Chapter 17: Chapter 17

CHRISTIAN

Francesca’s words sting more than I’d like to admit. I don’t want her to see that side of me, the side that mirrors my father.

Truth be told, it’s Francesca’s presence at QB Enterprises that’s brought out this side of me.

I’ve always been firm with my employees, but with her, I feel this overwhelming need to protect her, to right the wrongs done to her.

She’s mad about the move, that much is clear. Even when I showed her the apartment, she kept her emotions locked behind a stoic facade.

“I thought we could have dinner,” I suggest, standing in the doorway of her kitchen with a small smile. “I made a reservation at—”

“I’m actually pretty tired.”

“I could have Mrs. Godfrey make—”

“I’m just going to go to bed.”

“You’re angry.”

“No shit, Sherlock.” Francesca rolls her eyes.

“I thought we talked about it.”

“You talked. What am I supposed to do, Christian? You now control every part of my life. Is this what a relationship is to you? Am I just a toy?”

“Kitten.”

“No! Do you believe I’m a talented writer? Or was all that just shit?

“Ever since I met you, you have been slowly taking over. Buying my dress for Leo’s wedding, the flight home, the club, this job, my apartment. What else do you want from me?”

“I just want to take care of you, kitten.”

“I need some space. Why don’t you date me properly? Ask me on a date instead of ordering me on one.”

“But I—”

“Goodnight, Christian. I’ll see you at the office tomorrow.”

Francesca avoids my gaze as she pulls the front door of the apartment open. She stands there, one hand on the door, the other on her hip.

“How will you get there? I can have Toby—”

“I’ll manage.”

“But—”

“Goodnight, Christian.” This time, she squares her shoulders and meets my eyes.

I thought this is what women wanted.

I’ve never had a real relationship; women have always been tools for my sexual pleasure.

They always seemed upset when I didn’t take care of them, spend money on them or spend time with them, and yet Francesca is pushing me away for doing exactly that.

I walk towards the door slowly, each step deliberate. Francesca takes a sharp breath when I stop in front of her. I kiss her right cheek, then her left.

“Sleep well, Francesca,” I whisper before letting her close the door behind me.

Walking away is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

All I want is to throw her down on my bed and show her exactly who she belongs to.

I love how she responds to me; her body is eager even if her words say otherwise.

As soon as I get back to my penthouse next door, I throw myself into my work. It could wait until tomorrow, but I know I won’t be able to sleep anyway, not without Francesca.

The best sleep I’ve ever had was with Francesca. Not being able to hold her tonight will only bring nightmares.

My phone rings at two in the morning after I send Francesca’s press releases to Leo for review.

“De Luca.”

“Why on earth are you awake?”

“Am I not allowed to be productive?”

“Be as productive as you want but don’t burn yourself out. QB needs you.”

“Why did you call, Leo?”

“Cheer did good. Best press release I have ever read.”

“I thought so too. It makes us working with an oil giant actually sound like a positive on the environment.”

“I might call her when she wakes up, see how her first day was.”

“She was belittled by Freeman, and I found her having lunch with your pal Matthews but other than that…”

“What do you have against Myles? He is damn good at his job.”

“He is a worm and a suck-up. You know how I feel about people like that.”

“So, did you find out about Cheer’s living arrangements? Does she have a boyfriend?”

His question catches me off guard. If it were up to me, the answer would be a resounding yes. But if he were to ask Francesca…

“I believe she is seeing someone.”

“Do you have a name?”

“Why?”

“I always check up on the boyfriends. It is my role as her best friend.”

“How’s your wife?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation away from Leo’s need to micromanage Francesca’s life.

~How is it she is okay with him and not me?~

“Pissed about something,” Leo scoffs down the phone. “I’ve been sleeping at the office the last few nights.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be in the newlywed stage?”

“Fucked if I know, man. I don’t even know what I did wrong. Oh, while I have you, have you spoken to Evie? She was trying to get ahold of you.”

“Evelyn?”

“Yeah, she said she saw you while you were here last month.”

“Yes.”

“Did you two…?”

“I don’t see how that is your concern.”

“Just curious. Anyway I should go, lots of work. Go get some rest.”

“Sure thing, boss.”

We hang up, and I find myself wondering why Evelyn Walker wants to talk to me.

Our conversation when I was staying with Leo and Beth was brief. She was constantly flirting, and all I could think about was Francesca waiting back in New York.

I push thoughts of the Walker Witch from my mind, and before I know it, I’m waking up with the imprint of my computer keyboard on my face.

Glancing at the clock on the wall, I see it’s already past eight in the morning. I pull myself from the desk, shower, dress, and head to the kitchen for some coffee.

“Morning, sweetheart,” Mrs. Godfrey greets me with a warm smile.

“Morning.”

“Where’s your lady friend? I thought I’d see her this morning.”

“That’s not really your concern, Mrs. Godfrey.”

