The line went dead, and Luciano turned his attention back to work. He was on edge. He had meetings he couldn’t miss and several execs flying in from Italy for a showing. While Simone had agreed to spend the day with Teddy, she wouldn’t do that for the rest of her life.
What choice did he have?
She was in danger every moment she was with him. While he knew she’d be safer if he ended things with her, he couldn’t.
I’m in love with her.
Linda, I will never stop loving you, but I can’t spend my life alone. Please forgive me for loving again.
SIMONE
On the elevatorride upstairs to Peter Hirzog’s office, Simone’s phone buzzed with a text.
You’re a naughty girl, Simone Redding. You’re chasing me, but you won’t catch me. If I were you, I would STOP. The mighty gates of the Santini mansion won’t stop me. Nothing will stop me!
Her blood turned to ice in her veins.
Refusing to let the fear creep in, she snapped a screenshot of the threat and texted it to Luciano.
The elevator doors opened on the top floor, she stepped out, and her phone rang. It was Luciano. Despite loving that he was calling, she couldn’t have him worrying.
“I’m fine,” she answered. “I’m about to talk to Peter.”
“You’re vulnerable,” Luciano said. “I don’t like that.”
“I’m okay, and I’ve gotta work.”
“You’re wearing body armor, yes?”
“You watched me put it on.” After a brief pause, she said, “Luciano, I can’t let him bully me into submission. He already did that. Maybe if I hadn’t gone into hiding, Frederica and her team would be alive. Maybe that son of a bitch would be long dead and a postscript in the history of American lunatics.”
“I’m sorry, Simone, but?—”
“No buts. I got this. I love you, and I’m hanging up now.”
“I love you too,” he said.
She ended the call, entered the executive division, and stopped at reception. “Simone Redding for Peter Hirzog.”
“Hey,” said a familiar voice. “I thought that was you.” Carrera walked over. “What brings you by?”
She stepped away from the check-in desk. “I need to talk to Peter. How are you? How’s Slash and Elsa?”
He smiled. “All good. We’ll see you next week.”
She blanked.
“Thanksgiving,” Carrera said. “You’re coming to dinner with Lulu.”
“Right. Thanksgiving with the Santini’s.” She stepped close. “Peter doesn’t know I’m seeing Luciano.”
“He’s not hearing about that from me,” Carrera replied.
“Ms. Redding,” called out the receptionist.
Carrera said goodbye, and Simone returned to reception.
“Mr. Hirzog isn’t here,” said the receptionist.