Page 97 of Alessio

Ginevra glared at him. “But?”

“But this is ridiculous. Last year, I pulled in four million doing jobs for The League, but that’s only spending money,” Corrado murmured stepping closer to her, so she had to look up at him with those big, brown eyes. Her lips fell open in surprise, but Corrado continued on with, “It was spending money because my trust fund, for being born a Guzzi, which is spread between four investment portfolios, made me two times that in profits and interest last year. That’s before I talk about the money that is just sitting there working to earn that profit and interest. A trusted money manager handles things like taxes, my major donations to several charities, and whatever else, but those cards in my wallet I swipe every time we go out?”

Ginevra’s throat jumped when she swallowed. “What about them?”

“They have no limit.” Corrado bopped her on the tip of her nose with the tip of his finger, adding, “And that’s before we talk about the money Les has. So, can we shop, wear beautiful things, and be happy that we’re lucky enough to do this?”

“That’s a lot of money, Corrado.”

“I can’t be buried with it, Ginevra.”

Her gaze flashed with an understanding. “You have a point.”

“I understand that my wealth, to others, can seem excessive, and a little overwhelming.”

“It is.”

“So, I won’t dismiss what you think, but I won’t change how I live, either. I would rather you learn to be comfortable with wealth than afraid of it.”

Ginevra let out a light laugh. “Well …”

“Hmm?”

“As long as it’s not my money that’s being thrown around, I guess.”

Corrado grinned. “Compromise. Now you’re talking my language, kitten.”

Her cheeks pinked, but she didn’t hide it.

“Now, what are we shopping for again? What kind of event?”

Mandy’s voice had Corrado turning to face the woman. She was still standing behind the counter, and Alessio was already looking their way with a lazy smile.

“A club opening for the Guzzis,” Corrado said, “but we can handle finding something on our own, if you wouldn’t mind.”

Mandy waved a hand. “The shop is yours for the next two hours. If you wouldn’t mind, I might take my lunch. You won’t need me hanging around, and I can pop over to the café across the street.”

“We’ll be fine,” Alessio assured.

He left the counter to join Ginevra and Corrado, his hand sliding around her lower back while Corrado turned to check out a rack of large church hats. His mother liked those, and she might like to find a gift here waiting for her when she came to shop the next time.

“Oh, and that royal purple hat,” Corrado said, “box it up for my mother, would you?”

“First thing when I get back, Mr. Guzzi.”

“Merci.”

“That was sweet of you,” Ginevra said as Mandy picked up her coat and purse, readying to leave. “Does your mother shop here often?”

“A few times a month.”

By the time Mandy had locked the shop’s door as she left, the three of them were already closer to the back of the store. Corrado remained closer to Alessio’s side as Ginevra reached up to admire a glittering blue clutch hanging on the wall.

“So, which Guzzi is opening the club?”

“My oldest brother—Marcus.”

Ginevra peeked back at them, her nose crinkling in that way. It only did that when she had something on her mind. “Huh.”