CHAPTER 17
OLIVIA
Everyone's eyes were glued to him. Six feet two inches tall with an inked body, his muscular physique swayed as he stood there, my eyes gazing around the place. From afar, I could see the two receptionists giggle as they glanced at him and exchanged a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but from the way they were giggling, I was sure they might even want to sleep with him. I guessed they hadn't met someone as notoriously and scarily handsome as he was.
For Alessandro, he was like a Greek god.
By his side were two guys, Leon and Zipco. Their faces were stern as they stood at his back. I had never understood how they came to be his left and right hands. Leon barely spoke; he just stood there, seeming to mope at anyone or everyone. I hated him. I know that might be a strong word, but there was nothing fascinating about him that I had seen. He was always too cold, even to kids. As for Zipco, he was somewhat similar, but I would say he was better than Leon. Zipco was fun to be around when he was drunk; he kept you entertained, and you'd enjoy every conversation.
I adjusted my clothes, my heart racing. I couldn't let Alessandro stay in here for too long. What if Williams came in right now? I shook my head. God damn, he shouldn't dare to come right now. This would be more complicated than I could handle. Having Alessandro right here was already too much to take in, not to mention what would happen if Williams showed up. What would he think of me after I'd said I was single? And Alessandro? He didn't keep his hands to himself in public. He always loved to grab and touch his woman, even in the midst of a hundred people. The thought of him touching me right here and right now drained me.
What do I do? How do I make him not even try to hug me? I needed to make it look like he was a client and nothing more. I'm an attorney; I can't let them tarnish my name with stupid gossip. Those ladies who are gazing at him? They'd say anything, and I knew it. The last thing I wanted in my life right now was unconfirmed rumors.
Why the hell did he have to come today of all days when I had top clients to talk to?
I breathed in, smoothing my dress before I walked out.
I made my way straight to Alessandro, and once he saw me, his face lit up with a wide grin.
I forced a professional smile, acting as if he were just a client. I walked up to him and extended my hand, trying to cut any act that might raise eyebrows.
Yes, I knew Alessandro. He had kissed me a couple of times in public and had s*****d my ass in front of his family. I can say that must’ve been the most embarrassing day of my life. The mafia lifestyle is one crazy way to live... I just can't help it.
"Hey, Andro," I said, a wide smile spreading across my face. "Good morning," I said in a firm and polite voice as I reached to hug him slightly.
His grin flattened for a moment as he shook my hand. I wasn't all that smiley; I guessed he could see through the facade.
Instead of a simple handshake, he pulled me into a bear hug, his hand grazing my lower back.
Fuck. Heavens. Not here. Not here.
My eyes widened slightly as I quickly pulled away, my face still filled with smiles.
"Can we have a talk outside, Mr. Andro?" I said, making my way outside, and he trailed after me.
God. Can't he just keep his f*****g hands to himself for once?
I meant to keep it professional for a minute. This is my workplace. I can't risk anyone knowing I'm married... well, not really married, but it still counts.
“Kitten.” He called me to a stop once we stepped outside, and I knew that was asking for an explanation.
I heaved a deep sigh. “Come on, Andro. This is my workplace; you can't just waltz in here like that. You should tell me before you come. I'm an attorney of the state. Anything I do is being watched closely.”
“Oh, come on, kitten. I'm hurt. Can't even give your favorite client a little hug?” he whispered back, his breath tickling my ear, and I giggled.
Not in a good way. I was disgusted that he was doing exactly what I had just warned him not to do.
What if Williams walked in right now? What if he walked in on Alessandro hugging me tightly like this?
The last thing I wanted was for those two to ever meet. I would give anything to ensure that doesn't happen.
As he hugged me and kissed my neck, licking it downward, my face remained composed. I managed to shoot him a stern look. “Come on, Andro, please not here.”
He noticed and chuckled. His eyes were filled with mischief. “Okay, okay, okay, Kitten, I will behave—only on one condition.”
I raised my brows. “One condition?”
“What condition?”
“Have breakfast with me and follow me home. I've got limited time,” he said, his hand caressing my jaw. “And I have to spend it with my family.”
I wanted to argue, but I wasn't thinking clearly. The only thing on my mind was Williams getting caught up in all of this or anyone starting to spread rumors.
“Okay, fine,” I said. I made my way inside and instructed the interns to call me when the clients arrived. I needed to head out with Andro. That was the only way to get this man out of my hair. Heavens... he was always too stubborn.
With that, I picked up my bag and made my way out. I kept a straight face as I walked. The girls wouldn’t think anything other than that I was his lawyer representing him for his problems, and I was going out to solve one. If only they knew I was trying my best to chase him out of this place. Williams could show up at any moment.
I walked to where his limo was parked. I wasted no time settling into the back seat, and he wasted no time pulling me close, his lips brushing against my back, sending chills down my spine.
“You smell amazing, kitten. I want to eat you right here and now, like pizza,” he whispered, and I chuckled, trying to act okay.
I remained composed, but I just couldn't control the flutter in my chest. I wished I could push him away, but his grip on my body only tightened.
“f**k, Andro, not in the car,” I whispered to myself, as his hands slid through my thighs, sending chills down my spine.
But thankfully, the car pulled up to the playground, and I silently heaved a sigh of relief.
We were there to pick up Jaden. Now I was free from him, and since Jaden would be joining us, he wouldn't want to touch me in front of his son.
The limo parked, and we stepped out. Both Zipco and Leon followed us closely as we walked into the playground to get Jaden.
My eyes wandered around and finally fell on him in the playground, playing football with his peers. As I watched him, my lips curled into a smile, my eyes darting across the playground. His small frame was full of energy and very agile. The way he maneuvered the soccer ball with surprising dribbling skills and passed the other team members with such ease was impressive.
Alessandro beamed with pride. “That’s my boy!” His deep voice rose. “Look at him. That’s my boy!”
We both stood for a few more minutes, but I kept checking my phone every minute for any calls or texts from the interns, so I guessed the clients weren't there yet.
A few minutes later, Jaden was done and started to come out with Jan, who I had sent to get him so we could sit out with his father. Once he saw Alessandro, his face lit up, and he rushed into his arms.
“Dad!” he shouted, wiping sweat from his brow. “Did you see that? I scored!”
“I did! You were amazing!” Alessandro knelt down, enveloping Jaden in a warm embrace that made my heart flutter. I allowed the two to enjoy their moment together and walked away with Jan. Zipco also started to follow us while Leon stayed back with his boss. Zipco opened the door for us, and we settled in, waiting for Andro and Jaden.
A few minutes later, they entered the car, and it zoomed off to the restaurant where we would be eating.
As the limo pulled away from the playground, I took a deep breath while scrolling through my phone again.