of our crew, just as Morelli’s wife is.”
I silently snort to myself. He’s full of it. “Is that so? Somehow, I doubt it.”
He cracks a grin that’s more sinister than saint. “It’s up to you how you’re treated amongst us. You’re protected because of Maximillian. Don’t let that imperative detail slip that bright mind of yours.” He flashes his dazzling smile towards Giovanna, momentarily mesmerizing her, before his hand clutches my bicep. It’s firm, but not punishing. “It’s time I escorted you home, Mrs. Macintosh. Your husband will be meeting you shortly, but is handling something right now.”
“Of course, he is. I can go on my own when I’m ready, and don’t tell me what to do,” I rebuff stubbornly.
“Come now, Sheila. Don’t make me embarrass you in front of your guests.”
“Ismerlda.”
“Right,” he says patronizingly. “That’s what I said. Come along, say your good-byes.”
I cast my gaze around the room, unsure if I should fight him on it or if he really will cause a scene. “If you kidnap me, I’ll steal your gun and shoot you. I’m not the average basic bitch I’m sure you’re used to,” I threaten.
Giovanna bursts out in a loud giggle, drawing attention. “Don’t doubt her on it. In fact, if I don’t hear from my cousin within the hour, I’ll alert the entire famiglia that you’re the one who took her.” With that promise, she raises her phone and swiftly snaps a full face shot of him with her camera. “You hurt one hair on her head and I’ll make sure all the dogs in the city are hunting you down.”
Color me impressed. If this were any other situation, I’d be cheering her on for sounding so protective and confident. I don’t say anything, hoping she can understand the gratefulness reflected in my irises. I pull her in for a quick hug, whispering, “Love you, Gi. Thank you for being here today.”
“Of course. Call me as soon as you get home and let me know if you’re really okay.”
I nod. “I will. See you in a few days.”
I leave her to hug my mother and father good-bye, telling them that Maximillian went ahead of me to make sure everything was safe and prepared for my arrival. It’s not true, but it’ll set their minds at ease as to why I’m leaving my wedding reception without my new husband. My father would understand and eventually forgive Max for it, but my nonna would be putting every Italian curse she could find on him, and I can’t have that at the beginning of my marriage.
“Are you really taking me home?” I question once we’ve gotten into the foreigner’s Aston Martin Vanquish. Typical rich prick mobile.
“Your place, yes.”
“You’re not a Brit like Max, so what are you?” I ask rudely, past any sense of pleasantries.
“I’m a man, Sheila. I thought that much obvious.”
“Ismerlda,” I repeat my name for him, curling my tongue. Maybe he’s been hit in the head one too many times to remember it. “And you know what I mean.”
He nods, keeping his focused on the road. “Aussie, and I know your name. I’m aware of nearly everything there is to know about you.”
“Is that so?” I pay careful attention to the roads he takes in case he tries to pull a last-minute kidnapping and I have to attempt to dive out of this sports car. I wouldn’t put it past something happening today being that my dear husband has his fair share of enemies and disgruntled past employees.
“Mm.” He does that annoying thing men tend to pull where they give you a little bit of an answer but not nearly enough.
“What’s my favorite color?” I attempt to keep him speaking. His accent is just as sexy as Max’s, if I’m being honest with myself. However, I keep him talking because I want to see if he’ll slip up on anything important or lose patience and blurt out any ulterior motives. My father taught me to exercise caution, and it’s kept me safe for the most part.
“Who cares,” he mutters, and my mouth drops open. Dick.
“You’re as impolite as Maximillian, aren’t you?”
The corners of his lips twitch but he fights off the emotion. Time slows in my mind as I stare at him, watching his features twist from almost haughty to one of shock. One arm flies across my chest, bracing me in place as my body’s jerked, my arm slamming into the door, my head smacks into the glass. The sting is immediate, a