The Night Before…

“Have you lost your mind?” Gio asks, walking into my home office.

“You’ll have to be more specific,” I say, not taking his bait.

“I understand that Red caught your eye, but starting something in front of Grappa isn’t a good idea considering everything going on.”

“You seem to be forgetting your place,” I say, looking up.

“It’s because I know my place that I’m saying something.”

“Careful,” I warn. Gio walks deeper into the office.

“There are hundreds of women who are begging you to fuck them. All without complications. But two seconds with the waitress and all hell breaks loose.” I don’t like his tone, and I know he knows it. “All I’m saying is that exposing your weapon in public, in front of her, wasn’t a good idea.” There is something about his observation that bothers me.

“I don’t give a shit who saw me. I won’t tolerate anyone taking advantage of people who work for me.”

“She doesn’t work for you, and it had nothing to do with the business.”

“How about you tell me why the fuck are you here for?” He sits across from me.

“I received a list of the candidates for the nanny position. There are two who seem promising.” He sets two pictures before me, along with their resume.

“I want to know more about the waitress.”

“Red? Why?”

“She will be Hunter’s new nanny.”

It’s a reckless decision on my part. I have no idea who this woman is. But eyes don’t lie. I know she is exactly who I need looking after Hunter, and that is Cassie Walker.

“Lex, you can’t think—”

“I expect a dossier on her before the morning. Bring her to my office in the morning.” I stand.

“Lex—”

“Get it done.”

“You’re the boss.”

_____

As I watch Cassie sleep on the monitor, I review the file Gio gave me for the third time.

Cassandra Walker, aka Cassie, is an eighteen-year-old freshman at the University of Chicago on scholarship. Cassie graduated at the top of her glass. She was born in a small town in Arkansas. Cassie has never had any runnings with the law. She moved to Chicago six weeks ago, works two jobs, and lives in a motel room.

I have to admit the more I read it, the angrier I feel. How can anyone think living in a motel is a good idea? Especially someone as young as her. The neighborhood of the motel is sketchy at best. I’m surprised nothing has happened to her. She has no real money in her bank account. If I didn’t order Gio to bring her to me, she would be homeless by Friday.

“This is nuts even for you,” Gio says, getting my attention.

“Have someone pack her things and deliver them to the thirty-seventh floor.”

“This isn’t a good idea. You don’t know her or her intentions.”

“What the fuck are you saying?”

“Let me investigate her further before you move her in with you. Let me verify that she isn’t trying to pull a fast one.”

A stir in the camera gets my attention. Cassie sits up and hugs herself. It’s such an odd thing that I jump out of my chair.

“What is it?”

“Have her things moved,” I repeat, already walking out the door.

Gio says something in the background, but I ignore him. Cassie is the perfect nanny. When I reach her door, I can hear her talking. At first, it stomps me since she’s alone in the bedroom. Did she call someone?

“What am I supposed to do? I can’t go back.” I hear her whisper when I step into the bedroom. She looks up, and our eyes meet.

“Who the fuck are you speaking with?” Cassie hugs her knees tighter. Her face is flushed, and her bottom lip looks puffy like she has been crying for some time.” She clears her throat.

“No one.” She wipes her tears away.

“I don’t condone employees lying to me.” I snarl. She moves her legs to get out of bed. “Where the fuck do you think you are going?” I stand in front of her.

“I need to go. I’ve missed my class, and I can’t…” she drifts off.

“You can’t, what?”

“I can’t stay here. I have to go to my apartment and get ready for work.”

“A room in a fucking motel 6 isn’t an apartment. How can your family allow you to live there?” I ask bitterly.

“You don’t know anything about me.” She gets out of bed but can’t take a step because I’m blocking her. “Thank you for having a doctor examine me. I feel better, and it’s time for me to leave.” She stands straighter, I assume to be more intimidating, but she is failing.

“You need to rest. Hunter will be here tomorrow, and I want you to be at your best.”

“Who is Hunter?”

“My son.”

We stay silent for a few seconds. It gives me a chance to look at her. Her beautiful sapphire eyes look exhausted. Cassie looks like she hasn’t had a good meal or sleep in a long time. She is drenched in sweat, and her red hair is matted to her neck.

“Gio is taking your things to my condo. In the meantime, I can have someone bring you clothes so you can shower.”

