by Olga GOA
Arriving at the office early in the morning, Milano started to investigate how Susan got the video. He didn’t have difficulties figuring out that Susan had stolen the tape before anyone saw her. Perhaps someone was a witness to her crime, but they were unwilling to give her away as her lover and accomplice. However, Milano Veneziani knew how to fish for something. He’ll threaten to fire his employees if none of them admit who helped Susan get into the video vault. He would like to threaten his guards especially; after all, he had nothing to lose except his subordinates.
Milano summoned all the staff to his office and watched them attentively. Many people stood near him, eyes downcast as if they were aware of what was going on in the company. Some of them boldly glanced at their boss’ evil facial expression.
But Milano did not hesitate; he said something that had been on his tongue for a long time.
“For the last time, I ask you all―who helped Susan Davis retrieve the video from the vault? Look! Many of you will see the negative consequences of aiding and abetting my secretary.”
Some workers were very surprised by Milano’s words, being in shock that Susan pulled a caper like this. However, others were too calm. Either they were afraid of getting revenge from Susan, or they were innocent. Or maybe Milano’s employees did not want to be witnesses to the scandal in such a prestigious company.
Milano was hearing only silence in response to his question. He was irritated, showing his pissed-off facial expression to people who were taking him for granted. Probably, Milano’s subordinates didn’t respect him as he thought and they didn’t take initiative. However, Milano was making a plan to get everyone to talk. He didn’t want the police interfering in their case―this is what he was missing!
If you can decide everything alone, just do it, Milano advised himself.
Giving his people time to think, Milano went to freshen up. Going down by elevator to the first floor, he was already on the street. Lighting the last smoke from his pack of Kent cigarettes, Milano sighed heavily. He thought about how he could provide accurate evidence to Veronica. Without proof, she’ll never believe he didn’t cheat on her with Susan. How could he get the information about the theft of that video Susan recorded on DVD? How? Unless, of course, his loyal bodyguard Pietro or guards would help him.
He felt someone’s presence behind and turned around. A dark-haired Pietro came at his first call.
“Signor,” the bodyguard said in Italian. “I found out who helped Signorina Davis sneak into the video room.”
“And who’s that?”
“One of the guards; his name is Batista,” Pietro replied, frowning.
“How did you know about that, Pietro? Did you brutally beat all the guards?” Milano asked him with a smirk, assuming the different scenarios of the previous events.
“No, Signor. I found out who it was by the fingerprints taken from the video box of Romano Industries records. In case you have forgotten when you hired the guards, you ordered all of them to be checked, including their fingerprints. I have learned their ins and outs, just to monitor your company’s data security all the time, Signor.”
Milano grimaced malcontent. Depending on people in life was an unbearable thing for him. As a CEO, he did not allow himself a single weakness and didn’t wish to be a pawn in someone’s hands. He hated to rely on anyone. He always did everything by himself.
“Was Susan able to fool the guards?” Milano continued, surprised. “This is ridiculous!”
“I believe, Signor, he was her lover. Maybe she handed him a large sum to remain silent on that issue. There is no difficulty for her―because sex, for the most part, compensates everything,” Pietro grinned.
Milano ruffled his hair, puzzled over Susan. Obviously, he concluded that his secretary could have slept with the security guard and was even blackmailing him by the nonexistent cheating. Was she so abnormal in her obsession with making Milano her own? She had no woman’s pride or self-respect.
Milano was disturbed by Susan’s actions and experienced only disgust towards his secretary. He was sick of himself and his shortsightedness―a waste of time on such a slut like Susan.
Thanking Pietro for his work, Milano decided to visit Susan’s mother. He had irrefutable evidence of Susan’s involvement in the video case, and he had every right to fire her. But he felt sorry for her mother. According to information of Susan’s file, he found out that she had no father, no brothers, and no sisters. She lived with her mother in an inexpensive house in Rome, and she have got rather used to being on her own. Although, Milano had thought to help Susan’s mother without a doubt. He always sympathized with people who were not able to pay money for the hospital. How could he become the cause that would deteriorate the woman’s health, despite what a bitch her daughter was? Of course, Milano could not. His task was just to go to Susan’s mother personally and give her a check for her treatment. However, Milano assumed that Susan’s mother’s illness was his secretary’s invention for new intrigue. He no longer trusted Susan; she was too unpredictable.
