “That’s not what I mean, Dom. It was beautiful, a gift, something you gave me and it’s ruined.”
“The most important thing is that you’re OK,” I
Carmine loosens his tie. “I would never, ever, want to hurt your sister. If I thought even for a second, that she still had… feelings… or anger for me, I would never have come. I would have been the first person to suggest someone else. I can swear to you, Dom, I will do everything I can to make sure it doesn’t get in the way of what I’m here to do.”
I nod, falling back into my chair, surrendering to the stresses of the day.
“Just… I don’t know… just don’t let this thing get any more awkward than it already is. Now… I need to stop thinking about my sister’s love life or even the ruins of it. Back to business. Nick’s got some early leads on the photographer. Some possible matches. A couple of those can be crossed off. One’s in jail, been there for a few months, definitely not taking any pictures of anybody. Another’s six feet deep. A car accident a while back. But there are two that could be matches. Two twin brothers. Part-time paparazzi. Tomorrow, I’ll have the house detail on V, so you can pay the brothers a visit and see what you can find out.”
He takes in the information I’m laying out. “You got it, boss. How about tonight? You need me here?”
I eye him. “Not especially. We’re in for the night and I’ve doubled the security around the perimeter. Why? Hot date?” I ask sarcastically.
Carmine stands, stretching his legs. “You could say that.”
My eyes dart up to the private staircase leading to my bedroom where I know V is tucked away. “Don’t be late in the morning.” I speak out to him as he leaves my presence. My drink is my only companion now.
I slouch back, looking to hide from the day. Just a little escape, to press the pause button and let my head catch up with everything. I know she’s OK now, but it was terrible timing. I had opened an anonymous email just moments before getting the call to go to the hospital. A very ominous email very simply stating that collateral damage is sometimes the impetus to make smart business decisions.
It may have been before I knew that it was only a minor cut, but it just fucked me up getting that email and then a phone call to go to the ER. I can’t take much more of this. I’m walking on ice, just trying to make it to the other side without falling through; but every step I take, I hear the cracking under foot.
I abandon the ornately cut crystal glass on my desktop and take the stairs, winding around and around till I reach the top, where the carved wooden door provides me entrance to the master bedroom.
The curtains are drawn halfway, limiting the late afternoon light. Music is playing lightly, one of V’s favorite songs. She’s changed into some yoga pants and a long sweater, sitting at the writing desk with her thin laptop opened and working in front of her.
She doesn’t fully acknowledge me, instead just kind of nods her head in my direction as she continues to concentrate on the text in front of her. I stand in back of her, gently pulling her shoulders back to rest against me. She exhales deeply, lifting her good hand to rest on mine over her shoulder.
“I ruined my dress,” she whispers. “You bought it for me. I loved it.”
I close my eyes, lowering my head, and kiss her hair.
“I’ll buy you another one.”
She uses her bandaged hand to reach forward and close her laptop. “That’s not what I mean, Dom. It was beautiful, a gift, something you gave me and it’s ruined.”
“The most important thing is that you’re OK,” I
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