Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Father, I have no idea how I will survive being married to Angelo Rizzo. What were you thinking letting this happen?
I lean forward and pick up the card so I can place it on the bedside table. Once again, I become aware of all the aches in my body as I climb out of bed.
When I straighten the covers, a red stain catches my eye, and I stare at the spot.
I’m torn between the pleasure I experienced last night and the fear of my unknown future in this mansion.
Angelo’s naked body flits through my mind – every muscle and inch of golden skin.
Can you call a man beautiful?
I remember when he entered me.
The pain. The fullness. The connection.
I can still feel him inside me.
Pressing my hand to my heart, I close my eyes and shake my head to rid myself of the thoughts.
Just because he was nice to you last night and made you feel indescribable pleasure, doesn’t mean he’s not still the same bad man as yesterday.
Chapter 17
Tori
After taking a long bath and getting dressed in a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and a light cardigan, I creep out of the main bedroom.
It feels like I’m trespassing.
I glance over the wrought iron banister, and not seeing anyone, I sneak from bedroom to bedroom, taking a look around the mansion that’s now my home.
Cautiously, I head down the stairs while my eyes flit around. The décor is modern, and everything feels expensive.
When I step into the living room, I see Tiny sitting on one of the couches.
His eyes snap to me, then a crooked grin forms on his face. “Morning, Mrs. Rizzo.”
“Morning,” I whisper. I swallow on the dryness in my throat before asking, “Where’s the kitchen?”
He points to the left. “Through there.”
“Thank you.”
When I step into a state-of-the-art kitchen, there’s a woman who seems to be in her late fifties or early sixties. I suck at guessing someone’s age.
Her eyes flit to me, and for a very uncomfortable moment, she looks me up and down.
“Morning,” I say, the awkwardness I’m feeling visible in my tone.
Slowly, a smile spreads over her face, then she walks closer to me. “Morning, Mrs. Rizzo. Welcome to the mansion. I’m Rita, Mr. Rizzo’s housekeeper.” She lets out a chuckle. “Your housekeeper as well.” She waves a hand around the kitchen. “I do everything you require of me.”
“Ah…just call me Tori,” I say because I’m not comfortable with the title Mrs. Rizzo. It’s going to take some time getting used to my marital status. I gesture at the coffee pot. “Can I have some?”
Her eyebrows fly up, and she rushes closer. Gripping hold of my forearm, she gives me a friendly smile. “This is your household, Tori. You don’t have to ask for anything.”
A sudden burst of emotion in my chest makes my breath hitch.
I’ve been through so much the past twenty-four hours, and just because Rita is kind to me causes tears to burn in my eyes.
I wave a hand in front of my face while blinking like crazy to hold the tears back. “I’m sorry. Everything is overwhelming.”
She rubs a hand up and down my bicep and gives me a compassionate look. “You don’t have to apologize. I understand.” Stepping away from me, she heads to the coffee pot. “How do you like your coffee?”
“Two sugars and cream, please.”
I manage to regain control over my chaotic emotions, and walking closer to her, I ask, “I know you’re the housekeeper, but will it be okay if I prepare dinners?”
Her eyes dart to my face. “Of course. I’m here to make life easier for you. If you want to change anything, just let me know so I don’t step on your toes.”
Gosh, she’s lovely.
I have a sudden urge to hug Rita, but fist my hands at my sides because that would be weird, seeing as I just met her.
When she hands me a cup of steaming coffee, I almost groan with relief. I take a few sips, savoring the goodness, then murmur, “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.” Her gaze keeps drifting over my face, then she blurts out, “You’re beautiful. I can see why Mr. Rizzo married you.”
My cheeks warm from her compliment. “Thank you.” Wanting to form a relationship with her so I won’t be alone in this huge mansion, I say, “I hope we can become friends.”
Her smile widens until it reaches her dark brown eyes. “I’d like that too.”
Meeting Rita makes me feel a little better after all the craziness I’ve been put through.
The comfortable bubble pops as Tiny comes into the kitchen. Where I startle at his sudden appearance, Rita remains relaxed.
His eyes come to a rest on me. “Mr. Rizzo said I need to take you to the store. What time would you like to leave?”
I glance down at the cup in my hand before I answer, “As soon as I’m done with my coffee?”