Page 86 of The Bonventi Hitman

It was an image of a naked woman laying carefree on a bed, the curtains flowing in the breeze. I don't know why, but I loved it.

"You like it, Bella?" he asks me.

I shake my head, "Yes, very much."

I lean in to read the plaque. It saysLady In Waiting,and then I see the price. "Oh my, it's one hundred and ten thousand dollars."

Gabriel laughs, "Yes, but it is beautiful, and the artist is very talented."

I stand and stare at the painting for a few more seconds before we move on.

Gabriel walks confidently with his arm possessively around my waist, guiding me through the sea of well-dressed guests.

We come to a room, and I immediately see Enzo. I always forget how tall he is and how commanding his presence is. He makes eye contact with Gabriel and waves us over to him.

"Sofia, very nice to see you," he says and kisses my cheek. "Now Gabriel, will you please tell Theo here that I don't need a wife just yet? I'm fine being a bachelor."

"You're not married?" I ask, the question escaping my lips before I even had time to think.

Enzo smiles and looks down at me with his piercing blue eyes, "No, darling. I just, well, couldn't find the time."

"Well start thinking about your legacy, Enzo," Theo says, "to pass on the Bonventi name and keep an eye on things when you're ready to retire."

"Retire? Please, I'm not even 50 yet. I know you Greeks like to relax, but I've got too much to do and at least 30 or more years left. I'll find someone, right Gabriel?"

"Of course, of course you will," Gabriel says.

I suppose it makes sense he's single. He's a very intelligent, calculated man—at least that's how his report read—so I could see him wanting to fill that spot with an alliance or something that enables him to gain more than just a wife.

"Well, just think about it sooner rather than later. And you, Sofia, how have you been? I remember we met at the Capstone," Theo says to me.

I smile and nod, "You have a good memory. I am doing very well, thank you."

I feel Gabriel's arm pull me close to him, a subtle cue that I'm his.

I like it.

"Good to hear. Well, if you all will excuse me, I need to freshen up my drink," Theo says and walks away.

Enzo leans into Gabriel and whispers something, gives me a smile, and walks off.

"Everything okay?" I ask.

"Always when I'm with you. Now, let's get you something to drink."

We walk to the bar, and Gabriel hands me a champagne flute.

"I'm going to have to leave you to your own devices for a little while. There's a meeting that I need to be in."

"Oh, okay," I say, surprised. "Well, how long will you be?"

"Shouldn't be more than 20 minutes," he says and smiles, "Take a look at the artwork on display, and when you're done, I'll be out."

I smile and shake my head. "That sounds like a good idea."

Gabriel rubs my cheek and leans in, giving me a kiss. His lips warm me to my core, and for a brief moment, I forget where I am. When I open my eyes, I'm almost shocked by how crowded the room is.

"I'll be back, Sofia. Go enjoy the paintings."