A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(31)

“Are you done now? With your bullshit Master of the Universe rhetoric? I don’t know why I am here but it has nothing to do with my intelligence and everything to do with your shady f*cking family. So enlighten me?” I felt my resolve strengthen within. I wasn’t going to allow Nick or anyone else to make me feel afraid, not anymore, never again.

A broad smile spread across his face as he let out a large, boisterous laugh. His whole face animated as he relaxed, little crinkles appeared at the corner of his eyes. He was beautiful, just like Riccardo.

“Master of the Universe? I like that. You know I never understood it before, what my brother saw in you. Sure you are beautiful but there are lots of beautiful women, what made you so special? Now I know.” He nodded approvingly.

“Know what? I am still in the dark here. Are you going to continue to talk in freaking haiku or should I just leave now?” I was wondering whether this was just for Nick’s enjoyment or whether he actually had something to say.

There was a muted knock at the door. I assumed it had been louder but the door itself had absorbed the sound. It was surprisingly quiet inside this room. Sound proof I imagined. Fitting for a control freak.

Nick ignored the door, making no effort to answer it or find out the reason behind the disturbance. Whoever it was would have to wait. Nick leaned further forward in his chair as he focused on me.

“Just because I was not present in Ric’s life it didn’t mean I didn’t know everything. When you shared his bed, when you broke his heart and when you returned to Rome. I know it all and I know it, because he told me. You are standing here because my younger brother, who I would give my life for, asked me to look out for you.” Nick paused as he gently stroked his chin. “When he learned about what that animal did to you, he begged me to intercede. You see my dealings haven’t always been so honourable.”

“No shit!” I mused sarcastically, “FYI you’re not helping perpetuating the stereotype. So are you in the mob? Using the club as a front isn’t original though, perhaps you should have tried sanitation. Maybe a little bakery selling Cannoli?”

Nick laughed again, “That mouth of yours get you into much trouble? If I was in the mob, do you think making derogatory jokes about my heritage would be smart? Aren’t you afraid Lexi?” He tilted his head to the side, amused.

“No, I’m not afraid. I’ve already been through hell; there is nothing you could do that would be worse. Besides I’ve watched enough of The Sopranos to know if you were going to kidnap or kill me you would have done so by now.” Fuck! What is wrong with me? Filter Lexi…. You need to learn to goddamn filter!

“You are right about one thing, I don’t want to hurt you.” Nick raised from his seat.

“Then what? What can you possibly want from me? I don’t need anyone else watching out for me. My dance card is pretty much full.” While I now had further information on Nick’s identity I was no more wise as to why I was having this conversation.

“Ah, yes. The husband. He seems very protective of you but can he give you what I can?”

“He gives me whatever I need,” I clipped. One thing I would not allow to be called into question was whether or not Alex was meeting his obligations toward me.

“You need more.” Nick confidently retorted.

“How do you know what I need? You don’t even know me? You only know of me. That’s not the same and while I adored your younger brother you are nothing like him.”

“Lexi you are more than welcome to continue to berate me and I even understand your hostility toward my family, albeit misplaced in this instance, but will you please do so sitting down?” Nick once again pointed to the unoccupied chair opposite him. “Please, sit.”

With a rather large and dramatic exhale I lowered myself into the soft leather chair. In honesty, it was nice to be off my feet, not that I would allow Nick the satisfaction of knowing that.

“Much better. Now where were we? That’s right you were angrily telling me how I didn’t know you. Continue.” His arm moved in front of his body, his palm faced up as he goaded me on. His lips twisted tightly as he suppressed the smile. I hated him.

“This isn’t a game Nick. This might be funny for you but this is my life and I don’t want or need you in it.”

He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a file. I watched as he placed it in front of me. The cover gave no clue as to what it contained.

“What is it?”

“It’s you.”

“Please stop with the riddles, they really aren’t endearing and I already have a headache.”

“When you left Rome, Riccardo contacted me and asked me to look into you. Ensure that you were happy, well treated. He is far more sentimental than I, but I humoured him as from what I ascertained you didn’t take advantage of him.”

“I didn’t. So he asked you to spy on me?”

“Before you get all excited again, let me explain. I was merely going to investigate that you were cared for, as per his instructions. During the course of this investigation I met your lovely neighbour Ms. Nixon and it seemed serendipitous that my club required a revamp and she was a designer. It would also help orchestrate a meeting with you, which I felt was necessary.”

“You hired Taylah to decorate your club so you could meet me?” I glared at him incredulously.