go shopping,” she finished on a sigh. “You're breaking all my panties.”
Better the panties than her heart.
Chapter Nineteen – Adriana
I cut him a dark look. “Try not to be a dick.”
“I'm not a dick.” Hunter stared out of the window. “But just so you know, they want to kill me.”
I rolled my eyes and pressed the button that opened my window. “Hey,” I said as soon as it opened enough. “Adriana Romano to see Gemma Gardarelli.”
The guard checked his iPad, sliding his finger up and across the screen. “Look, please.”
I looked at him, and he held the tablet up against my face.
“Finger.”
It was like fucking border control.
I pressed my forefinger against the square that was lit, then waited.
The guard paused for a long moment. “Ms. Romano, you're cleared for entry. The driveway is the first on your left. You'll be greeted there.” He handed me a slip of paper that I took with hesitance.
“Thank you... Roy,” I said, glancing at his name badge.
He looked pleased I'd noticed.
I flashed him a smile as I turned down the main road of the community. It took only two minutes to read the Gardarelli house, and Hunter looked as miserable as ever.
“Why didn't he take my details?” he asked as I pulled up.
“Because I'm a fucking princess, and I guess they assumed you lick my shoes clean or some shit.” I grinned as I got out of the car and met the eyes of Rosa, the Gardarelli housekeeper. She was small, barely five feet tall, but the sweetest, happiest lady I'd ever met. “Miss Rosa!” I exclaimed. I guessed good manners never left you. “You haven't aged a day, ma'am!”
“Oh, stop it!” she laughed, holding her arms out wide. “Princess, you are gorgeous. Mrs. Gardarelli is excited to see you.” She glanced over my shoulder as I hugged her. “And who is your handsome friend?”
I peered back. “Miss Rosa, meet Carlo Rosso. Carlo, this is Mrs. Rosa Sanchez, the Gardarellis lady in shining armor.”
“Oh, stop.” She blushed, swatting at me.
“Mrs. Sanchez.” Carlo took her hand and kissed the back of it. “It's a pleasure to meet you.”
I glanced between them as Rosa straightened. “Your charm is wasted, Mr. Rosso. Save it for Mrs. Gardarelli.” She waggled her finger at him before she took my hand and gave my fingers a squeeze. “Come now, princess. Let's get you safe inside.” She patted my hand.
I poked my tongue out at Hunter.
Childish, I knew, but whatever.
I let Miss Rosa lead me up the drive and toward the doorway of the house. The gravel crunched under Hunter's feet, and he joined me as Miss Rosa pulled a key from her pocket and motioned for me to wait. She shot a final dark look at Hunter, and he shuffled closer to me.
“Told you they hate me,” he muttered.
“That's because you're a stronzo,” I whispered back, using the Italian for asshole.
He snorted, but he didn't argue. He couldn't. He knew as well as I did that he was an asshole.
Miss Rosa opened the front door and motioned for us to follow her. Her tiny heels clicked against the tiled floor as she lead us down a long, spacious hallway to a mahogany door. I didn't recognize the man standing guard outside with a gun strapped over his shoulder, but he eyed Hunter closely when we stopped.
I could feel his hatred, and he wasn't even looking at me.
I glanced at Hunter and he was returning the man's gaze. They knew each other, that much was clear, and clearly well enough to hate each other on sight. I made a mental note to ask him about it when we left.
“Ms Romano and Mr. Rosso to see you, ma'am,” Miss Rosa said softly, bowing her head. “You can go in,” she said to us. She gave Hunter one final glare before she disappeared.
Wow. He really wasn't popular here.
“Adriana!” Gemma Gardarelli put down the book she'd been holding and stood. Her well-fitting pantsuit hugged her body the way a good suit should, and her dark blond hair rested in perfect, smooth waves on her shoulders. “Look at you, cara.” She embraced me gently and kissed each of my cheeks. “Just like your mother.”
“Thank you. You look well,” I said, meaning it.
She inclined her head graciously, a smile touching her dark red lips. It dropped slightly as she turned to face Hunter. “Carlo. How lovely to see you again.”
“No, it isn't.” He smirked.
“Oh, thank goodness for that. I was hoping I wouldn't have to pretend