His Dirty Bargain (Dirty Billionaires 3)

Russell hugs me. “I honestly don’t know if you should have said yes. I think Dominic was right. If you accepted in the wrong mindset, it would be a complete disaster, but if you see what’s wrong and are determined to become better, then maybe it’s the best thing that will ever happen to you.

“Baby girl, life does us all dirty, but

that doesn’t mean you take your ball home and pull up the drawbridge and never come out to play again. Don’t you miss it? Miss that closeness when you’re lying on the couch talking about nothing and everything, that happy contentment knowing he’s there when you fall asleep and he’s there when you wake up, that moment when your eyes meet across the room and you don’t have to say a word, you just know what he’s thinking and vice versa?”

I shake my head. “I never had that, any of it, not once.”

“Ah, pussycat, that explains a lot.”

13

Chloe

I can’t believe how quickly everything is coming along. It’s only Friday, but in four days of work all the floors have been laid in the kitchen, new half bath, sunroom, and the basement. The carpenter for the cabinets, Jake, is a person who is sought after and does everything on his own. He came yesterday to double check the measurements for the island and cabinets. I made the call to have another farmhouse sink put into the island as well as the dishwasher. Jake is also making a new window with inlaid stained glass to go above the sink in the kitchen.

The half bath is framed out and the plumbing already done. I’m standing with Ray inside it as we discuss the best way to handle the windows that go almost to the floor. Heat hits me; my head goes up instantly to find Enzo staring at me from across the room. Christ, I’m pathetic. Those stupid bees wake up and freak out in my stomach, and my skin goes tight.

Ray is the one who breaks the silence. “Hey, Enzo. The floor came out pretty good. What do you think?”

Enzo looks down at the floor then nods. “It’s fine.” He looks to me. “Why did you use such dark hardwood in the basement? The flooring in here would look better.”

“This hardwood is what’s in the basement. It will lighten up when we paint the walls and add more lighting.”

“You couldn’t have gone with something lighter?”

“We’re going to paint the walls a light color. Once everything is in place it won’t be dark.”

“What the hell is with the stove?”

“You don’t like it? It’s gorgeous. How can you not like it?”

“It’s gold.”

“It’s hardly blinged out; the handles are gold, the rest of it is cobalt blue. It’s a statement piece. This is a top-quality stove, each one is made only upon being ordered.”

“Then how the hell did you get it so quickly?”

“The home Dominic intended it to go into was sold before he had it installed. Tony says it’s worth every penny.”

He goes still, his eyes hard. “You talked to Tony and Dominic? When did this happen?”

I blush from embarrassment as I remember all over again Dominic’s words from that night. “Monday, I went to pick out everything. The place Ray referred me to, Fine Finishes, is owned by Dominic. He was waiting when I was done, I had dinner with Tony and him.”

Now I know what Enzo looks like stunned. “You had dinner with Tony and Dominic?” Nodding, I can’t take my eyes off him. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it was embarrassing. Amazing food and wine, and over three hours later I’m told I’m a bad person and it’s a good thing I’m not interested in getting involved with you because you deserve better than me.”

He sighs. “I apologize for my cousin and uncle. They should not have contacted you.”

Shrugging, I turn away. He doesn’t disagree with them. “They care about you. Give the stove a chance. If you don’t like it once the kitchen is completed, we can take it out.”

“I don’t like it now.” The words are hard, rapping against my skin.

“Tough, you told me to handle all the buying so I handled it. If once everything is done you don’t like it, then change it yourself.”

“Or maybe I can just fire you now and hire someone else who will do what I tell them to do.”

“If you fire me you’re still paying me, so please do, because I have better things to do with my time then deal with an asshole like you.”