Page 47 of Risky Behavior: Submitting to the Ruthless Guard
“Valentina enjoys reading,” he said as I took in all the titles.
“She’s read all these?”
“No, but Nico likes to buy them for her, so the look of this place has changed quite a bit over the years.”
“I remember back when there were only three desks in here,” Alessia added, and Leo nodded.
“Yeah, that was a pretty shitty time. Everyone, have a seat.”
Ares sat behind a desk with multiple monitors and started up the computer while I sat on a small couch next to Leo. Alessia made herself comfortable in the one desk that didn’t have a computer and Dr. Nikolaidis stood behind her.
“What we know so far is that these two that have been hired by Carter regularly work for Mario. Alessia and Leo, you both know his thoughts on people who mistreat women. As you can imagine, when he heard Carter was involved, he wanted to put an end to the men who took the contract. The only problem we have now is he doesn’t know where they are. His people are looking for them, but they have disappeared from the city. Leo, do you have any idea how much information Carter may have on you? If they are trying to get to Talia, they will use you to find her.”
“Not much. Other than my name and reputation. My properties and assets are all protected. Micah set everything up that way years ago.”
“Micah?” I asked, turning to him.
“Micah Corsetti, Dante’s cousin. He owns a brokerage firm and handles all my finances.” I nodded, turning back to Ares. “Is the concern that they will find us here?”
“No. No one can get to you here. Our concerns are about when you two leave.”
“I’m not going to run and hide from two thugs. I’d like to take care of this myself, but I’m not prepared to leave Talia again.”
“That’s where I come in.”
I watched as Anthony reached for Alessia’s shoulder, giving it a small squeeze before remembering I was here. He looked up at me quickly and let it go, but I didn’t miss the way her eyes softened as she looked at him.
“Yes. I wouldn’t ask for your help normally, but given the involvement with Mario’s family, there is both politics to play and finding these bastards.”
“Of which I can handle both. Leo, I know your history with the Corsetti Family, but you have to understand if I take care of this for you, I will need something in return.”
I watched as Leo nodded, but he said nothing.
“With these two on the run -”
“Wait,” I interrupted. “What do you need in return?”
Alessia’s eyes shifted over to me. “Whatever I want, little one.”
“How is… that’s not an agreement… that’s not even a negotiation.”
Leo’s hand squeezed my thigh slightly, but I continued, “I understand your position in this city, but you are offering to help and yet you want Leo to what? Be at your beck and call for whenever you decide you want something from him?”
“Yes. That is how these things work.”
“No. We will handle it ourselves.” I went to stand, but Leo pulled me back to the couch. He cradled my face between his large hands and placed a kiss on my forehead.
“Little Bird, we can trust Alessia.”
“Leo, I won’t let you agree to some random favor in the future that could get you killed.”
He smiled, “I love you too.”
I let out a frustrated sigh and pulled away from him.
“Talia, listen to me. You are not well enough for me to leave you again. I won’t do it. With Noah tied up right now, Alessia and Mario handling this for us is our best option.”
“This is all my fault,” I muttered, crossing my arms over my chest and looking away from all of them.