Page 66 of Ruthless Lord

That’s peanuts compared to the thrill of facing an opponent in the ring.

I’m practically prowling my office by the time I hear Charlie’s laughter down the hall. I throw my door open and find her heading toward me with Giorgio, both of them acting like they’re the oldest of friends.

“Uh-oh, the boss has that look again,” Giorgio says, his grin fading slightly.

“Isn’t that his average face?” Charlie squints at me. “Oh, you’re right, that’s hisannoyedfrown. You can tell by the eyes.”

“I’ve been saying that for years and nobody believes me. They all think the boss only has one look, and that’s pissed.”

“Giorgio, thanks for showing my wife around, but you’ve got work.” I stare hard at him.

“It’s amazing how mad he seems.” Charlie sighs and pats Giorgio’s arm lightly. “Thanks for showing me around.”

“Anytime.” Giorgio shoots me a grin before hurrying off, leaving me alone with my wife.

I give her a long look before jerking my head back over my shoulder. “In my office. Right now.”

“Am I in trouble?” she says, cooing like it’s funny. “Because I think I like it when you’re mad at me.”

I close the door hard once she’s settling herself behind my desk. I struggle not to grind my teeth too hard, but the goddamn girl is so frustrating beyond belief. I can barely control myself.

“You have fun?”

“Actually, yes. Giorgio was the perfect gentleman. Very talkative too. Did you know he has two grandkids?”

“Mila and Turner. I’m aware.”

“That honestly shocks me.” She leans back, getting herself nice and comfortable. “This place is pretty cool, did you know that?”

I approach the desk and lean over it. “What’s your game, Charlie?”

She tilts her head to the side. “Whatever do you mean, husband?”

I circle toward her, going slow. “You’ve never shown any interest in the shipping business before today. Last night, you kissed me?—”

“You broke your promise.”

“I brushed my hands against yours. I didn’t realize your knuckles were an erogenous zone.”

“I have extremely sensitive hands.” She stares at me, still smiling like she’s got the upper hand here. “What are you saying exactly? Are you accusing me of something?”

“I’m trying to figure out what the hell you’re doing at my depot.”

“I told you already. I’m curious about my husband’s business.”

“I don’t believe you.” I stop in front of her. I lean forward again, putting my hands carefully on the arms of her chair, getting right in her face. We’re inches apart but still not touching. “What’s the game?”

“No game. Can’t a wife be curious about her arranged husband?”

“You could ask me questions at dinner.”

“I didn’t realize we ate together.”

“We could start.”

“You want to share meals with me now, Stefano?” She says it teasingly, biting the tip of her tongue lightly. “What’s next? Movie dates?”

“I’ll take you to the movies if that’s what you want.”