Chapter-9 Maximus

Gianna

Oh goodness. This was not good.

“My name is Maximus Vanucci,” he said, giving me a cool smile as I stared wide-eyed at him. “And you’re?”

“Gianna!” Leonardo’s booming voice answered his question before I could.

“Gianna…” he tested my name around his tongue like trying some new flavor of candy, drawing it out in a way that made my otherwise very ordinary name sound kind of…exquisite?

What the fuck?

“Will you please let me go?” I muttered, reaching my limit of mortification.

“You mean let you drop to the floor?” Maximus demanded. “Are you sure? It will hurt really bad.” I pressed my lips together to fight the scowl and thankfully managed to stand up on my own, moving out of his grip. And whatever expensive cologne he was wearing.

“Thank you for helping,” I mumbled, smoothing out my dress.

“The pleasure was all mine,” he smirked again. Was he making fun of me?

“Gianna…what the fuck?” Leonardo thundered, examining me at arm's length. “Why did you run out like that? Are you hurt?”

“No, fratello, I’m fine,” I assured my brother and I could feel Maximus watching us with amused curiosity. Why was he still standing here? “This gentleman helped me,” I added, gesturing toward Maximus. Leonardo’s gaze followed, and for some reason, a flicker of astonishment crossed his face as he took him in.

“Maximus Vanucci?” Leonardo exclaimed. Maximus flashed a brilliant smile at my brother and nodded, holding out his hand.

“The very same. Leonardo Ammassari, it’s finally a pleasure to meet you in person,” he said.

“Indeed,” Leo smiled, looking pleased as he shook his hand. “I must say, you are even more enigmatic in person.”

Whoa…my brother gave a compliment to another man? He really must like him a lot. And that was rare.

“I’m flattered,” Maximus said. I peeked at him from beneath my lashes, and I have to say I agreed with Leo; he was more enigmatic in person. And gorgeous.

Strong, aristocratic features—high cheekbones, a straight nose, and a jawline so sharp it could probably cut through glass. His stubble, dark and perfectly trimmed, only added to his rugged appeal, making him look effortlessly masculine. Very masculine.

His hair was deep brown, nearly black, slicked back with just enough of a careless touch. His eyes were piercing, shadowed, kind of a stormy shade that made it impossible to tell if they were dark gray or just amber. Either way, they were striking, framed by thick lashes most women would envy. The navy blue suit he wore fit him like a second skin, tailored to perfection. A gold watch gleamed on his wrist, expensive and understated. There was something very intriguing about him, I just couldn’t figure out what.

“And this beautiful lady would be?” Maximus inquired, suddenly turning to me. I quickly averted my gaze, not wanting to be caught gawking. But I think it was a bit too late.

“Oh, of course, this is my little sister Gianna Ammma…sorry, Gianna Baldocchi,” Leonardo grinned at me. I gave him a look for adding ‘little’ but gave a polite smile to Maximus nevertheless.

“Pleasure to meet you,” I muttered.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Maximus said, holding out his hand. “Maximus Vanucci.”

“Yeah…we figured that out,” I murmured, taking his hand. His grip was firm yet soft, and I had to look away as he peered straight into my eyes, his amber ones watching me like I was some sort of riddle he needed to solve.

“Maximus is the owner of the global fashion brand Bellavanti. He was recently voted as the ‘Most Eligible Bachelor’ in the United States,” Leonardo said. “And ranked second in Times…”

“Yeah…I know,” I nodded, cutting him off. “I interned at Bellavanti’s London branch so…”

“Ah, right,” Leo nodded. “I completely forgot.”

“You did?” Maximus demanded, looking interested.

“Yes, Gi studied fashion at the London College of Fashion and then spent the last six months interning at the London headquarters of Bellavanti before returning for her wedding,” Leo smiled, looking proud. “She’s a big fan of your brand, aren’t you, Gi?”

“Yes, it was an experience working there,” I said. “I…I did see you once when you were visiting…it was very brief. But I do admire your work, Mr. Vanucci.”

“Thank you. I am really honored,” Maximus smiled.

“And now Gianna wants to start her very own brand,” Leo added.

“Leo…” I said, throwing him a look.

“Yeah, whatever. She’s just waiting for funds.” he made a face. I sighed inwardly because I really didn’t want to get back to that discussion again.

“Funds?” Maximus gave me a look as if I were ridiculous. And an idiot.

