Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 65054 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65054 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
“So, there are two options,” he says. “Either someone has hacked into your account, or someone intentionally did this. Someone with direct access to your phone line and your bank account.”
“You can stop that train of thought,” I say tightly. “Sofia has nothing to do with this.”
“The list of people who could do it is very small,” he says.
“Get me a list of everyone who could have,” I tell him. “Including you.”
“Fine,” he answers in a clipped voice.
“I also need you to find out how Kevin Armand is connected to Enzo Calderone,” I say in a quieter voice, looking around to make sure no one can hear me. “He mentioned Enzo off-hand.”
“Interesting,” Rafe answers slowly. “Didn’t you vet this guy before taking his business?”
“Of course I did,” I snap. “Maybe their association isn’t easily caught through the regular channels. That’s why I’m asking you.”
I look up to see Sofia walking toward me with a triumphant look on her face.
“Find it in the next hour if you can,” I tell him. “He’s got my assistant working closely with him all night.”
I hang up before he can argue just as Sofia stops in front of me.
“Everything is handled, and Mr. Armand seems placated for now,” she says happily. “Which leaves us both just enough time to get ready for the evening.”
“You didn’t have this on her schedule,” I argue.
“It’s fine,” she says, batting me away. “It’s the perfect time for you to pay me that overtime you’re always bragging about.”
That earns a reluctant chuckle.
We head down to the lobby and get back in the town car. I don’t like any of this. Tonight feels like a trap of some kind, and I don’t like Kevin anywhere near Sofia. It only takes a moment for the silence between us to turn thick and noticeable.
“Everything really will be fine,” she says as if she’s realizing there is tension to break. “It’s never fun to deal with last-minute crises, but between Lucille, Elena, and me, we’ve got the night covered. Mr. Armand will be satisfied by the results.”
“Sounds great,” I answer absently.
“You’re worried about the payment to Lumin,” she says, like she’s reading my mind. “I’ve been thinking about that. Give me five minutes, and I bet I’ll find it in our contract. You probably gave them your account for incidentals and forgot.”
I nod and look at her, impressed by her ability to think through every problem at once. She’s still smiling at me, and it does lift my spirits, at least a little. She understands a lot more than she lets on, and she’s always working ten steps ahead of everyone else.
“Here’s your stop,” she says, and I realize we’ve been parked in front of my building for several seconds. I was so distracted looking at her, I didn’t notice.
“I’ll just pop to the office and get changed and meet you at the event,” she says, getting out with me.
“The car can take you,” I tell her.
“It’s fine.” She shrugs. “With traffic, it’ll take longer to drive than to walk. I have a spare dress in your closet.”
I look at her quizzically. “You have a dress in my closet?” I ask.
She nods. “For exactly this kind of situation,” she replies. “Along with the five suits and two tuxes I keep dry cleaned in there for you. You really don’t pay attention to the details, do you, Dominic?”
I can’t help but laugh. “That’s what I have you for.”
“Okay, we’re going to be late,” she says with a serious nod. “Get dressed and I’ll see you in an hour.”
She turns on her heel and disappears down the block before I have a chance to argue. My phone buzzes again.
“Talk to me,” I say without looking at the caller.
“Enzo Calderone and Kevin Armand were college roommates,” Rafe tells me. “I can’t find any other professional association apart from that.”
I sigh. “Keep looking,” I tell him. “I don’t trust him.”
“Is it because of his association with Calderone or because you think he’s too flirtatious with your assistant?” Rafe asks bluntly.
If he were here, I’d flip him off. Instead, I turn to my building, nod at my doorman, and walk inside.
“Just find the connection,” I tell him. “And stop being a smartass. I’m going to need you at this event tonight.”
When I hang up, frustration courses through me. I still don’t like the idea of Kevin and Sofia working so closely together tonight. I’ll have to keep a close eye on them both. In six weeks, I’ve managed to keep Sofia away from my less than legitimate businesses. Tonight won’t be the exception. Not if I can help it.
5
SOFIA
Iwalk into the hotel ballroom in the sleek black dress I keep in Dominic’s office closet. I bought it for my nana’s funeral a few years back, but it’s perfect for an event like this. A little classy but not flashy, and it helps me fade into the background. I’m an assistant. Nobody expects me to show up in haute couture.