“Sure, it isn’t, sir. That’s why I’m asking. Will you be needing dinner tonight?”

“Yes.”

“For two?”

I shoot her a stern look. I’m hoping Francesca will join me, but after my failed attempt at inviting her yesterday, I’m not so sure. When I don’t respond immediately, she grins.

“I’ll make extra just in case. Leftovers never hurt anyone.” She winks at me before turning her back and resuming her cleaning.

I grab my coffee and a bagel. I walk past Francesca’s door but stop myself from knocking; that would definitely tick her off.

~Why don’t you date me properly? Ask me on a date instead of ordering me on one.~

Her words echo in my mind as I slide into the limo. Toby asks me where we’re headed, but I don’t respond.

~Where else would I be going?~

Finally, he seems to catch on, and the limo pulls away from the curb.

I can’t recall a time when I’ve ever ~asked~ a woman out.

Even in high school and college, girls were just there. I didn’t do the asking, they did, or she’s right—I ~ordered~ them, leaving no room for refusal.

~Francesca, are you free for dinner tonight?~

I practice the question in my head, trying to sound polite.

She has to say yes. I can’t ask any differently.

When Toby pulls up at QB, he says goodbye, and I continue rehearsing my conversation in my head, planning every tone and inflection for maximum effect.

I stride through the foyer to my floor and pass Bridget on my way into my office.

I’m signing documents, lost in thought, when I jump at the sight of Bridget standing in front of me.

“Oh, you scared me,” I say, clutching my chest. I see a spark of amusement in her eyes, but she quickly hides it.

“I’m sorry, sir, I did knock, and I also called your name.”

“I apologize, Bridget, I was lost in thought.”

“No problem, sir, I just wanted to let you know about your meetings today. You’re free until eleven, and all your meetings are in-house today.”

“Thank you.”

“Is there anything else you need before I get back to work?”

“Actually, yes, can you check on Miss Barton? I’d like to know if she’s arrived, and I’d like to speak with her as soon as she does.”

“Miss Barton arrived at seven, sir.”

“Seven?”

“Yes, that’s what security told me. I arrived just after seven-thirty this morning, and Karl said that Frankie—sorry, Miss Barton—was already working.”

I smile at the thought. She acts like I’m the reason she has this job when the truth is she deserves it. No other employee is as dedicated.

“I’ll be back shortly, Bridget,” I say, standing from my chair and heading toward the door.

“Of course, sir.” I hear laughter in her voice.

I practically run to the elevator, urging it to move faster.

Everyone’s heads snap to attention as I step out. Some quickly return to their work, trying to look twice as busy, while others, like Miss Freeman and Mr. Matthews, rush over to me.

“Mr. De Luca, I didn’t realize you’d be coming down this morning. Is there something we can—”

“I’m looking for Miss Barton.”

Zoe’s face falls slightly before she forces a fake smile.

“Of course, sir, if there was an issue with her work, though, I would be more than—”

“Her work was fine yesterday. Have you read the press release?” I ask but don’t wait for an answer. “This isn’t about work.”

Myles’s expression changes slightly.

“Frankie’s cubicle is around the corner on the left.”

Without thanking them, I stride past them toward Francesca, who’s engrossed in her computer, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

“Working hard?” I ask, and Francesca jumps, startled, much like I was earlier this morning. I chuckle as she narrows her eyes at me.

“I’m busy, Christian.”

“I promise I won’t take up much of your time,” I say, holding my hands up in surrender.

Francesca swivels in her chair to face me, a small smile playing on her lips.

“Let’s start over, kitten. Good morning, Francesca.”

“Good morning, Christian.” She smirks.

“I hope you slept well.”

“Okay.” She shrugs nonchalantly.

“Do you have plans tonight?”

Francesca studies me for a moment before answering.

“No.”

“Would you like to have dinner with me?” I ask, holding my breath, anxiously waiting for her answer, and fighting the urge to pull her into my arms and kiss those beautiful lips.

“Not tonight. But thank you for the invitation.”

“W-what?” I stutter.

“I said not tonight.”

“But you said you don’t have plans.”

“I don’t, and I appreciate you asking me, but I have a lot of work to catch up on since I only work at QB two days a week.”

“So you won’t have dinner with me?”

“Not tonight.” Francesca takes my hand in hers. “Don’t give me that hurt puppy look.” She chuckles. “I like you, Christian. I’m not saying never, I’m just saying not tonight.”

“No woman has ever said no to me before you.”

“I know.” She gives my hand a gentle squeeze.

Without a second thought, I take hold of her chin, drawing her lips nearer to mine. My eyes dart between her own and her lips, but she doesn’t resist. Her breaths come faster, and she leans in.

I let my lips brush against hers, a fleeting touch before I pull back just a bit.

“I’m not going to quit asking,” I whisper, and she grins before giving my lips a quick peck.

“I know.”