Oh, God. I wasn’t sure if I should have said all that, but there was no undoing it now. It was just like me to open my mouth and for words to come tumbling out before I’d considered their impact. Most men would freak out at the slightest showing of early attachment by a woman. Call her needy and emotional before running out the door. Would Primo fall in that camp?
My shoulders tensed as I waited for him to realize what a mistake he’d made and backpedal out of the situation faster than a cat in water.
His eyes darkened like the sky on a moonless night, velvet shadows hiding all manner of secrets. “You’re a fascinating creature, Giada Genovese.” The Spanish lilt to his words caressed my skin, making me shiver.
“Is that a good thing?” A smile formed on my lips, a little unsteady and far more shy than I was used to.
“That would depend on who you ask. My cock couldn’t be happier, but I’m not sure your family is quite so thrilled.”
The word cock coming from his lips tightened the knots already coiling in my belly. Within seconds, the sexual tension in the cabin was back to blistering levels. The only relief came from frequent bouts of jostling turbulence that ratcheted up my anxiety and distracted me from the mindless need threatening my sanity.
The torture only subsided when the plane touched down on the runway, and my mind became consumed with what would happen next. It was dark when we landed, so I couldn’t see the landscape well. City lights twinkled in the distance, but I’d have to wait until morning to get a better view of my temporary home.
We taxied to the tiny airport, another private affair where a man waited for us with his car right on the tarmac. He was dressed in a suit, hands clamped together in front of him, and a grim set to his mouth. He was around Primo’s age with short dark hair, good looking in a serious sort of way.
“Giada, this is Santino,” Primo offered. “He’ll be on call anytime you need him if I’m not around.”
“It’s good to meet you.” I extended my hand in greeting.
Santino warily accepted, but his questioning gaze was glued to Primo as if uncertain what was going on. It was understandable. He probably hadn’t expected his boss to come home with a woman in tow.
We climbed into the back seat of the Land Rover and were off. Santino updated Primo on local matters that he’d missed while he was away. I mostly tuned out the conversation and watched the passing scenery to distract myself from the sticky nausea filling my belly. I was excited but also anxious about this new adventure. Together, the two emotions did a number on my stomach.
The drive lasted approximately twenty minutes. His estate was gated and manned by a guard who recognized the car and allowed us through without requiring us to stop.
“A gate and a guard?” I asked warily.
“People in our line of work have enemies everywhere. It’s best to be safe than sorry.”
I nodded and tried not to overthink it. I’d grown up living a mostly standard life without the guns and bodyguards that a mafia lifestyle might stereotypically entail, but we’d essentially been in hiding. Uncle Enzo’s and my father’s identities had been kept secret to protect us when we were little, so I hadn’t had to live with the same safeguards someone in the open might require. Primo’s lifestyle was probably far more typical of someone high up in our world.
His house was a traditional Mediterranean-style mansion with a red tile roof, carved stone trim work on stucco, and gorgeous arched windows and doorways. The landscaping I could see was meticulous and even boasted a huge statue in the front drive.
When I stepped from the car, the distant hum of gently rolling waves filled my ears. “Is that the ocean?” I asked excitedly.
“It is. The weather is on the cooler side, but you should still be able to enjoy the beach,” Primo said as he removed his suitcase from the back of the car.
His own private beach explained the radiant sun-kissed coloring of his skin. Something was safe about the beach and a man who enjoyed being in the sun. It wasn’t logical, but I associated love and happiness with the ocean. A blanket of welcome reassurance wrapped around me, comforting me that I’d made the right decision in coming to this place. It helped ease my tension and settle my stomach.
“Should I take this to the blue room?” Santino asked Primo, removing my suitcase from the trunk.
The front entry was lit with a number of brilliant floodlights, enabling me to see the shadow that crossed behind Primo’s eyes.
“That’s probably best,” he murmured, carrying his own bag to the front door.
