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With the last call made, I put down my cell phone and went to Gianna.

I sat next to her and pulled her close to get the kiss I wanted the instant she entered the house.

She eagerly returned it. Just like that, I was aroused, but we had things to do and talk about before we could appease our desires.

The way she whimpered when I stopped kissing her told me she was affected the same way.

“I hate to stop, but we need to talk and eat whatever you have in that bag, which is making my stomach rumble,” I told her.

She took my hand, stood, and tugged on it. I got up, and she led me to the kitchen. “If you get the plates, silverware, and drinks, I’ll reveal to you the best Italian food in Florida outside of mine,” she said cheekily.

“Well, let me taste this one, and then when you make yours, I can decide.”

We worked smoothly together. Everything was in place in no time, and she had three cartons of different dishes, homemade bread, olive oil with cracked black pepper, and sea salt.

Italians dipped their bread in olive oil rather than butter.

Along with the bread was lasagna, another pasta dish, and cuts of meat rolled into swirls.

“This is regular meat lasagna, and this is pasta carbonara. I don’t know if you’ve had this, but it’s lamb breast with oregano, ricotta, and lemon. And for dessert…” She removed another box from the bag and opened it. Inside were delicious-looking chocolate rectangles smothered in more chocolate.

“These are pizzettes. They’re like a brownie, rich, with a hint of cinnamon and cloves in the fudge coating. They’re perfect with coffee or even better, espresso, so we should have some in the morning.”

“It all looks amazing. I can’t wait.”

“Then help yourself,” Gianna replied.

As we filled our plates, I asked, “Where did this come from? I don’t see a name on the bag or cartons.”

She smiled. “This didn’t come from a restaurant.

Remember I told you about the woman who helped to raise me after my mamma died, Pia?

Well, even though we lost her five years ago, her daughter, Prima, is still with us, and she inherited her mamma’s cooking ability and recipes.

She loves to cook, so I asked her early this morning if she would make dinner for us.

I had no idea she’d make this much, but she was happy to. ”

“Now, I really can’t wait,” I said.

“Dig in and enjoy.” She smiled.

The first bite was of the lasagna. It melted in my mouth and had the most robust flavor.

I moaned. Next, I took a bite of the carbonara.

It was a favorite of mine. This one was just as good, and I sighed contentedly.

Lastly, I tried the lamb, which I’d never had.

It was so tender, and the flavors were perfect.

I laid down my fork. Gianna raised her brow.

“This all tastes incredible, leanbh . And you know how to cook these and have them taste similar?”

“Yes, to both.”

“Where have you been all my life, goddess?” I held my heart and gave her beseeching looks. This caused Gianna to giggle. I chuckled, then went back to eating.

“All fun aside, it is fantastic. If you cook often like this, I’ll be fat in no time,” I told her.

“I know ways to keep you fit,” she winked.

“Probably the same ones I’m thinking of. That’ll be our second dessert,” I pledged.

We ate some more in silence. We were halfway through when she brought up my calls.

“Rian, will you tell me what those calls were about, or is that overstepping? It sounds like you’re leaving.”

“It’s not overstepping, and I intended to. I thought you might not want to hear about it over dinner, but if you’re willing, then I’ll tell you. I have something to ask you about it.”

“Shoot.”

I explained Clay’s background and what had happened before. Then, I told her about Monty’s call tonight. When I was finished, she nodded.

“It sounds like they need you out there. I assume that’s what the calls were about. You leave in the morning?”

“Yes, and I was first talking to our head lawyer, Malone. He heads up our legal team. He’s a second cousin to Mama .

He’ll be going with me. Brett is the lead pilot.

He keeps the schedule for himself and the other two pilots straight.

He’s usually exclusively for Dar, but sometimes others use him.

He has Jessica flying me tomorrow, then coming back Saturday to pick me up.

” I paused to see what she would say about it.

“I’ll miss you, Rian, but I understand the need to go.

It’s your work. I hope you find a way to shut that fool up.

I dislike people who act that way. They feel so entitled, as if you owed him a job and wage even if he wasn’t doing the work.

Will you be able to call while you’re gone?

I’d love to hear your voice if it’s possible. ”

“Gianna, talking to you will never be impossible if I’m on a trip without you.

I detest having to leave when we have just started our future.

I have a question, and I want you to think before you answer.

I know it’s sudden, but would you, by any chance, be able to take a few days off and come with me to Aspen?

Or be able to work remotely?” I asked hopefully, but I was prepared for her refusal.

Undoubtedly, her schedule at work was full, and she needed to chase down bail jumpers.

She studied me, and I watched her frown while she concentrated. She was quiet for five minutes as she scrolled through her phone. I assumed, checking her schedule. I couldn’t eat. Finally, she let out a deep breath and answered.

“Usually, I’d say no, that I was too busy and had to know well beforehand.

However, I just had a thought. From what you said, Clay seems to have outside help.

He obtained a permit to assemble while locked up.

And he sounds like the type to continue until he’s been motivated to stop or there is a risk of exposure for him.

I bet he’s got something to hide. I have no doubt the person who investigated my family can do the same to him.

However, if I were to go along and offer my assistance, it would technically be work, even if it is pro bono.

I’d love to see the little asshole get what he deserves. Liars disgust me.”

