Read Online Faster Hotter by Colleen Masters, Hearts Collective - Free Book Online Page B

owners F1 has known in the past. We won’t shy away from having a woman calling some shots around here. We’re going to push you, but only because we have a feeling that you could be a great asset to this team in the future. We all know that this sport needs to grow and change if it’s going to stay relevant today. And I think that you can be a part of that change, Siena. Really, I do.”
    “That’s what I want, Mr. Ferrelli,” I say confidently.
    “Please, call me Bruno,” the de-facto owner grins.
    “You’re more than welcome to do as your father did and concentrate mainly on Enzo,” Carlo puts in, “When it comes to races and such, we have no issue with you staying by his side, if that’s what you like.”
    “It is,” I say, “There’s nothing more important to me than family.”
    “We’re glad to hear it,” Bruno says, “That rather neatly brings us to our one point of concern, going forward...”
    My heart clenches uncomfortably in my chest. “Oh?” I say, “What is it you’re concerned about, Bruno?”
    “This is a bit awkward to bring up,” he goes on, “But your relationship with Harrison Davies during this last tournament proved to be a bit...problematic, didn’t it?”
    The blood quickens in my veins at the mention of Harrison’s name. “The media attention was a bit unfortunate,” I allow.
    “We agree,” Carlo chimes in, “The scandalous nature of what happened between you—”
    “It was only scandalous because the tabloids made it so,” I point out.
    “That’s fair,” Carlo says, “And please don’t think we mean to dictate your relationships, Siena. We’re just hoping that, going forward, your being with Harrison Davies can be a bit less...compelling.”
    “I don’t think I understand what you mean,” I say crisply.
    “Do you think it’s possible that you and Mr. Davies are headed toward a more...conventional sort of relationship?” Bruno asks, struggling to find a tactful way to phrase and untactful thought. “Something a bit more permanent, perhaps?”
    “Are you asking me to propose to him or something?” I laugh.
    The two men exchange a quick glance, and I feel my jaw drop open in surprise.
    “Wait, seriously?” I sputter, professional tone entirely forgotten.
    “We’d never require something like that from you, of course,” Carlo says quickly, “But Siena, you have to understand that you’re more a part of Ferrelli’s public image than ever. What you do affects the way our team is seen around the world.”
    “So it will be much easier for us to give you the responsibilities you—and we—want you to have if your personal life is a bit less...Something other than...” Bruno struggles to find the right word.
    “Gossip bait,” I finish flatly.
    “Precisely,” he smiles.
    I look back and forth between the Ferrelli men, trying to keep my face composed. I understand their concerns on a rational level, but this is my life they’re talking about. It’s not as though I go out of my way to create scandal and intrigue. It just seems to find me, is all. Carlo and Bruno have no idea what they’re asking of me. Could there we anything more scandalous than a love child? What the hell am I supposed to do about that little detail?
    “I hope we haven’t offended you, Siena,” Bruno says, smiling sheepishly, “You really are an asset to this team, and we want you to be successful here. We have no intention of keeping you at arm’s length. We just hope that you’ll be able to balance your new professional responsibilities with the, uh, momentum, of your personal life.”
    “And of course, it should be said that you’re under no obligation to take this job if you don’t think this is a good time—” Carlo begins.
    “No,” I cut him off, “My father trusted his share in this team to me, and I am not about to do him the dishonor of walking away. I don’t think it’s anyone’s business how I conduct my personal life, but I hear what you’re