Merger: Takeover Duet #2

by Bliss, Chelle

  Loud voices coming from inside her office draw my attention away from the employee chatter. I don’t knock. I press my ear against the door, eavesdropping. I know Lauren would have my balls if she caught me.

  “Be reasonable,” a man says. “Do what’s right for the company and step down.”

  I lean closer and grab the handle, ready to storm inside and save the day, but something makes me stop and wait.

  “Get the fuck out of my office!” Lauren yells.

  “You don’t deserve to be the head of this company. Forte only stepped down because you’re fucking him. Under any other circumstances, do you really think he’d do that?”

  I storm through the door and lunge at Jim Alesci, the head legal counsel for Cozza. He jumps back, but he trips over a chair, making it easy for me to wrap my fingers around his neck. “You fucking piece of shit.” Spit flies out of my mouth, landing on his face below me. “I will fucking end you.”

  Jim struggles under my fingers, but I’m not trying to kill him. I’ve already done enough physical damage to easily be removed as COO of the company, but I take stock in knowing he won’t be around either.

  “Do you suck her dick, Antonio?” he bites out as I resist the urge to kill him.

  Lauren pulls at my jacket, trying to get me off of him, but he knocks her out of the way with his leg while he’s trying to get free. She loses her balance and topples to the floor near Jim’s feet.

  I stand and lift him off the floor with me. I pull my fist back, ready to strike when Lauren grabs my arm. “Don’t,” she says, pleading with me for this asshole.

  I turn to her, tightening my grip on Jim’s shirt. “Why? The bastard deserves at least a black eye.”

  “He’s not worth it,” she says, calm and very matter-of-fact. “Please.”

  Slowly, I release my tight grip and push him backward. “Get your shit and get out of here. You’re no longer an employee of CIC.”

  His eyes narrow, and his nostrils flare. “You can’t do this. I’ll make you pay for this.”

  “Sue me, Jim. I’m sure the courts would love to hear the sexual harassment suit we’ll bring against you.”

  He straightens his arms at his sides and glares at both of us. “I will make you pay.”

  I wave him off because Jim talks the talk, but the man most certainly does not walk the walk. Never have I seen him lay into even a low-level employee before, let alone a member of the board. I wonder how many other employees he’s accosted without my knowledge for fear they’d be fired if they reported it.

  LAUREN

  I expected some backlash after I officially took the helm at Cozza Interstellar, but I never expected it to be from someone on the legal team and a valued friend of Antonio’s.

  Jim had never shown one ounce of animosity toward me over the last few months. He didn’t even look at me sideways or make any remarks that could be construed as derogatory.

  I don’t know what changed that made him march into my office and demand my resignation. He didn’t have the authority to do it, and I wasn’t going to back down for some asshole who thought he could hustle me right out of a job.

  “I’m sorry,” I say as soon as Jim walks out and slams my door behind him.

  Antonio turns toward me and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close. “For what?”

  I close my eyes and press my face into his suit jacket. “Everything is a mess right now.”

  “No, it’s not. Don’t listen to that prick. You’re exactly where you should be.”

  “I’m sure other people are saying the same thing behind my back.”

  Maybe not the women within the company, but ninety percent of males are probably at least thinking the same thing as Jim, but they have enough sense not to utter the words to my face.

  No matter how many glass ceilings are shattered, there will always be one misogynistic asshole to throw some bullshit in a woman’s face.

  Antonio grabs my shoulders and holds me at a distance, gazing into my eyes. “No matter what they think, I never brought an invention to market that will revolutionize the entire aerospace industry the way you did. Don’t let one asshole destroy everything you’ve worked so hard to achieve.”

  “I know,” I mumble before exhaling because I’m still filled with doubt. “But I don’t know if I can do this.”

  I doubt myself like I never have before. Running Interstellar was one thing. I came up through the ranks and learned the ropes, especially which men to steer clear of over the years, but adding Cozza’s people to the mix puts me in virgin territory.