He decided to find out everything for himself.
***
Susan’s mother was very surprised by the unexpected arrival of her daughter’s chief. Being in a shaky state due to her illness, she could not host Milano for a long time, so the meeting was short-lived. The woman gently gave Milano gratitude for his kindness, giving him delicious homemade cakes.
Milano didn’t know how to tell Susan’s mother that he was firing Susan and she would no longer work in his company. However, for him, Veronica’s tranquility was the dearest thing in the whole world more than anything else.
At least Signora Davis is quite a pleasant woman, and why should she suffer because of her daughter? Milano asked himself mentally. Therefore, a great idea came to his mind. He will direct Susan to work in another firm, and finally get rid of her. Milano didn’t wish Susan to bother him and his family any longer.
***
Once he had finalized his plan, Milano put the documents in the folders. He signed the consignment notes issued by his company’s accountant and returned them. Milano also ordered the account’s department to pay Susan off and send the recommendations about her to a worthy firm. He was adamant about firing his secretary.
Now Milano could breathe steadily. However, sometimes things didn’t go as easy as planned.
“What is it? What?!” Susan screamed, flying into Milano’s office like a scalded cat, twirling a piece of paper in front of his nose.
“I think everything is clear here―your dismissal and settlement. There’s nothing else you can do, Susan. Especially after what you’ve done to my family,” Milano snarled, not even looking at his former secretary. He was sitting in his big armchair, continuing to sign other documents.
“You wouldn’t dare do that! I... I...” Susan faltered, realizing her words did not have any effect on Milano Veneziani. Her former chief quietly continued his obligations, not paying any attention to her screams.
“Who are you?” Milano sneered, lifting his head and piercing Susan with his dangerous glance. “You no longer have the right to express your opinion here from the moment you made my bride believe something I didn’t do!”
“But you wanted sex, didn’t you? You almost fucked me! I just opened Veronica’s eyes. That’s all!” Susan shouted at Milano almost choking with her rage―her hysterics didn’t touch her former boss at all.
“Almost is a word that doesn’t mean anything...” Milano evilly grinned at her. “I was an asshole for giving in to your seduction. How could I even allow a whore like you to push me around! I am tired of your tantrum, Susan. Get out!” Milano expressed, furrowed, standing up from the table and grabbing her hand. He dragged his secretary to the door while she rested her heels on the carpet. It seemed as if it could save her from the ire of her ex-chief. But Milano did not spare Susan, ejecting her out of his office.
Susan continued to struggle, although nothing helped her. She made a vain attempt to protect herself; Milano was
stronger than her. She understood that he wanted her to gather all her things and leave immediately. She had only five minutes to do it or it would be worse.
And Susan had to obey; nothing could be done here. She angrily took away her personal belongings from the table and put them into her purse as Milano firmly sawed her with his eyes. Susan heard clearly how Milano urged her to clean her desk as soon as possible. After all, she had to accept the fact that Veronica won the first round, but she didn’t want to give up.
Her blue eyes plunged sharp icicles of despair into Milano’s; her whole scenario of conquering him failed―her boss found out everything so fast! But how could that damn tape fail to do the magic? How did he figure out the truth? Susan was furious because of her failures.
“What are you looking at? Move!” Milano was kicking her out of the office, pointing his hand at the elevator. Susan kept looking at him, not wanting to believe what was happening.
“You’re a cruel man! If my mother finds out about my dismissal... she—”
“Don’t you dare blackmail me! Do not even think about it!” Milano yelled at her, clenching his fists. “Anyway, I gave your mother some money for her treatment just because she’s better than you,” he interrupted Susan, not allowing her to finish.
