The Don and His Mafia Princess: Book Two of The Costanzo Series - Standalone

CHAPTER 32

Days have gone by, and I'm almost done with the Hamilton project. The zoning permits that initially caused complications are finally falling into place, and I feel a sense of pride in how I've managed to navigate this complex deal. I'm in my office, wrapping up some final details before heading out to lunch with Ivan. He's in town, and I'm surprised he still wants to see me after the way things went last time. Our relationship has been strained since I started dating Stefano, but I'm hoping we can salvage our friendship.

As I'm about to log off my computer, I hear Santiago's voice from the hallway, sounding shocked and confused. His tone immediately puts me on alert - Santiago rarely sounds this taken aback.

My heart races. I hadn't told Santiago about hiring Emily. I meant to, but something always came up. Since she started, by some stroke of luck, Santiago hasn't run into her until now. I quickly make my way to the door, stepping into the hallway. The tension in the air is palpable as I see Santiago staring at Emily, who's standing near the reception area. Her face is a carefully composed mask, betraying no emotion. I can't help but think she's better prepared for this confrontation than I am.

"I work here," Emily says in a clipped tone, her chin lifted defiantly. The words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken history.

Santiago's brows furrow, a deep crease forming between them. His eyes remain fixed on Emily, confusion quickly morphing into anger. "You work here?" he repeats.

At this point, Santiago notices my presence in the hallway. His gaze flicks to me, a mix of surprise and betrayal flashing across his face.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Yes, she does," I say, trying to keep my voice steady as I add, "Emily's my new secretary."

Santiago turns to me, his eyes blazing. "Your new secretary?" I nod, feeling like I'm walking on eggshells. "Did you fucking hire her to make sure we get back together?" he demands, his voice hardening with an edge to it.

"No!" I protest, my hands raised placatingly. "As much as I want you guys to get back together, I would not hire Emily because of it. I hired her because she really needs this job and is a good secretary."

"Really needs the job. What's that about?" Santiago's gaze sharpens, sensing there's more to the story.

I take a deep breath, knowing this conversation is about to get complicated, but before I can speak, Emily beats me to it.

"None of your business," she snaps, her voice cold and brittle. The hurt from their breakup is clearly still raw.

"None of my business?" Santiago repeats in that deadly calm that causes all the hair on one's back to rise. I see Emily stiffen, but she quickly squares her shoulders, masking her reaction.

"Yes, none of your business," she says, enunciating each word as she stares right into his eyes, defiance radiating from every pore.

Santiago releases a dark laugh that sends a shiver down my spine. "You come to work for my sister, and you think I don't have the fucking right to know why?"

"Yes, you don't," Emily retorts, her hands clenched at her sides.

"Hmm..." Santiago says, suddenly turning away from her to face me. "Andrea, leave!" he commands. I open my mouth to argue, but one glare from him has me nodding and moving toward the elevator.

As the doors close, I watch Santiago crowd into Emily's space, demanding she tell him why. The last thing I see is Emily's face, a mix of anger and something else - fear? Longing? - as Santiago looms over her.

I release an exhale as the elevator descends, realizing the bad blood between them runs deeper than I thought. Those hopes of mine of them getting back together are starting to look like a fairytale that would never come true. The tension between them was electric, but not in the way I'd hoped. Whatever happened between Santiago and Emily, it's clear that the wounds are still fresh, and things might have just gotten worse.