Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36221 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36221 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
“Is that a fountain?” I point out the front window of the SUV. A giant fountain sits in front of a home that looks more like a castle than anything else.
“It is. The Davincis can be a bit showy.”
You don’t say. “Is there a princess inside that castle?” I tease.
“There is a queen. At least that’s what Nick calls his wife.” The SUV rolls to a stop in front of the castle.
“That’s really sweet.”
Leone unclips my seatbelt before opening the door and offering me his hand to help me out. “Am I dressed okay?”
I suddenly feel very underdressed for this place. The rainbow laces in my sneakers stick out like a sore thumb.
“You look beautiful.” He’s nuts, but still I can’t help but revel in his praise.
“What do we have here?” a deep voice asks. I turn my head to see a man in a suit standing in the doorway with a beautiful woman tucked into his side. There is something regal about her. Yes, now that I’ve seen her, the word queen definitely seems fitting. But there is also a softness in her face that makes her look inviting.
“This is my Zoey. Zoey, this is Nick and Sophia Davinci.” Nick nods while Sophia gives me a welcoming smile and offers me her hand. I take it.
“The men around here are dropping like flies,” Sophia says with a laugh. “Come in.” She pulls my hand so I have no choice but to follow her. Leone’s arm falls from around my shoulder. He doesn’t look too happy about it, but Sophia steps out from her husband's hold as well. “I made snacks when Nick told me Leone was coming over with a woman. This is a first.” She practically beams with excitement that I’m here. “I love your style, by the way. You really own it.”
“Oh, thank you.”
Sophia’s in wide leg slacks and some silky blouse. She’s so elegant. Her style is far different from mine. She looks so sophisticated.
“I have a small obsession with clothes and style. It’s wearable art, and I love when people have their own vibe. It also helps you get to know them, and I can already tell I’m going to like you.” Her words put me at ease.
“You’re so sweet.”
“Us girls have to stick together. We have overbearing sweet men. We have to keep them on their toes.” She wiggles her brows at me. I should probably tell her Leone isn’t mine, but I can’t bring myself to do it. So I go along with it.
“What are you plotting?” Nick calls from behind us. I peek back to see Nick and Leone following after us.
“Don’t you men have your own plotting of death and destruction to do?” She teases her husband right back. Their banter is adorably sweet. “Unless you want my advice.” We enter the kitchen, where food covers the giant island. Is this what Sophia considers a few snacks? I can’t even imagine what a full course meal would look like if it is.
“I always want your advice.” Nick responds with a smirk, his eyes on his wife.
“My husband told me a bit about what is going on,” Sophia says as she hands me a drink. I take it. Leone comes to stand beside me. His hand goes to my hip as he tucks me against him.
Her eyes flit back and forth between us, a glint showing in them. “The best way to offer protection and make sure no one touches a hair on your Zoey’s head is to marry her, of course.”
Did she just suggest Leone and I get married?
11
LEONE
“I don’t think, um … I don’t …” Zoey wrings her hands.
“I’m kidding.” Sophia wraps an arm around her shoulders and hugs her tightly. She may say she’s kidding, but the look she’s giving me is no joke.
“My meddlesome queen.” Nick smiles indulgently, then turns to me. “Let’s discuss business so we can get back to these scheming women before Zoey turns up in a wedding dress.”
Just the thought of her wearing a bridal gown makes my heart leap about two miles ahead of itself. She’d be a perfect beauty, and I wouldn’t waste any time in pushing her skirt up to her hips and–
“You have a kitty, too?” Zoey kneels to pet the cat who’s weaving through her ankles.
I follow Nick as the women coo over the furry interloper at their feet.
“What is it with women and cats?” he scoffs lightly, but I don’t miss the amusement in his tone. “Sophia has always had a soft spot for animals, but with cats, it’s another level.”
I shrug. “Zoey is the same, though her cat is an absolute beast. He drew blood on one of my guards.” I can’t stop the chuckle that rolls from me.
Nick eyes me curiously as we enter his office. He pours us drinks. “This Zoey, she’s the one you rescued from the club?”