“Skunk! You’re kicking me out, and you think my mother would be happy about that?! She might feel sick!” Susan puffed her nostrils, being in an infuriated state, not knowing how to convince her boss to pardon her. She pressed on his compassion as much as she could.
“You have the brains and recommendations, Susan Davis. You’ll find a job quickly with your great talents!” Milano smirked at her obscene behavior.
“But...” Susan pretended to be offended and disappointed, although Milano hadn’t heeded her. He saw right through his ex-secretary.
“Pietro, please escort Susan Davis to the exit. I think she has forgotten where it is.” Milano mocked Susan, giving his order for the bodyguard who just appeared from the elevator. Pietro put his hand on Susan’s shoulder, advising her not to anger her ex-boss and obey his decision.
Susan looked at the bodyguard with a hateful look, but she knew that he would use force if she did not go. As she hung her handbag upon her shoulder, Susan took the box containing her personal effects and walked to the elevator cabin. Pausing for a moment, she glanced at Milano one more time and spoke some threatening words.
“The victory may be on the side of your Veronica, but it won’t last long! Mark my words, man!” Susan shouted indignantly. Entering the elevator, she pressed the button and went down with Pietro.
Milano wiped the sweat off his forehead. It has been a long time since he had been nervous when he was firing his employee. He knew Susan was a bloody devil in a skirt; nothing could confuse her. But Milano had to calm down and concentrate on his work. He needed to complete his ongoing projects.
Shaking his head disapprovingly, he entered his office and fell into a leather chair. This Susan spoiled his mood! Milano hoped never to meet this woman or her kind again in his life. He didn’t need new troubles at all.
Today he had planned to hurry back home and calm his demons. He already missed his Angel that could soothe his demons’ army in a second.
***
After lunch, Milano went over to the cottage. He had to solve the difficult task of proving his innocence to Veronica and provide irrefutable evidence in the case with Susan.
Entering his room, Milano inserted the disc with the original recording into the DVD player and turned it on. Veronica entered the room after him, a little surprised by Milano’s untimely visit.
Had his secretary fallen ill after stripping for Milano? Veronica thought, mistrustfully looking at her Demon.
“Did Susan get the flu because she was lying naked on her desk? Is that why you came back so early?” Veronica asked him in a harsh mocking tone, sitting down on the edge of the soft armchair.
“Veronica, stop!” Milano exploded listening to her sarcasm. “I fired Susan. So now you can sleep in peace.”
“Seriously?” Veronica snapped, sharply tilting her head to the left. “I don’t know what to think, Milano…”
“Do not think then! Be savvy!” Milano muttered infuriatedly holding himself not to curse. “When you watch this disc, you will understand―I am innocent,” he noted, while viewing his restless and tensed Amazon. He didn’t like how Veronica pushed his buttons as he pushed hers.
“But how can I believe you, huh? You might have faked the tape as well. How can I be sure of what is the truth or what is fiction, Milano?” Veronica spat out with reproach in her voice.
Milano sighed bitterly. His Amazon was partly right, but she wasn’t experienced enough to know the signs of infidelity. So she had to hear his proof and then draw her own conclusions.
“Veronica. You probably know that if a man didn’t sleep with a woman, it’s always easy to prove. The signs should’ve found me out―I didn’t smell of her perfume, I wasn’t wearing lipstick on my skin or clothes. I didn’t go to the bathroom straightaway after I came back from work. You have to believe me, Veronica. You have to...”
Milano pressed the button on the remote, and the LCD screen began to broadcast the unfortunate recording that caused his recent quarrel with Veronica. At first, Veronica looked at the video recording without interest, but then she palpitated when she saw how Milano pushed Susan and rushed away by the stairs. And her rival, pursing her lips, mumbled something under her breath and soon left the building.