  “You can do this.”

  If Antonio and I weren’t in a relationship, I probably wouldn’t feel the same way. With him at my back, I believe everything will eventually work out and we’ll be able to bring the company together to work as one. But doing that rests on my shoulders, and the burden is heavy.

  “What if I don’t want to?”

  Antonio’s eyebrows turn downward as his eyes search mine. “You don’t mean that. You need to get away from the office for a little while.”

  “I do mean it.” I step out of his arms and pace the length of my office. “I’ve been locked away in this office for years, toiling away around the clock to make Interstellar number one and invent something so grandiose that I’d leave my mark on history.”

  “And you’ve achieved that.”

  “But at what cost? If I hadn’t met you in that bar months ago, I’d be alone, with a bottle of vodka and Tara as my closest confidants.”

  Antonio’s shocked by my words, but they’re sobering and true. Over the years, I’ve thought about my stamp on history and achieving my father’s dream. And now that I’ve done everything I set out to do, what’s the point?

  “Let’s go away for a few days and relax. Maybe after a weekend away from the city, you’ll feel differently.”

  “I want to spend time with your family.”

  “You do?” He raises his eyebrows toward his hairline before his lips turn up in a smile.

  “Yes. Your mother called this morning to congratulate me, and I’d like to spend time with her.”

  Over the last few months, Mrs. Forte has opened her arms as well as her house to me. Feeling lost like I do right now calls for a trip for a little perspective only a mother can give. Even if she didn’t give birth to me, she has enough experience and kindness to help guide me on the right path.

  “I’ll get the jet prepped. We’ll leave when you’re ready.”

  I almost knock him over as I wrap my arms around his back. Although the ocean calls my name, my heart wants nothing more than to be surrounded by Antonio’s loving yet loud family, where I don’t have to worry about their opinions or judgment.

  He presses his hands to my face, forcing me to look in his eyes. “I love you, Lauren.” He smiles softly.

  My heart flutters because even though he’s said those same words a hundred times, it never gets old.

  “I love you too, Antonio.”

  The words come easily to me now. I never thought I’d find someone who would take my breath away and challenge me at every turn, but somehow, I have him.

  Antonio Forte makes me think all things are possible.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  LAUREN

  I gaze out the window, staring at the snow-covered tops of the Alps as we wind around the seemingly endless curves at their base. I felt reinvigorated as soon as we stepped off the plane into the warm, fragrant morning air, like I was where I was meant to be.

  I never thought I could live anywhere else besides Chicago. I was born there, raised there, and it’s the only place on earth that holds so many memories of my parents. But Italy has sucked me in, making me want the slower way of life where every moment is savored and nothing is wasted.

  “My mother cooked all night,” Antonio says as if I didn’t already know that.

  Mrs. Forte hasn’t stopped her mission of trying to put some meat on my bones. She mutters the same words in Italia
n every time we’re there about how frail I am and that she needs to take care of me.

  To be honest, I love Antonio’s family just as much as I love him. They’ve opened their arms to me and embraced me as one of their own without any reservations or hidden agendas. Even Stefano has grown on me, which I never thought would happen.

  I glance toward Antonio and smile. My stomach rumbles at the thought of Mrs. Forte’s cooking. “Will everyone be there?”

  “No. Violetta is on tour in Germany with her band, and Flavia is somewhere in Norway in search of a Viking.”

  I chuckle as I imagine Flavia stalking through villages, trying to find the stereotypical Viking with facial hair and bulging muscles. “She knows they don’t really exist anymore, right?”

  He sighs. “She’s been stalking some guy on Instagram for months. She claims he’s the real thing and that she’s just a fan, but I worry it’s becoming an unhealthy obsession.”

  “We all love our fantasies. Let her live hers a little. She’ll find out soon enough that the image we portray isn’t always who we are.”

  “I suppose, mi amore.”

