Chapter Four

Riley POV

We didn’t have a lot of stuff, the furniture belonged to the apartment complex so only a couple of boxes which we put in storage.

I have never gotten the chance to travel, though right after high school Matteo had tried to convince me to go on a road trip with him and his friends.

We land in New York late in the afternoon. A black SUV that just screams crime boss picks us up. This time no multitude of men just a driver and one guard, way to make us feel special.

I settle into the leather seats and close my eyes, letting the glory of the big city envelope me. The traffic jam is bad and it takes us an extra hour to get to the villa. It’s a traditional Italian villa in a fairly large estate. Tucked in long Island, it was close enough to conduct business bit far enough to be private. The classic terracotta tile roof gleams in the night and the beautifully arched door seems to invite us.

Its night and we are tired and hungry so I cannot fully appreciate the architecture. Thankfully we are not subjected to a tour. From the moment we walk through the door I feel comfortable as if I am home. I shouldn’t feel that.

“This way for dinner.” An elderly woman says leading us away. No welcome and no smiles. Our bags are still in the car but I am sure those big burly men can deal with them.

The dining room is bathed in the light of a soft chandelier, defined antique. The table is large enough to host around fifteen people but is currently only occupied by two.

The unmistakable figure of Lorenzo is focused on something on his phone and to his right a young girl, maybe fifteen and at most eighteen she is reading a novel. The scene is homey.

“Mr. Romano your guest have arrived.” The old woman announces before leaving.

The girl is first to look up. Her eyes are just like his, a silvery grey but hers are warmer and full of life, her auburn hair is tied back loosely giving the illusion of maturity. She flashes a beautiful smile and I cant help smiling back. She closes her book and starts walking towards us. She is dressed in a white sundress that makes her look even more like a child.

“You must be Riley. It is so nice to have another girl around.” She stretches her hands and I just freeze. She kisses both sides of my cheeks and leads me away.

“Is that the greeting for your brother Giana?” Matteo jokes and it occurs to me that of he knew about his dad it means he knew about a wife and a sister. Speaking of the wife, I don’t see any and refrain from asking. Instead it ask a more suitable question.

“You guys have met.”

“Kind of, we face time so it technically counts.” Gianna says seriously considering the question. I sit next to Giana and Matteo is directly opposite me openly choosing not to occupy the seat next to his father.

“Matteo.” Lorenzo finally acknowledges, but he fails to mention me. What an asshole.

Before I can do anything stupid someone brings out the food. It’s a salad. I respect anyone with the discipline to eat a salad and go to bed but that isn’t me.

“It is Caprese Salad with balsamic glaze, my favourite starter.” Giana whispers. Thank God, did I understand what she said, absolutely not but I heard starter meaning more food is coming so I am not complaining.

Turns out leaves can be delicious if you have a private chef. Someone pours white wine for all of us except Giana who gets sparkling water. I note that my wine is significantly less than both Matteo and Lorenzo. Do they think I can’t hold my liquor...well I can’t but that is not the point.

“So thanks for making me loose my down payment on the apartment. That brute you sent damaged the furniture.” I say pretending to pick the cheese from my salad. Lorenzo raises his brow and takes a sip from his full glass, emphasis on full.

“I can repay you for any cost.” He says smugly.

“Well since you are rich we might as well add charges on both physical and emotional assault.” I say gripping the stem of my glass tightly.

“You are living in my house free of charge, eating my food and free to spend my money. Surely that counts for something, Riley.”

The way my name rolled off the motherfucker’s tongue made me want to hit him. It was condescension laced with humour.

“It would count if it didn’t take a gun and a hit to the head to get me here.” I hiss. And we stare at each other. He doesn’t like to be challenged I can tell that and my big mouth is pissing him off.

“Oh, look at that spaghetti carbonara and chicken parmesan.” Giana says to diffuse the tension as new plates are placed in front of us.

“You do not have to announce the food Giana.” Lorenzo says his voice soft and chiding.

He seems to spoil the girl, makes you wonder how he treats the mother. Entree goes great and so does dessert. Though they pair it off with coffee. Weirdos, who drinks coffee right before bed.

“I have a few rules you must follow.” Lorenzo says and Giana groans. But Lorenzo is looking at me like its for my benefit. You can be sure I will break all the rules just to piss him off.

“First never leave the property without your bodyguard, Riley I shall assign one to you tomorrow.” He pauses a bit as if thinking of what else to say.

“You are free to roam this house but rooms that are locked are to remain that way especially the room in the east wing of the house.” At this point I am just dying to know why but his eyes tell me to shut up.

“Always respect my men and my staff. They are not yours to command.” This one I agree with and may just be the only one I will follow.

Then he stands up, no ‘that’s it’ he just starts moving.

“Anything else your majesty?” I ask. Giana stiffens and Matteo freezes.

His eyes light with a predatory hunger. I shuffle uncomfortable. When he replies his voice is low and smooth.

“Yes, just because I play a convincing host doesn’t mean I am one. Do not cross me or mess with me. You won’t like it when I bite back.”

And the frost in the air disappears. He smiles with warmth that doesn’t meet his eyes.

“Goodnight.” He says and I shiver.