Page 33 of Christmas with the Mafia

She appears shocked, and I say patiently, “Regina. You signed a contract to accompany me home as my fiancée for Christmas. It may have escaped your attention, but that is in two days’ time. There is a lot to accomplish before that happens, and returning here isn’t an option.”

“But my business.”

“My men will relocate everything you need into the car. You can pack the remaining orders at my home later. While I catch up on my business, you can do the same. We willmake certain they are delivered the very next day, so I fail to see what the problem is.”

Her eyes mist over, and I’m shocked when she brushes a tear away. “I’m sorry, it’s just–” She looks down and I reach out and tilt her chin to face me and she whispers, “You would do that—for me?”

“Yes. We are now a team, Regina. I help you, and you help me. It makes perfect business sense.”

“Of course.” She nods, regret heavy in her eyes. “Business. That’s, um, what this is.”

She pulls away and says with a sigh. “Then turn around while I change. I’ll be ready in the blink of an eye.”

I allow her to call the shots because we don’t have long, and while she fumbles in a cupboard, I turn my attention to her crazy basket business.

I head outside, and Trent smirks. “This is interesting.”

I roll my eyes. “I can think of a better description, but out of respect for Regina and the way she lives, I’ll hold that comment.”

I groan, noting the stains on the red carpet in the hallway that must have been laid centuries ago. “Pack up her apartment. Arrange it. She will not be coming back.”

“Where shall we store her belongings?”

“Take them to my apartment. She can set up in the guest wing.”

Trent nods and speaks into his phone, making the necessary arrangements to move Regina from poverty to luxury in one car journey. I wasn’t kidding either; she won’t be coming back. Her life is with me now until I say otherwise.

I head back inside and note her wearing black leggingspaired with an oversized jumper with a snowman on the front as she is pulling on a pair of sheepskin boots.

“I’m nearly ready.”

I groan inside, picturing the faces of the diners at the exclusive restaurant we are heading to for breakfast.

She pulls on a huge padded coat and wraps a scarf around her neck, and as only her eyes peer out, she could be just about anyone.

“I’m ready.”

Her voice mumbles behind the fabric, and she says, “You can help me pack my overnight bag. It shouldn’t take long.”

“No need. My men will do it. We don’t have time.”

“But–”

Her eyes widen, and I shake my head. “They are very discreet. I instructed them to take everything to my apartment. You can unpack there and continue with your work when we finish ours.”

“Can I stop by and tell Mr. Pettigrew? I wrapped a gift for him, and since we won’t be back until the new year, it needs to be gifted today.”

“No.”

The last thing I want is any witnesses, and she gasps, “NO?”

“We will courier it over. You can explain next time you see him.”

“Are you in there, Reggie!”

A loud voice comes through the thin door, and I groan inside.

“He’s here.”