Page 10

This makes the most sense for the time being.
Francesca perks up. “My apartment is completely furnished and clean, so Alexandra can have mine.”
Alexandra shakes her head and glares at me. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m fine in my apartment. It’s safe and secure, and every building can only be accessed by a keycard.”
I clench my jaw before saying, “You can move into the apartment with the team or the guesthouse. Your choice.”
No one speaks as the two of us stare at one another.
She doesn’t want to start her shit with me today because I will get my way, and my way will be to have her close to me.
I imagine sneaking into the guesthouse at night. Having her so close will be a blessing and a curse.
She will still want more from me, but being so close will give us a chance to grow closer to one another.
Maybe then I’ll be able to move past my issues.
Her voice drags me from my thoughts. “What about my lease? I can’t afford to break the contract.”
Is she going to fight me every step of the way?
“We’ll pay the fees to terminate your lease. Your safety is more important than a couple thousand dollars.”
She crosses her arms and narrows her eyes at me. “Fine. I’ll move into Francesca’s old apartment, but I’m not moving until this weekend.”
Chapter Three
ALEXANDRA
Rushing aroundto finish up work, I grab the last receipt off my desk and make a beeline to the scanner. I quickly close the lid, pinching my pinky finger in the process.
“Shit!” I yank my hand back, grabbing my hurt finger.
This is what I get for rushing and trying to leave work before lunch on a Friday morning.
My computer chimes with an instant message. I finish scanning the last receipt, put it in the correct folder, and close the filing cabinet.
I plop down in my office chair and move my mouse to wake up my computer to see who the message is from. Arturo is in a meeting with Alvin Brown at a secret location and Joseph is with the team, traveling to Florida for an away game.
Francesca’s name pops up as she sends me another message.
Can you help me finalize something?
It’s an outing for the team, but Dad will be there, too, so I could use your advice on security.
I stare at her messages for a few moments before replying.
Is a team outing wise with everything going on?
John Smith, one of Giuseppe Rossi’s men, specifically named me as one of the targets Giuseppe Rossi is coming after.
While I wait for her reply, I close my blinds and turn off my essential oil diffuser. The chime on the computer sounds again.
We can’t show the public that we are afraid. We have to keep up appearances. They can’t know we are dealing with outside threats.
I mentally roll my eyes. Of course, she would be more concerned about the public’s opinions rather than keeping her and her family safe.
That’s one of the few things I agree with Joseph on. Francesca is naïve and doesn’t really think about the consequences until they are right in her face, but at least she is trying to think about security beforehand.