  As we pull into the familiar driveway, a sense of calm washes over me. Every bit of stress I have melts away every time we’re here. That only happens in two places, and they’re both near and dear to Antonio.

  Mrs. Forte steps out the front door before the car comes to a complete stop and comes barreling down the stone stairway with the biggest smile on her face.

  “I told you she was excited.” He laughs as he places the car in park and turns off the engine.

  Just like she does every time, she plucks me out of my seat and wraps me in a hug so tight, I almost lose my breath. “Ah, my dear. You are looking well.” She pulls away and places her hands on my cheeks, giving them a hard pinch.

  I wince and put my hands over hers, still not used to her pinching areas of my body to test my fragility. “It’s so good to see you, Mamma.” The name slides off my tongue like I was always meant to say the word to her.

  “It’s so good to have you home,” she says as she pulls Antonio into our hug. “I know the girls are excited too.”

  “Where are they?” Antonio asks as his mother finally releases us.

  “Sleeping. We didn’t tell them you were coming so they wouldn’t be awake at an ungodly hour. Come, let’s have coffee on the veranda.”

  Antonio throws his arm around my shoulders as we follow his mother into the house. Catarina is outside, waiting for us with four mugs and a freshly brewed pot of coffee. The sun dances off the tiny ruffles on the water and twinkles as the breeze blows gently across the top. The view of the lake is more beautiful every time I see it.

  Catarina rises from her chair with the biggest smile. “I’m so happy you’re here this weekend. I needed someone to go shopping with. It’s meant to be.”

  “It’s a good thing I brought my credit cards,” I laugh because Catarina makes shopping an Olympic sport.

  “Sit. Sit,” she says, opening her arms and motioning toward the chairs. “I want to hear about work.”

  I scrub my hand down my face, wanting to talk about anything but that. I’d rather stick hot pokers underneath my fingernails, but I decide to placate her with an easy answer. “The merger is done, and it’s business as usual.”

  “That’s it?” She glances toward Antonio with a perplexed look.

  He shrugs and reaches for the coffeepot. “Everything’s in place, but we’ve hit a few snags.” He fills my cup and peers over at me before pouring his own. “But nothing we can’t handle.”

  “Mamma,” a tiny voice says behind me, and we all turn.

  It’s Amalia, standing just inside the house with her little bare feet inching toward the stone veranda as she rubs her eyes. She’s wearing the cutest pink nightgown, with ruffles and lace lining the edges and skating across the floor.

  “Mali,” Antonio says and holds out his arms.

  Her hand falls to her side, and her eyes grow wide. “Zio!” she squeals and runs across the patio in a mad dash before jumping into his arms.

  “Ah, my girl. I’ve missed you,” he whispers in her ear as she wraps her arms around his neck like a little monkey.

  She pulls away and places her palms flat against his cheeks, squeezing until his lips pucker. “Zio Ant, I have so much to tell you.” Her face is so serious as she speaks, and my heart flutters at the sight as Antonio smiles at her.

  “Tell Zio Ant what’s wrong, piccolo. I’ll fix it.”

  The man would move mountains for those he loves, especially his nieces who have him wrapped around their little fingers. But in all reality, they have me too. All the hours spent playing and watching Toy Story on repeat haven’t been for nothing. They lured me in, and there’s no escaping their magical spell now.

  “There’s this boy,” she whispers.

  Antonio’s eyes narrow, and he peers over at his sister.

  She lifts her hands and looks away. “I know. I know.”

  “She’s seven for shit’s sake.”

  Amalia gasps. “Zio, you can’t say that word.”

  Antonio’s face softens as he glances down at the little angel in his lap. “I’m sorry. What did this boy do?” He raises an eyebrow, and I’m wondering if he’s already plotting against the boy.

  “Well.” She grabs ahold of his cheeks again and tilts her head, still with the most serious face I’ve ever seen on her. “We were on the swings, and he was pushing me.”

  “Did he knock you off?” Antonio jumps right to the worst-case scenario.