Milano was innocent; Susan only tricked Veronica! But why? Did Milano inspire no confidence in Veronica? Maybe her disbelief was to become the destruction of Milano’s psychological portrait? After all, everyone did not believe in him except Veronica; she supported him all alone. She discerned a man of sympathies―the man who deserved happiness, love and the good things that had to happen to him. Even with all these, Veronica doubted her man still.
Turning the DVD player off, she wished to tell Milano about her fallibility, but he just vanished into the air. Veronica was a little sad from his reaction. She suspected that her Demon took umbrage at her reaction when she first saw the DVD, although he had every right to. Veronica didn’t listen to his explanation that day but rather escaped from his house.
Carefully going down the stairs, Veronica found Milano sitting in the living room, in a chair, and calmly drinking a Martini. Seeing her and smiling at something, Milano royally stood up from his place. Putting an empty glass on the coffee table, he quickly walked over to his girl. Having heard the crystal-clear melody ‘Loving You’ by the group Opal, from the CD player, Milano plunged into the romantic atmosphere.
“I want to dance with you. Do you want to dance with me, my Angel?” Milano expressed his desire to Veronica, clasping her waist and standing in position like a professional dancer.
“Yes, I do. But I thought you were angry with me. I’m sorry I doubted you, my Demon. Forgive me...” Veronica did not have time to finish as Milano’s fingertips touched her lips, not allowing her to continue. She allowed Milano to lead her to the audio speakers and play his desired music track ‘I’ll Be Waiting for You’ by the male band P.M. Dawn. Veronica smiled as he closed his eyes instinctively, enjoying his favorite tune with enthusiasm.
Veronica leisurely hugged his shoulders and Milano squeezed her tighter in his arms. He kissed her beautiful hair, taking in the smells of shampoo, soap and her soft skin. How many passionate scents he breathed in!
“I’ll always be yours...” Milano whispered in her ear when she did not expect his confession. “Even if you don’t let me touch you, I’ll be near you forever.”
He lifted her chin and frowned, seeing the clear stream of water on Veronica’s cheeks. He was aware that the tears of his goddess manifested when she was in a bad mood or vice versa. But Milano didn’t like her sadness; he only wanted to hear her laugh.
“Why are you crying, little berry?” perplexed, he asked her. He massaged her tensed cheekbones with his t
humbs to help Veronica feel calm. Such different emotions for their child were quite harmful.
“I’m not worthy of you, Milano, if I didn’t believe your version of the story in regards to what happened…”
Veronica sobbed in Milano’s chest, and he felt her heavy whimpers in his body. Milano was calming her down.
“Sweetie, don’t cry, please... The real sinner by far is me…”
“No, Milano,” Veronica interrupted him unhesitatingly. “You’re the most generous man in my life. You do care about the baby and me, so I don’t need anything else. My wild Italian…”
“My beautiful Slavic woman…” Milano purred, wiping her tears with his fingers.
Imperceptibly, the melody changed to the slow song ‘This Is for the Lover in You’ by the band Shalamar. The emotions of Veronica and Milano have started to revive late at night in Rome.
“Can I ask you a question?” Veronica quietly wondered, tugging Milano’s shirt edge, while he led her in their dance.
“Of course, mio passerotto,” Milano replied grabbing her frisky fingers and biting her fingertips like his favorite treat.
“Were you serious about the wedding?”
“Do I look like an idiot, wearing a clown’s hat and jumping around you with a jingling of bells?”
“You have an incredible sense of humor, Milano. But I’m serious!” Veronica giggled, pinching his arm.
“And you’re incredibly shy. However, I love it when you suddenly give up attacking me and require my manhood with all your body...” Milano spoke with greedily blazing eyes as his body gently collided with her.
“Milano! You’re never satiated with sex, are you?” Veronica recited, making the big eyes at him. She unraveled her man’s nature very well for the months she’s lived with him. Nothing surprised her.
“Never...” Milano chuckled bantering her. “Stop making such a face, cara, or I won’t be able to hold back from tasting you!”
“So insatiable you are!” Veronica snorted, stroking his rib. “I suppose the doctor Manzoni will object to your proposal, as the baby will...”