Page 94 of Valentino

“I do not have time for your dramatics today, Anna.” I flick the coffee machine on and glance at my watch. “Get ready for work.”

“Did you hear what I just said?” She puts her hands on her hips all indignant.

“Loud and clear, but I’m choosing to ignore your idiocy.” I fake a smile and then drop it immediately.

“Idiocy?” she fumes. “Are you serious right now? I will not be called an idiot!”

I stir my coffee and bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from saying anything more.

“You’ll need to pack a bag for a week or two,” I tell her.

“Why?”

“We need to tighten security for a few days and my apartment is safer.”

“You’ve got to be kidding,” she snaps. “I’m so sick of this situation.”

“You and me both. Pack your bag.”

“No, I don’t think I will.”

“It wasn’t a question.”

“Do you think you can come into my home and just order me around?”

Yes I do.

“Listen, Anna, if you want to put me and my men in danger, demand that we stay here.”

“Don’t pull that one on me. I won’t be guilt-tripped into compliance.”

“And I won’t be called names that are completely untrue. We are safer at my place.”

“I never said anything that isn’t true.”

“Because you know me so well?” I raise my eyebrow. “Right?”

“I do actually.”

“You know nothing about me anymore. Do not dare tar me with the same brush as Carlo and your and his fucked-up relationship.”

“I’m warning you,” she fumes.

“And I’m warning you, this is the last time I will say it. You will be staying with me for a while until we get a security issue sorted. If I have to hog-tie you and carry you in the trunk to get you there, I will.”

“And what will your girlfriend say about this?” She picks up her coffee and narrows her eyes. “Did she know we kissed?”

“That kiss was an error of judgement.”

“Damn right it was,” she snaps.

“Good. I won’t do it again.”

“Good. Make sure that you don’t.”

“Pack your bag or I will do it for you and I don’t have a girlfriend.”

“Who was the woman on your answering machine then?”