“I’m not moving to your condo, and you have no right sending anyone to get my things.” She took a step to the side, but I stopped her.

“What part of you being my employee you don’t understand?”

“I’m not your employee, and you don’t—”

“Stop! I’ve already established that you are my employee.” She takes a step back. Her eyes opened wide like she was scared, as she should be. Cassie closes her eyes. “Open your eyes,” I order her, and she does it instantly. “Hunter will be here in the morning. I know you go to campus four days a week in the mornings. During that time, someone will look after Hunter.”

“Is there something about me you don’t know?” Her question is meant to be sarcastic, but I find it amusing. I can’t help but chuckle.

“Taking care of Hunter is a full-time job. He is to be in bed by seven every night. You can do as you please afterward, but the curfew is at ten o’clock. Hunter wakes up at six in the morning.”

“I’m not a child that needs curfew.” I ignore her banter.

“Your compensation is a thousand dollars a week in cash. You will have health benefits. I will provide you with a company credit card and a driver.” A soft gasp escapes her. I’ve surprised her with the compensation. It doesn’t surprise me.

“That is too much.” She finally says. I handed her the cell phone she had in her bag. “How did you get my cell phone?” She questions me with a baffled look.

“Unlock the cell phone,” I order her.

“I’m not—”

“This isn’t a request.” She looked between the cell phone and me. Resigned, she unlocked the cell phone and handed it to me.

“Good girl. I’m going to add my cell phone number. If something comes up with Hunter or you need anything before I’m home, call me.” After a few seconds, I return her cell phone.

“Is there anything else I need to know, boss?” Her attitude and sarcasm aren’t lost on me.

“Mind yourself. I expect you to be respectful in all our interactions.” I scold her. There is a knock at the door. “Come in,” I order, knowing the only person who will dare knock at the door is Gio.

“Everything is upstairs.” He informs me as he looks at Cassie, which bothers me.

“That will be all for now.” I reprimand. He gets the cue and leaves.

“Lex—” Cassie starts. I interrupt her.

“You will live in the condo from Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays, the driver will take you to my house. Hunter enjoys the outdoors. You’ll spend the weekend there and return on Sundays to the city.” She places her hand on her hip.

“When are my days off? You can’t expect me to work seven days a week.”

“This is a full-time job. If something comes up where you need time off, you will request it at least two weeks in advance.”

“You’re insane. I might as well be a prisoner.”

I close the distance between us. She falters and takes a step back. Even though the air is filled with the smell of sweat, her sweet lavender cuts through. I step forward, needing the scent closer. The effect that she has on me is unexpected. I grab her chin and lift her head.

“I’ve been called worst. You will do as you’re told.”

She blinks a few times, and after a few seconds, her shoulders sag. I take her hand and turn to leave the bedroom. Surprisingly, she doesn’t object. I lead us out of the bedroom and walk toward the elevator.

As we walked, there were a few of my men standing around. It’s a common occurrence since the thirty-six floor is the headquarters for my empire. It’s the first time I’ve had someone outside my organization on this floor.

“Get back to fucking work.”

I bark at my men, looking at Cassie. Immediately, they look away. Cassie tries to take her hand back, but I don’t let her.

“Can you let go of my hand? I’m not a child.” Cassie says when we reach the elevator door.

“No,” I say flat out.

“It’s not like I have anywhere to go. You made yourself clear.” She says with a snarky tone.

Before I can respond, the elevator door opens. One of my men steps out quickly, and I pull Cassie into the elevator. I turn her and push her to the elevator door. Her breath catches when I close the distance. I’m flushed against her.

“Please,” she whispers. I can’t read her. She looks…

“What?” I question her, leaning forward.

“Can you take a step back?” I barely hear her ask. Her voice is barely a whisper.

“Are you afraid, mio angelo?”

“Yes. You’re intimidating.” I take a step back. Her answer isn’t one I was expecting. Before I can ask her more, she continues. “I’ve never been with a man, and you’re—” The elevator door opens.

“Mr. Biagini,” I turn to see one of the maintenance workers inside. I don’t say anything but press the thirty-seventh floor. The man doesn’t bother adding anything.

“Who are you?” I ask. Surely, she has to be lying. There is no way a woman like her can be a virgin.