“She doesn’t want to take help from her brothers. Or her husband, for that matter. She wants to go to a bank and get a loan,” Leo uttered the word loan as if it was the dirtiest word he had ever encountered.

“That’s usually where you get a loan,” I said, glaring at him.

“For people who need it…” Leo shot back glumly. “You are just being stubborn, Gi.”

“I think it’s admirable,” Maximus said, his voice smooth, almost indulgent. I turned to him, expecting sarcasm, but his eyes held steady on mine—dark, unreadable, yet oddly warm.

Something about the way he looked at me made my breath hitch, just for a second. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, his gaze holding mine with an intensity that sent a strange warmth through me.

“Very admirable,” he added, his tone lower this time, more deliberate. I swallowed and averted my gaze, suddenly hyperaware of the space between us.

“Thank you,” I mumbled. “Anyway, it was a pleasure to meet you. I will get going now.”

“Get going? Going where?” Leo frowned.

“Home, fratello. I don’t live here anymore,” I rolled my eyes. “I need to go and say goodbye to others, so if you guys would excuse me.”

“No, wait…” Leo said, grabbing my arm and halting me. “Where’s Nico? Where did he go in such a hurry? And are you going to go home alone? Let me drive you.”

“Nico had to leave for urgent work, and yes, I am leaving alone. But I have guards, so don’t worry, I will be fine.”

“How many?” Leo raised a brow, looking suspicious.

“Three,” I sighed at his overbearingness. At what point was he going to accept that I was an adult who could take care of herself?

“Good. At least something Nico and I can agree upon,” Leo murmured. “Alright, get home safely, and call me when you arrive. And don’t be a stranger.”

“Yeah,” I nodded and smiled as he pulled me in for a hug. “Goodnight, fratello.”

“Goodnight, sweetie,” Leo said, finally letting me go—reluctantly. I squeezed his hand and then turned to Maximus, who watched us in silence.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Vanucci,” I said.

“Same here,” he nodded, and before I could react, he took my hand, brushing a slow, deliberate kiss over my knuckles. “Until next time.” I blinked, a bit taken aback as his amber eyes met mine.

Next time? There wouldn’t be a next time. Surely not.

I swallowed hard, gave a stiff nod, and turned on my heels, walking away. Why did I feel so breathless? Shaking my head and taking a deep breath, I headed back inside. I had no time to dwell on it. I needed to get home and hope Nico would return in one piece. The look in his eyes before he left unsettled me. He was the epitome of trouble, and trouble had a way of turning into disaster.

I quickly said my goodbyes, promised Teresa we’d meet for lunch, and made my way home.

Whatever situation Nico was caught up in, he still managed to send me another car, which was already waiting outside. Beside it, my three bodyguards stood like statues, their presence as rigid as ever. I grimaced inwardly. I needed to have a word with Nico. One bodyguard was already more than I could tolerate—now I had three?

For what possible reason?

“Nico?” I called as I walked inside, hoping he was back—unharmed. “Nico, are you back?”

Nothing. There was a pin-drop silence. It was eerie. I sighed, pulled out my phone, and dialed his number. It kept ringing and ringing, and then it went straight to voice mail. Shit. Anxiety loomed deep in my belly. The way Nico looked when he stormed out, I didn’t like it at all. Worry unfolded at the pit of my stomach, and I knew no matter what I did, sleep was going to be a far cry until he came back.

So, I went upstairs and slipped out of my dress and into a satin camisole and shorts. I pulled my hair into a ponytail and then headed back downstairs with a book. I needed coffee and thank god at least I knew how to make myself a cup. I dialed Nico again as I settled down on the couch.

Straight to voicemail. Again.

I wished I had Caelian or Domani’s number, but I didn’t. Cradling my coffee, I curled up in a ball, my gaze flickering to the door every few seconds, anticipating his return. Seconds stretched into minutes, minutes into hours—still, no sign of Nico. It was eerie just sitting there all alone. This place was like a fortress. With it just being me here, the silence screamed louder than anything. How could he stay all alone here and actually like it? It was beyond me.

I must have fallen asleep, but my eyes suddenly shot open. Something disoriented me; I don’t know what—until I turned. And I would have almost screamed out in panic and woken the damn Baldocchi mansion had I not reflexively placed my hand on my mouth. Sweat trickled down my back, my eyes widening as they met the dark ones peering back at me in silence.

What the fuck?