her. "What the hell is going on? I depended on you to keep everything under control and you're running around as wild as my sister."
His disappointment stabbed her right in the center of her chest. Her mind assured her he was completely off base, but in her heart she felt his disapproval and it was acute.
Behind her, Brian shifted. "Wait a—"
She gave him a quelling look over her shoulder before returning her attention to Tony. "It's after business hours, and I told you I was seeing someone."
"Yes. This is very"—Tony eyed Brian like he was imagining stringing him up—"cute."
Brian touched her back and then brushed her hair aside. "Is this him?"
She didn't pretend to misunderstand him. She swallowed, trying to figure out what to say. Before, if Tony had shown up like this, in her living space, she'd have rejoiced. Now she was just wanted him to leave. He was intruding.
It was confusing. She looked at Brian, not sure what she wanted anymore.
Dropping his hand, Brian gazed at her steadily. "It's a simple yes or no question, Marley."
Only it wasn't. "Yes. But—"
"And he has the right to come into your apartment?" Brian asked.
"My apartment," Tony corrected. "I rent this home."
"I see." Brian stepped away from her. He looked at her like he wanted her to do something.
Only she didn't know what to do. She looked at Tony and the way he glared at Brian, and she felt paralyzed. She'd always been so sure she wanted Antonio Rossi, but suddenly she wanted to hold Brian's hand and run off giggling with him.
What was happening to her?
"I'll leave then." Brian stood toe-to-toe with Tony, studying him. Then he shook his head, dropped something on her desk, and walked out.
She looked down. Yesterday's Marley grinned at her, a halo of happiness surrounding her in the photo, mocking the misery that was pooling in her chest now.
"Brian," she called after him, but it came out in the barest whisper.
Tony stared after Brian, as if making sure he actually left the house. "Don't worry, Marley. You can do better."
She stiffened, affronted on Brian Benedict's account, because he was pretty great. But before she could stand up for him, Tony walked away. "Meeting tomorrow morning, at nine o'clock," he said, as if he ruled her world.
She looked around. Maybe he did. She just wasn't sure she wanted him to any longer.
Chapter Twenty
Nico arrived home to the scent of sweetness and the sound of laughter, and it all came from the kitchen.
He eased out of his suit coat and took it to hang in the bedroom. He slipped off his tie, taking a deep breath as he loosened the top buttons of his shirt.
It'd been a long day of meetings and stubborn people. Now he was home. He'd pour himself a hefty shot of whiskey and spar with the stubborn person who'd been on his mind all day: Daniela.
That morning she'd asked if she could hang out in his suite, because she still didn't feel like going home. He'd pictured coming home to her waiting for him. He'd liked the image so much he'd called the concierge and asked him to get Daniela a few items she'd need for her stay. Minus underwear, of course.
He heard her laugh again, and then the low rumble of a male voice. Frowning, he strode out the bedroom and to the kitchen.
She leaned against a counter, a glass of red wine in her hands. She wore one of his shirts, knotted in the front, and a pair of tight jeans the hotel had acquired for her. No bra, which he'd planned but regretted now. Her feet were bare, her face was lit with pleasure, her cheeks flushed, and her lips rosy and moist looking.
Just the same way she looked after making love.
Jason sat at the counter, looking less like a buttoned-up British gentlemen with his shirt collar undone and his tailored jacket off. He had a glass of wine and a large plate of pasta in front of him and stared at Daniela like he was utterly besotted.
Possessiveness flared through Nico, sharp and rigid. Shoving his hands in his pockets to keep from punching his bastard employee, he entered the kitchen.
"There you are," Daniela exclaimed, beaming at him. Her smile slowly faded as she studied his face. "Is something wrong, Nico?"
He glanced at Jason and then back at her. "I didn't realize we were entertaining tonight."
Jason picked up his wine glass. "I stopped by to drop off some paperwork for you.