Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Cristiano 

I tried my best not to let my eyes linger on her too long as I watched Annalisa from behind my newspaper. She was adjusting to this new life, I could tell, but what she didn’t realize was that I was adjusting too. It took every bit of restraint in me not to close the distance between us and bend her over the table, claiming her right then and there. Her innocence, boldness, and her beauty were what I really liked about her. Each time I caught a glimpse of those blue eyes, something in me that I had no control over always stirred. 

She wasn’t supposed to have this kind of effect on me. Marrying her was strategic, nothing more. But every time I looked at her, the temptation to take things further itches me. Watching her eat alone brought this kind of odd satisfaction to me. Her presence filled the room even when we were silent. I was the kind of man who enjoyed control, but somehow, this woman made me anxious.

When I told her I remembered her sizes, the flush that colored her cheeks was alluring. Yes, I actually remembered everything. I remembered every curve, every softness and how it had fit perfectly into my hands that night. She had the kind of body that men usually fantasize about, and I was happy only I got to enjoy it. The memory of her beneath me was evergreen in my head, and every time I thought about it, I always felt a jolt of electricity through my veins, but I had to keep it together. I couldn’t let her see how deeply I wanted her.

But the way her face turned a deeper red after I made that comment—it almost made me laugh. I smirked, watching as she tried to process what I had meant. As expected, she tried to brush it off and keep eating, but it wasn’t long before she started coughing as she choked on her food.

“Damn it,” I muttered, pushing my chair back and rising from the table. “I warned you.”

She was still coughing as I poured her a glass of water. I walked over to her, handing her the glass and placing my hand on her back, rubbing slow circles to help calm her down. I couldn't help but notice how delicate her body felt under my touch. The warmth of her skin, the soft rise and fall of her breaths… all of it only added to the attraction I was trying so hard to suppress.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, her coughing subsided. She looked up at me with a weak smile playing on her lips. “But you aren’t chuckling as you promised,” she said, her voice hoarse but playful.

I sighed, shaking my head at her stubbornness. Just as I opened my mouth to warn her about eating too quickly, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I glanced at the screen to see that it was Ricardo, my most trusted man, calling from the casino.

I clenched my jaw. I had made it very clear to him yesterday that I was on my honeymoon, he shouldn’t be calling me now unless it was an emergency. Without a word, I stood up and walked toward the stairs, signaling to Annalisa that I needed to take this. I noticed her curious expression, but I waved her off, climbing the stairs quickly to get some privacy.

Once I was in the hallway, I swiped green and pressed the phone to my ear. “I told you not to call me on my honeymoon, Ricardo,” I said, my voice low but firm.

“I’m sorry to bother you, boss,” he replied, “but there has been trouble at the casino. Our goods were snatched from the men during the transfer by the Rossi’s. We only had one survivor, and when he was delivered back to us, there was a warning letter attached to him.”

I cursed under my breath. Giovanni wanted to play this dangerous game again. I knew that marrying Annalisa might bring complications. But this soon? And now?

“How many firearms did we lose?” I asked, biting down on my lip as frustration brewed inside me.

“Thirty handguns, ten revolvers, and a couple of bullet pouches,” Ricardo reported.

I let out a slow breath, pacing back and forth in the hallway as I processed the news. “I’ll cover the expenses,” I finally said. “Tell the men to increase production of new firearms. And send a warning back to the Rossi’s. I’m not going to make any moves while I’m on my break. I trust you can handle it?”

“Yes, boss,” Ricardo responded confidently.

“Good,” I muttered before hanging up.

The moment I ended the call, I found myself pacing back and forth in the study room to calm myself down. I had to get this under control. The Rossi’s had made their move, and I couldn’t afford to be distracted. Yet, my thoughts kept drifting back to Annalisa. The woman was becoming more of a distraction than I had thought, but I couldn’t let that get in the way of what needed to be done. 

I took a deep breath, calming my nerves before reaching for the door handle. But as I opened the door, I froze when I met Annalisa standing right outside, looking startled.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, narrowing my eyes as I stepped out of the door into the hallway.

Her hands fidgeted at her sides, and I could see her struggling to come up with an excuse. “I—I wasn’t eavesdropping,” she stammered. “I was just worried… your door is soundproof, and I didn’t hear you, so…”

I raised an eyebrow. “So, you thought standing outside my door would solve that?”

“No, I just…” She trailed off, clearly uncomfortable. “I just wanted to make sure everything was okay.”

I took a step closer, my eyes locking onto hers. “Don’t lie to me, Lisa.” My voice was coldly low, and I could see her eyes widen slightly. “Don’t you ever try that again.”

Her breath hitched, I could see the fear in her eyes. She opened her mouth to say something, but I didn’t give her the chance. “I don’t need anyone worrying about my business. You focus on your role here, and let me handle the rest.”

She swallowed hard, nodding quickly before turning and retreating down the hallway.