Page 24 of The Prices We Pay

If you get a moment, would you be able to come to my office?

Enzo Santoro

COO at Vittori Enterprises

Spinning my desk chair slightly, I lean back so I can watch her. I spot the exact moment she reads my email, her face lighting up as she listens to whoever is on the other end of the line.

Only a couple of minutes later, my inbox flashes with a new email.

Morning, Enzo,

In the week I’ve been here, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say something so professional. Well, you didn’t say it, but you know what I mean.

And yes, I will be over as soon as I’m done with this phone call.

P.S. What have I said about calling me Josephine?

Josephine Jenkins

Customs Broker at Vittori Enterprises

Peeking around my computer, I find her smiling at me, and fuck if it isn’t a beautiful smile.

Sweetheart,

I’m offended. I am the COO of a multibillion-dollar company. I am nothing if not professional.

And hurry up. I’m getting impatient.

Enzo Santoro

COO at Vittori Enterprises

Lorenzo,

How could I forget? It’s right there in your email signature.

And I will come when I’m good and ready. Don’t you know that a lady should never be rushed?

Josephine Jenkins

Customs Broker at Vittori Enterprises

Fuck. I’d love to see her come when she’s good and ready, all right.

Sweetheart,

I have a sneaking suspicion that you are anything but a lady. And I mean that in the absolute best way possible.

Tick, tock. I’m lonely.

Enzo Santoro

Obviously, the COO at Vittori Enterprises

A few moments later, a pen comes flying across the hall and into my office, nearly missing the back ofmy computer. Looking around my screen, I see her flipping me off. “Such a lady,” I mouth, and she tips her head back in laughter before apologizing to whoever she’s talking to.

Chuckling, I pick up my phone as it dings with a text message. It’s a message in our group chat.