It was presumptive of me, but I’d expected to stay with Primo. Their exchange indicated I’d been wrong. Disappointment and uncertainty attempted to darken my mood until I assured myself that the situation was unusual for both of us and not to jump to conclusions. It was probably a good idea for two people so new to each other to have their own space. He was being polite, not pushing me away. I let the subject drop and followed him to the door.
Just inside the thick, carved wood doors, the entry was magical in an old-world sort of way, like stepping through a time warp to an age of wooden stoves and horse-drawn carriages. There were modern touches, but he’d kept the charm of the original structure—arched doorframes and thick wooden beams in the ceilings. Some walls were done in rough stonework with iron sconces in stark relief against the pale hues of the stone and mortar. The furniture suited the home perfectly. It all looked to be either excellently cared for antiques or well-crafted replicas. With the dark brown Saltillo tile floor and an open, spacious layout, the house was a masterpiece.
“It’s gorgeous, Primo,” I said in awe, still gaping at all the intricate details.
“I’m glad you like it. Let’s get you to your room, and you can explore it tomorrow. I know I can’t be the only one who’s hungry and more than a little tired.” He led us to a curved stairwell with an ornate wrought-iron railing, then down a hallway to a bedroom accented in sky blue pillows and curtains.
“This is perfect, thank you.” I glanced around, my gaze anxiously finding its way back to him. “Can I see where you’ll be staying?”
Primo nodded without a word and led me down the opposite end of the hallway. Inside, the master suite was breathtaking. Not because it was particularly grand, but because of the accordion-style doors that opened the entire wall to the patio overlooking the ocean.
I wandered closer, drawn to the shimmering moonlight dancing across the water. “I can’t wait to see everything during the daylight,” I murmured, entranced by the surreal beauty.
Primo eased behind me, his warmth enveloping the length of my back. “Hmm,” he mused. “Perhaps, but the moonlight casts shadows that capture every dip and curve. There’s really nothing like it.” He traced his hand over the curve of my shoulder and down my arm, then swept my hair over one shoulder and placed an achingly sweet kiss on my neck.
“Thank you for bringing me here.”
The words lingered in the air, and Primo grew inhumanly still before pulling away from me. In place of his warmth was a chilling emptiness.
I turned to face him, confusion knotting my brow.
His gaze avoided me completely. “I’ll bring up a tray with dinner. You should get settled in your room.” His voice was cold and distant, a far cry from the lusty rumble seconds before.
What was going on? His moods were so turbulent that I was getting whiplash just trying to keep up. I got the sense he wanted me but was conflicted. Why bring me here just to push me away?
“Can I not stay here … with you?”
Primo’s lips thinned. “I think some space would be best. It’s like you said—everything looks different in the light of day. This has been a major change for you, and I’m unsure how tomorrow will unfold. When the newness wears off and the dust settles, you might find you prefer to have a room to yourself.”
“I’m not sure I understand, but if you think that’s best.” My voice took on an icy bite of its own, chilled from his suddenly cool demeanor.<
br />
Primo only nodded and slipped from the room.
Chapter 14
Primo
I sent Santino with a tray of food up to Giada instead of going myself. Maybe it was cowardice, but I needed time to think. I needed breathing room to get my head on straight. I’d been so overwhelmed with the desire to hang on to Giada that I’d glossed over the realities of bringing her back with me. Once I had her there in my house, I was assaulted with doubts.
There was no use questioning whether I’d done the right thing. The point was moot. I’d brought Giada with me, and now the only question was how to move forward. After laying restlessly in bed for hours, I decided on a course of action. I constructed a viable explanation I could feed to Naz in order to gain his compliance and keep him from upsetting Giada.
I rallied enough confidence in my plan to finally calm my nerves and allow sleep to take me. The first rays of morning light drew me awake, anxious to get through the tricky conversation ahead. I spent two punishing hours in the gym that morning, seeking some clarity of mind. Whenever my self-discipline wavered, exercise helped realign my priorities and energized me to stay focused. By the time I showered and joined Giada in the kitchen for breakfast, I was far more confident in my current course of action.
