chapter fourteen

We stopped in front of another room right across the the stairs. The lady whom I presumed was heather's nanny paused, handing me some duvets.

"We're here dear, take this and get in."

I stared at her blankly, unsure of what I'd actually say.

She chuckled shyly. "You might need it. Heather keeps the thermostat really cold at night. She likes it that way."

I gave her a light smile before nodding. "Grazie mille per tutto."

"Don't mention," she said, before waking away.

I entered the large room. I still couldn't believe heather set me up. She made me sign those goddamned papers, without even having to force me. She mind fucked me.

"Here sign this. You're unemployed so you have all day to read it."

Her words lingered in my head, stinging like needles to my ego. All she had to do was piss me off, intentionally.

She probably figured my ego was my weakness, and my pride was my fuel. So, she used it against me. Making sure I was angry -angry enough not to think.

Heather one, Me zero.

I stared at the room again. This time, in full realization. It was a comfortable space. A little disorganised, but comfortable. Perhaps she hadn't planned much about making me actually live here.

I felt my knee pocket. My phone was of course, still intact. If I wanted to beat heather, I still have to be steps ahead. It was clear heather Martin wasn't as easy going as I thought.

But what if there was also a good side to all of this? I could not only get close to her, but get closer to my main target, I'mher father. I just needed to be extra careful to operate, and extra steps ahead.

I headed for the bathroom. I didn't know the kind of games she was up to. There were enough possibilities she could have cameras planted everywhere. I couldn't take any chances.

Me: This woman happened to be more than what I bargained for. She's got guts.

Enzo: Woah. Really? What did she do?

Marco: Should we be worried?

Me: Not yet. She's trapped me here.

Enzo: Ha, bro. What do you mean "trapped". Where the hell are you?

Marco: Seriously bro, what are you talking about.

Me: I get to live with her for the next few months.

Enzo: (laughing emoji) how long would that even take?

Me: I don't know but he could take up to a whole year. That's if I don't act fast.

Marco: What? How did she get you to live with her for twelve whole months...

Enzo: (typing)...

I heard a light tap on the door.

Me: I have to go. I'll keep you guys updated.

I switched off the phone quickly, dumping it anywhere I could think of. It only took about two minutes before heather annoyingly barged in.

She crossed her arms. staring at me as if I was some sort of child. Like some sort of ugly furniture.

"Haven't you heard of privacy?" I queried, knowing it would annoy her more.

"Then you should have locked the door."

I leaned in closer, "what if I was naked. Then what... err? I think you're just looking for reasons to see me." I smirked.

I watched her tense a bit. Her nighties were a little loose but still hung closely to her curves.

"Is that what you really like? To see me naked? All you really have to do is just ask piccolo gato." I smirked.

"I'm sure I've probably seen better." She smiled. "Here take this, these are the only ones I could find." She handed me some shirts.

I eyed her suspiciously before taking them.

"So, enjoying your space already?" She pointed to my half button shirt. "Did bambiana Bianca tell you about the thermostat? It gets really cold at night."

"Yes. Unfortunately I'm forced to stay with an ice queen against my will."

She raised her brow.

"It's not like I have a choice right now," I whispered closer. "Don't think you have the upper hand heather." I deliberately brushed my hands up against her waist, trying to reach for a throw pillow.

It could have been the light but, I felt I saw her eyes flicker before looking away. "I'll have to go." She perked up. "Since tomorrow is your first real day, you have to be up early. No monkey business, am I clear?"

I gave her a slight nod. "I'll see what I can do."

I watched as she turned to leave. Not even caring if she heard me or not. If there was anything that pissed me off, if was how she sashayed. And right now, she fucking did it.

"Nonsense," Tata Bianca exclaimed before filling my plate again. "There's no way you can leave with singora Aria without eating. Besides, you both came way after dinner yesterday, so eat up."

"But you don't even know me so well," I said honestly. "Apprezzo davvero la vostra gentilezza."

She smiled warmly. "Oh, it's nothing. Any friend of heather is a friend to us. Mother, or otherwise."

"Then my mother will be so pleased with her hospitality." I smiled.

"Good morning Anziano." she greeted the oddly staring man as he joined us.

"What's the occasion?" He asked, totally ignoring my presence. "It's unlike you Bianca, you're up early."

She smiled cooly. "You must have met James yesterday. He came with heather. He's been keeping me company. He's such a nice man."

I smiled at her remarks.

"Heather doesn't even talk much about people. It feels so good to know she... Socializes." Tata Bianca added

"Hmmmmm," the man said flatly. "Heather's heavy on her privacy. I find it intriguing that she even lets you... Stay."

"I....well... she's friends with my mot-"

"-I told you I owe his mother a favour." Heather interrupted. "She's retired, so he's working with me."

"Now isn't the time to be granting favours from people. You're aware of that, aren't you?" He said blankly.

she ignored his comment.

"Funny how people think bringing strangers home is a sign of independence. When in fact.... It's recklessness."

"Funny how some people mistake loyalty for running errands like a well fed dog." heather replied sharply.

My eyes widened in amusement. She was indeed sharp tongued.

Anziano glanced at me. If eyes could kill, then I would have probably been dead.

"Relax," I started out. "I'm just here to help my family out, that's all. It's was so good for heather to help us out."

"If you don't mind, boy. Can you tell me a little about your mother. If Heather knows her, I mean... We all would. Afterall she retired from the company, didn't she? Perhaps, A name?"

The room fell silent as everyone stared at me. Heather shot me a careful look.

"Why? Stop making my guest uncomfortable." Heather defended. "You butt-kiss for Georgio all day, but I don't interrogate you. So just stick to being his lapdog and stay out of my business."

"I.... I think that's okay," Bianca spoke up. "It's still too early, can we not fight Infront of James."

"Fight about what?" An older man barged in. His eyes were directed fixed at Heather, ignoring everyone else. It wasn't hard to tell it was him. Georgio Martinez, heather father.

Beneath all the wrinkles and aging skin, you could see most of heather's features. He was a good looking man, even being old. It felt so strange to be in the same room as my sole enemy. It felt even more strange seeing him after all these years. He looked so different, so old, so.... Disgusting.

He stared a little more at her before catching my eyes.

"Who's this?" He glanced at the obviously nervous Bianca. His voice, cutting right through the tension.

"Just a friend of heather." Bianca muttered quickly. She gave me a quick glance. It was obvious she wanted me to say something.

"Good -"

"Don't let him distract you from our deal. Twelve months Aria, that's all you get!" He spoke up, ignoring my attempt. He looked at me a little more, clearly unbothered by my presence.

I watched Heather stand up abruptly. Her chair scraping loudly. "Trust me.... Nothing about him is distracting." She said before storming off.

I knew it was a sign to leave. I had to follow her, even though I still had enough food on my plate.

This whole house was dramatic, but I was here to enjoy every last bit of it.