Ruthless (The Calvettis of New York 2)

I’d join her, but I’m ready to call it a night. I was hoping that Barrett would reach out at some point, but I haven’t heard anything from him since he left the office with his sister this morning.

I put in a full day, finally leaving work at six to come here for dinner.

I wait until she’s on her feet before I take my grandma in my arms. “I’ll talk to you soon. I love you.”

Holding tight to me, she kisses my cheek. “I love you, my sweetheart. Be safe on your way home. Promise me you’ll look both ways before you cross the street.”

“I promise,” I say, pulling back to lock eyes with her. “I always do.”

Chapter 39

Barrett

She’s going to give me hell for this, but I don’t give a shit.

Lowering the back passenger window of the town car I’m in, I take a moment to appreciate how goddamn beautiful Bella is.

She’s walking on the sidewalk, swinging a brown paper bag in her hand. Calvetti’s is stamped across it in red ink.

I was headed in that direction after I stopped by the office to find it empty. A visit to her apartment resulted in a quick conversation with her sister. Gina was the one who suggested I check out the family restaurant.

I could have texted Bella or called her, but I wanted to surprise her.

As the car rolls to a stop at a red light, I reach forward to tap the driver on the shoulder. “I’m getting out here. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

“Sure thing, sir.”

I exit the car, keeping my gaze trained on my executive assistant as she strolls down the sidewalk, smiling at virtually every person she passes.

Her soul is gold. Happiness radiates from her.

I know she’s too good for me, but I don’t care. I want her. I’ve never wanted a woman more.

“Bella,” I call out as I step onto the sidewalk from the street.

Her head bobs to the left, then the right. A glance over her shoulder lures a bright smile to her lips.

I put that there. I have to be the luckiest man in the world.

Pivoting on her heel, she tilts her head to the side. “Did you just get out of a car?”

Laughing, I narrow the space between us with hurried steps. “My subway guide was busy.”

Her gaze drops to the pink box in my hand. It’s tied with white string that is doubling as a handle. “What’s that?”

“Bait to get you to come home with me.”

She takes me in. I’ve been wearing the same suit and shirt since this morning. I left my tie at my sister’s place after shedding it halfway through lunch. I know I look haggard, but it’s in a good way.

I had my first family reunion today. It feels like I’ve been wrung inside out emotionally. Nineteen years of pent up feelings worked their way out, and by the time I said goodbye to my two sisters, I was spent.

A night alone and a glass of whiskey was what I thought I needed until I spotted a bakery in Brooklyn on my way back to Manhattan. I made my driver pull over. I hopped out, ran in, and came out with a half dozen cupcakes.

I don’t buy cupcakes. I’ve never thought about feeding one to a woman until now.

Resting a hand on the lapel of my jacket, Bella leans closer. “A kiss is all the bait you need.”

Wrapping my free hand around the back of her neck, I take her mouth in a deep, sensual kiss.