  “No, Zio. Let me finish.” Amalia takes control of the situation and puts her uncle in his place like she always does. “When the teacher called us back into the building, he helped me off the swing and then he kissed me.”

  Well, knocking Amalia off the swing would’ve been preferable to what she just told Antonio. His face turns a shade of red I haven’t seen before, not even when Jim said the vilest things.

  Antonio turns his gaze on his sister, who’s smiling. “I will end him.”

  She laughs and rolls her eyes. “He’s seven, brother. There’s not much you can do about it.”

  “Zio. Listen. To. Me.” Amalia’s voice is so deep and husky that she immediately gets Antonio’s attention.

  “The teacher saw it and gave him a detention. But I don’t understand.”

  “What don’t you understand?” he bites out while his face is still smashed in her little hands.

  “Why did he get in trouble? He didn’t do anything wrong. I mean, you kiss Zia Lauren, and Pappa kisses Mamma, and no one puts you in detention.”

  “Mali, you’re just a baby.”

  “I am not a baby. I’m seven.”

  I cover my mouth and chuckle quietly in my palm. Girls. We always want to grow up earlier than we should. I remember my first kiss and how in love I was with the boy who forever will be etched in my memory. It faded fast, especially when I caught him kissing my best friend by the monkey bars the very next day. It was my first failed relationship, but certainly not my last.

  “I know. I know. But you’re too young to kiss.”

  Her hands finally fall away from his face, and she crosses her arms in front of her chest, putting distance between them. “I am not too young. I liked it too,” she says with so much sass.

  Antonio’s shell-shocked. His mouth opens like he’s going to say something, but he can’t decide what to say, so he snaps his lips shut. Amalia makes a face at him and hops off his lap before storming into the house.

  “Well, I…” Antonio says, completely dumbfounded.

  Mamma and Catarina are laughing almost to the point of crying because it’s not very often that Antonio doesn’t know how to handle a situation.

  “We know,” Catarina says. “I had the same talk with her yesterday. It’s futile.”

  “I’m not ready for them to grow up.”

  “It’s inevitable. I remember the first time you got in trouble for kissing a girl,” Mamma
says with a small laugh. “Her parents were so furious that her father pounded on our front door and demanded an apology.”

  “And so it begins,” Antonio mutters.

  “Wait until you have your own. It’s so much worse,” Catarina replies.

  Antonio grimaces and glances in my direction. “We don’t have to worry about that for some time. Lauren and I are taking it slow.”

  Mamma clears her throat and purses her lips. Her displeasure in the statement is evident. “Well, don’t wait too long. Time isn’t a luxury that comes with an infinite supply.”

  I learned that lesson with my parents. As a little girl, I thought I’d have them around forever. Death isn’t something a child can comprehend, but I learned fast when my mother didn’t come back. I cried at the front window in the living room for months, staring out the glass as I waited for her to return. In time, the cold, hard truth became my reality, but it wasn’t until I was an adult that I finally understood the only thing that’s infinite is death.

  ANTONIO

  Guila, Amalia, Catarina, and Lauren left two hours ago with fistfuls of cash and dozens of credit cards in their purses. They would most likely spend an amount equal to the GDP of some small nation and help boost the economy of Como in a single day.

  “When are you going to ask her to marry you?” Mamma asks as I sit with her in the kitchen as she preps tonight’s dinner.

  “I’ve brought up the future, but Lauren wasn’t ready to talk about it yet.”

  “Naturally, she wasn’t. There was a lot going on between business and that mess with her ex-boyfriend. Everything is settled now, yes?”

  “Yes, Mamma.”

  “Did you ask her to marry you?” She stares at me over the pot with her head tilted.

  I shake my head and avert my eyes.

  She places the spoon on the counter next to the pot of sauce that’s already been cooking for hours, but that doesn’t stop her from babying it until the taste is perfect. “No woman wants to talk about a hypothetical future. Ask her the question. If she loves you, she’ll say yes. If she doesn’t…”