Her hair was heaped in a messy bun on top of her head, and she wore a gauzy long-sleeve shirt rolled up to the elbows with loose linen pants. The look was relaxed and natural, an effortless beauty that was breathtaking. It was no wonder I’d risked my life descending into chaos in order to keep her near me.
“I see you’ve met Alma,” I said as I joined the two women. Giada gazed up at me warmly from where she sat at the bar, and Alma quickly got busy at the sink, ending her conversation with Giada.
“I have, and she’s hooked me up with a lovely breakfast. Would you like some eggs?” Giada had a plate full of scrambled eggs, fruit, and papas, which she held up in offering.
“Thanks, but I’ll get my own plate. I’m sure Alma’s prepared one.”
“Of course, Señor,” Alma chimed in. “I was just keeping it warm for you.” She brought over a heaping plate of food, and I joined Giada at the bar.
“Did you sleep well?” It annoyed me to ask the question. She should have been in my bed, getting little to no sleep. After I talked to Naz, I would rectify that immediately.
“I did, and seeing the ocean this morning was an amazing way to wake up. If I could figure out what I did with my phone, it would be the perfect morning.”
I shoveled in mouthful of eggs, chewing to avoid comment.
Santino stepped in from the porch, drawing our attention to him. “I just got word from the gate that Señor Vargas is here.”
Well, fuck.
In an instant, my entire plan went up in flames. I had hoped to go to Naz’s house and discuss things with him in private. It was crucial that I introduce the subject properly before he set eyes on her. Before he saw the way she looked at me. And I couldn’t allow her to hear my explanation if my plan was to succeed. The situation was quickly devolving to a total cluster fuck.
“Thank you, Santino.” My words were clipped. “Giada, I need you to go upstairs until I come for you.”
“What? Why?” She looked at me with confusion, and though she wasn’t trying to be difficult, my frustration boiled over.
I slammed my hand down on the granite. “Just go!”
My burst of temper caused her to flinch, but I didn’t have time for her questions. She slipped from the bar chair but only made it a few steps when a voice froze her in her tracks.
“What’s all the fuss?”
The message must have been slow arriving from the gate because Naz was already here.
He strolled into the room dressed in a pale linen suit, professional grin in place. He didn’t look particularly intimidating to the casual observer. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly trimmed, and he was always impeccably dressed. At five-foot-eight, he was several inches shorter than me and stayed lean with daily swims in his lap pool. He could have been anyone’s grandfather or favorite uncle, judging purely by looks. The only hint at the violence lurking beneath the surface was the unnerving quality of his eyes. So dark, those twin orbs looked as though they were crafted from shards of gleaming obsidian and could be equally as sharp when he cut you with a scathing gaze.
“Primo, welcome home. I see you’ve brought a guest with you.”
I crossed to the doorway, shaking his hand with a confident, firm grip. In my world, you never allowed anyone to detect even the faintest weakness, even your allies. No matter how upset I was on the inside, I would never let it show. “You’re welcome to join us for breakfast. I’m sure Alma can throw a plate together.”
“No, no. I’ve already eaten. I was headed into town and decided I’d check in and see how your trip went.” He eyed Giada like a child assessing a plate of vegetables. “I can see things didn’t go as expected. I’m surprised I’m only learning of this now.” He turned back to me, the gleam in his eye a lashing across my cheek. He was livid, but he’d never let that show until we were alone. I didn’t always agree with Naz’s decisions, but he was the consummate businessman. Private matters were never handled in the company of strangers.
“Naz, this is Giada Genovese, daughter of Edoardo Genovese.” I motioned to Giada, who looked at me warily before crossing to where we stood.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Señor Vargas,” she said warmly, extending her hand and exhibiting exemplary manners. I was sure they were well ingrained, but I wished she hadn’t.