My ears perked up, and then my brain began to whirl. I took out my cell phone. I wrote and then sent a text.

“What are you doing, Rian?”

“I’m asking Dar a question. Let’s keep eating until he answers.”

“Way to keep me on tenterhooks. Tell me if you change your mind about me coming with you.”

“I haven’t. I just had a thought. I need to clarify one thing, and then we’ll go back to it. Now, our dinner is getting cold. Eat,” I ordered.

The rest of our food disappeared in record time. I was too full to enjoy a pizzette when I was done, but I promised myself I would have them with coffee in the morning. As we cleared the mess, I got a reply from Darragh. I grinned when I read his answer.

“I assume it’s Darragh. What did he say to make you smile that way?” Gianna asked.

“Just that we’re hiring another investigator.

Cody is our main one. He has a team. However, when it comes to personal things about family members, Cody refuses to allow others on his team to do the work.

Sometimes, he almost kills himself going without sleep.

We’ve talked to him, but he keeps doing it.

He doesn’t trust anyone totally with the family.

But I had a thought. If the person was a member of the family, then he couldn’t object.

How would you like to work for us as needed to do research?

You told me how much you enjoy that aspect.

You have a degree that’s perfect for what we need, and you do the same thing for DeSantis Bounty & Bonds.

We’d make it worth your time with the pay,” I enticed.

Gianna gave me a surprised look before she answered.

“Uhm, wow, Rian, I didn’t expect that. But if you truly need help for Cody, I’d love to do it.

I wouldn’t want just anyone digging into my family, so I understand his mentality.

But there’s no need to pay me. I’ll gladly do it.

If you agree, it’ll be the reason for me coming to Aspen with you. ”

I shook my head. “No, there will be no free. You are part of the family, but this is work. You can decide if you do it as an employee of DeSantis or as a freelancer. Either way, you aren’t doing it for nothing.

If it was rare or small, yes, but this will happen a decent amount of the time.

If you and Cody split things and work together, neither of you will work much overtime.

I can promise that because I want to spend as much time as possible with you.

You tell me what you make now. Do you ever do private work? What is your fee?”

She still looked surprised, but she answered. She admitted that she occasionally freelanced for other companies that needed her skills, and this work was separate from DeSantis Bounty & Bonds.

“Then, if you agree, we’ll get you hired.

The paperwork will be sent to you for your signature.

Tomorrow, when you join me, your official first assignment will start.

I want to know what you can find on Clay.

If there’s anything hidden about him, I want to know it.

Oh, there’s a bonus structure to this job special for you.

” I smirked. The double meaning was clear in my tone.

“Really. What is it?” she asked sassily.

“All the hot, wild sex you want, private plane rides, which means we can join the mile-high club, and more.”

“I’m all for the sex, but I don’t need the rest. Those aren’t why I’m with you, Rian.” She frowned.

I brought her to my chest. I hugged her. “ A stór mo chroí , I know that, which is what makes it sexier and hotter and makes me want to rain down even more such things on you. You deserve to be pampered, and I’ll make sure you are. You can complain, but I’ll still do it.”

She sighed and rolled her eyes. “Just keep it reasonable. Coming with you on a private plane to handle a situation like this, absolutely. Hopping on it to fly off to Spain for dinner isn’t.”

“I make no promises,” I teased.

“Well, it seems I have work to prepare for. I must let Papà know I’ll be out of the office for the next few days.

I can still do remote work. My brothers are able and more than willing to chase down skippers.

We caught two of the three we worked on at the beginning of the week.

I got mine today. That leaves one, and if any new ones appear. ”

“Do you think your dad will be upset?”

“He’s willing to see where we end up. I can explain to him that it’s both personal and professional.

He’s more likely to understand than my brothers.

They’ll take more time. And since I would’ve most likely been in the office working on my computer the next two days, I’m still working, just from another locale. ”

“Okay, but if you want me to tell him, I will.”

“No, what I want is for you to prepare to pay me an upfront bonus. I’m going to do such an amazing job that you’re paying me in advance,” she taunted.

“Do what you have to do to go with me. I’ll meet you in the master bedroom. I hope you can handle what you’re releasing, Gianna,” I warned.

“Bring it.” She smirked.

I watched her walk off with her phone in her hand. To give her privacy, I cleaned the kitchen and went upstairs to prepare. Thinking about what I was about to do made me grow hard. It was time for her to see the dominant side she wanted.

When I gave Gianna the tour of my house, there was one room I left off.

I wanted it to be a surprise. Since it wasn’t visible to anyone, she had no clue she missed anything on the tour.

Exhilaration began to build. I’d created this special room but had never had a chance to use it.

I would never bring anyone to the compound or my home.

It was created with the dream that when I found my cherished one, she would be compatible with me in all ways, and she’d find this room as titillating and fulfilling as I did.

It was all about indulging all our senses and fantasies.

Entering the master bedroom, I went to the wall that had no furniture against it.

All that was there were paintings on the wall.

The chair rail molding that ran the room’s perimeter had a small release cleverly built into it.

I pressed on it, and the hidden door cracked open.

First, I’d ensure everything was prepared in there.

Then I’d come to the bedroom and wait for Gianna. God, I hoped she was quick.