Page 54 of The Bonventi Rise

MARCO

Alina storms out of my office, and I walk over and slam my door shut. I'm so worked up—at her, at myself. "FUCK!" I yell out to no one.

I pace the office, swearing under my breath, wanting to reach out and grab something, break something, anything to channel my anger.

My phone buzzes in my pocket.

A text flashes across the screen.

Where are you?

It's Gio.

"The fucking office, that's where I am," I say to my phone as I type a response.

Office.

A few moments later, he responds.

Stay there. Need to talk. Important. On my way.

Dammit. Of course, it's something else. First Alina, and now whatever Gio's going to tell me.

I take a seat in my chair and rub my forehead. Maybe Enzo was right. He warned me to just stick to city council. Easy to manage, control, and I could focus on any blonde or brunette that caught my eye.

My intercom rings, and I press the button.

"Yeah."

"Hi, sir, is everything alright?" our receptionist asks. She probably heard the yelling. Hell, I'm sure the whole office did, and then there was my door slamming.

"Yes."

"Okay, I just thought… well, Alina rushed out of here with her things and left her keys on my desk."

This only adds to my anger. I can't believe she'd just… I can't even finish my thoughts.

"Yeah, that's okay. Just, uh, a difference of opinions about campaign direction."

"I see. Well, will she be back?"

I hesitate for a moment. Good question.

"Do me a favor, please. Just leave them on her desk for now."

"Okay, sir."

"Thanks," I say and end it.

I lean back in my chair, contemplating things.

Then, there's a knock at my door.

"Shit. Can't I have just five minutes?" I say under my breath.

The door opens before I can respond.

Gio walks in swiftly and shuts the door.