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His eyes narrow, expression icing over all at once. He begins buttoning his shirt, turning his back to me. The lights of New York glimmer behind him, the silhouette of the Empire State piercing the velvet sky above his head. The city might as well be unfamiliar, a new plane of existence.
I’ve done something terrible.
I’ve tangled myself up in another mess.
“We agreed to keep things professional,” I say, fastening my blouse with shaky fingers.
He snorts, wiping the corners of his mouth. Wiping away my taste. “Storming up to my office and criticizing my skills as a parent was anything but professional.”
“I was looking out for Leo.” Rearranging my mussed hair, I make my way to the door stonily. His gaze trails me, clinging to me like a second skin. “Perhaps you’d be better off hiring somebody who’s happy to see him get upset because that isn’t me.”
I put my hand on the doorknob, and then he’s there, covering it with his own. His presence engulfs my back in his warmth, sending goose pimples across my skin.
“You’re not walking away from this. From him.” His voice tickles my ear. “He’s been happier this past week than I’ve ever seen him before. He needs you, Madison. You may be an intolerable, rude, disrespectful pain in my ass, but you signed a contract. You promised me you would be the perfect fit. Did you waste my time?”
I swallow, my grip on the door loosening. He’s right. What will happen if I quit? Leo will be palmed off to another nanny, maybe one who isn’t gentle when Leo is challenging, who isn’t as attached to their job as I am.
And I don’t want to go back to the Hamptons with my tail between my legs again. I don’t want to fail.
“This won’t happen again,” I say stiffly. “I’m here for Leo. Not for you.”
He takes a step back, and finally, I can breathe again. “Good. Then I trust in the future, you’ll discuss any concerns you may have about Leo in a more respectful manner.”
“I’ll discuss my concerns in the manner it warrants.” I glance at him over my shoulder. “You want someone who cares, Roman? This is what it looks like.”
With that, I walk out, trying to keep my steps light as I collect my belongings. A buttery light still falls from Leo’s room, but it’s silent. Thank goodness.
I can never let that happen again, no matter how much I enjoyed it. I try to tell myself that there are a million men in this city who could make me feel good, but I know none of them would touch me like him. None of them would act as though they already know my body, as though they worship it.
As I step into the elevator, I catch my reflection in the mirror and grimace. My lips are swollen, my hair coming loose from its ponytail and cascading down my shoulders. My shirt buttons are mismatched, my skirt is creased.
A mess.
I rub my tired eyes, pulling out my phone to check the time. It’s almost ten, three hours later than the time I usually finish work.
I have a few texts from Mom and Brandon, but it’s the unknown number that snags my attention. I stiffen as I open the notification, finding an image of a man with olive skin and hazel eyes staring back at me with Grand Central in the background.
Elio.
The text reads:I’ll find you, sweetheart.
I shudder, nausea twisting in my stomach as I get out and head to my suite in a frightened rush. My hands shake so much that I can barely slot my key into the lock, but finally, I stumble in and bolt my door. I turn on all the lights just to make sure he hasn’t already made good on his promise, but my apartment is as neat and empty as I left it this morning. Outside, I see the building’s security officer heading into the building for a change of shift.
It provides some comfort. I’m in the safest place in the world right now. The lobby downstairs is littered with cameras and the guards I pass on my way in and out are friendly, capable people.
Elio can’t get to me here.
Whether I like it or not, I’m stuck working for Roman until I know he’s gone for good.
CHAPTER10
Roman
o o o
Ishould be at work, but spite has gotten the better of me this morning. Instead, I’m cooking — alright, burning — waffles for Leo’s breakfast while he sings a song about bananas.
My attention keeps slipping involuntarily to the clock above the hallway entrance like she’s tied my eyeballs to string and keeps pulling. The woman is eroding my pride and dignity by the second, and she isn’t even in the damn room.