Naz accepted her offering with feral grace. “Well, this is a surprise. And I must say, you seem to be handling all of this rather well.”
I watched helplessly as Naz laid his trap. Giada flushed and smiled, totally unaware that the ground was about to fall out from beneath her.
“It was all rather sudden, but sometimes that’s how these things work.” She wrapped her delicate fingers around my forearm, whether for reassurance or as a statement of belonging, I wasn’t sure. Either way, the movement turned Naz’s smile into an icy grin.
His eyes cut to me. “Was it sudden, Primo? Is that why you’ve brought me the wrong girl? Was there a problem while you were in the city?” The melodic tone of his voice gave his accusatory words a maniacal edge.
Giada looked up at me in confusion, then back at Naz, her hands slowly falling away from me.
“She’s Enzo’s niece,” I explained coolly. “She will serve the same purpose.”
“Purpose?” Giada questioned. “What purpose?” She looked at me for answers, her fiery anger igniting beside me.
A vicious chuckle tumbled from Naz’s lips. “Oh, dear. Hasn’t he told you? Did you think you were here on some sort of vacation? That this was some kind of … love connection?” He spat the words, all traces of the gracious businessman slipping away. Naz glared at her with oily disdain. “Primo here was supposed to retrieve one of your cousins as leverage. But now, it seems he thinks he makes the decisions around here and has brought you instead.” He began to pace, hands clasped behind his back.
I had debated telling her the truth while I lay awake the night before, but I realized if I got to Naz first and explained things, there would be no reason to tell her. She would believe she was here with me voluntarily throughout her stay. It would make security far easier and would be just as effective getting what we needed from Giada’s family. Eventually, she’d learn the truth, but after I found a way to explain. Instead, Naz had to check in and overreact, fucking over my plans.
“So, what is this?” Giada shot at me. “I’ve unwittingly gone off with my own kidnappers? I accepted candy from the unmarked van, didn’t I?” She smacked her hand over her forehead and began to pace. “This is utterly perfect. Now, they’ll all get to say I told you so. Motherfucker.”
Naz paused his own mental tirade to watch her with a curious eye. He would quickly detect she was different than most women if he spent any amount of time around her,
and I wasn’t sure if I wanted that. He was married, but that didn’t stop his voracious appetite for women. Just the thought of him growing interested in her caused my jaw to clamp down so hard I’d need a tire iron to release it.
Giada suddenly stopped her pacing and whipped around in my direction. “How long am I stuck here?” She bristled with injustice and outrage.
“As long as it takes,” I growled.
Her green eyes blazed. “Excuse me, I think I’ve lost my appetite.” Giada stormed off toward the stairs, leaving Naz and I bobbing in her turbulent wake.
“I wish you hadn’t done that,” I told Naz, knowing I was walking a fine line.
“And allow you to let some woman fuck up our plans? This has been in motion for years, Primo. Years. And you let your dick derail everything. That’s inexcusable.”
“Nothing is derailed. She will have the same bargaining power as one of her cousins, and you know it. You have a problem with her for some other reason. Why? You’ve never cared who I had in my bed before.” I was treading on dangerously thin ice, but I couldn’t hold back my words. I was already upset with Naz about my mother, which made it even harder to ignore his meddling in my affairs with Giada.
“I may not have cared before, but that was because you’ve never tried to fucking play house with the enemy before. Whatever has passed between you two has been too convincing to be a simple ruse. That woman is far too independent to have followed you here on a whim. You’ve developed feelings for her, and that has compromised you.” He glared at me with the condemning black gaze of a man who survived entirely on suspicion and manipulation.
“You’re wrong,” I stated flatly, attempting to keep my tone devoid of any emotion. A fevered reaction would only support his argument. “I feel nothing for her. It was an entertaining challenge to see if I could get her here of her own accord, but that’s the end of it. Now, I’ll have to up security to keep her in line.”
Impossible Odds: A Mafia Romance (The Five Families Book 4) Page 10