seen him do any housework, not even close. An uncomfortable knot settled in my stomach. Was he being truthful about the reasons behind his decision to remove all the staff from the premises? “Of course.” My eyes narrowed in slight suspicion. “Does that include the men who came with us on the plane?”
“No, Olivia, it doesn’t,” Alessandro said in a decisive tone. “Safety is the one thing that comes before privacy and I refuse to take any risks in that department. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you or the baby, so the men stay.”
“But surely, we cannot be in that much danger in this small, secluded village,” I argued with an insistent shake of my head.
Alessandro paused and gave me an amused look. “Tesoro, you’re much too innocent for this world. One person with a gun or a knife is enough to create a disaster of epic proportions. Don't fool yourself into thinking places like Sanluccio are safe. It can happen here just as it can happen anywhere else, but I can tell that’s not the problem.” He cupped my jaw and studied my expression. “The real question is why do my men bother you so much? Could it be you're frightened of them?”
“I'm not frightened of them,” I retorted, brushing his hand aside. “I just don't like being surrounded by giants carrying a myriad of weapons, and who always look dangerous and grumpy for no apparent reason.”
Alessandro burst into a fit of laughter. I arched my eyebrows, shooting daggers at him with my eyes.
“Cara, aren't you being a little too harsh in assessing their appearance? The poor guys can't help it. I'm afraid it is their vocation to look like they eat little children for dinner,” he pointed out, suppressing his laughter.
“And you think that’s funny?” I asked in a perplexed tone. “If you must know, Alessandro, those guys give me the serious creeps. They could give the Addams family a run for their money.”
Alessandro continued laughing some more, entirely too amused by this. “What do you want me to do about it, Olivia? I can't exactly give them a makeover.”
“Nevermind. Forget I mentioned anything.” I dropped the subject and stomped toward the table when Alessandro snatched my elbow and made me freeze to the spot.
“No,” he said, his features losing all traces of humor. “I don't want to give you the impression your opinion doesn't matter. If it means that much to you, I will ask them to keep a low profile and not disturb you, but I can't send them away.”
“Why not?” I demanded, jutting my chin. “You got rid of the help.”
“I already told you. They’re here for our protection. They answer to my command and they’re instructed to treat you with utmost respect,” he reassured me. “There is nothing to be afraid of, okay?”
“Okay,” I relented, agreeing with him in a whisper.
“Are you sure?” he asked, brushing his finger along my cheek. “If you need me to answer more questions, I'd be happy to do so, Olivia. I don't want you to feel threatened in this house.”
“I don't feel threatened,” I lied, squirming slightly in his hold. “I would just feel more comfortable if they weren't around, but I guess I understand why it’s necessary for them to be here.”
Alessandro smirked and shook his head. “Cara, you’re such a bad liar it's not even funny, but give it time and you'll see those men pose no threat,” he softly spoke. “Now, how about we move on to food before we both starve to death?”
He pulled out a chair for me, then unloaded the plastic bag of its contents. It would be an understatement to say I was surprised when I saw all the groceries. There was even a paper bag with the logo from the local baker.
“Where did you get all of this?” I couldn't help but ask.
“What do you think?” Alessandro demanded with a hint of sarcasm. “I've been to the supermarket and the bakery. Where else would I get it?”
“You've done the groceries?!” I didn't even bother to hide my shock.
He gave a nonchalant shrug. “Yes, cara. I've done the groceries. Why are you looking at me like I've just told you the sky was pink?”
Now it was my turn to laugh in apparent disbelief, and I could tell Alessandro didn't like it. “I'm sorry. I just have a hard time imagining you roaming the supermarket and waiting in line for the cashier. You're not the type.”