Dangerous Desires

Ch 2: Matteo

I've never been more turned on and annoyed at the same time before until now—Lola Todd, the daughter of one of my loyal footmen. When Travis came to me six years ago saying his daughter wanted to work in the hospitality industry after college, I told him I would get her a job at one of my hotels in Vegas.

And he asked if I would keep her out of mafia business. He didn't want his only child and daughter to be exposed to such a lifestyle. I promised Travis that day I wouldn't bring trouble to her doorstep, not because he asked, but because Lola had caught my attention the first time I saw her seven years ago. It was something about her that I knew our personalities and lifestyles would clash instantly.

It was at a club when I saw her. I remember the way she danced, completely lost in the music, her brownish-blond hair swirling around her like a golden halo. There was a light in her eyes that made the dark corners of the club seem brighter. I kept my distance then, and I will now. Honestly, I assumed she probably quit by now, and Travis and I haven't talked about her since he asked me to get her the job, yet here she is in the flesh.

A ball of fucking sunshine.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Valentino." James, the hotel manager, repeats for the fifth fucking time since I entered his office. "I have no clue why Ms. Todd thought it was okay to enter the penthouse. I gave her no—"

There is a soft knock on the door before it opens slowly. Lola enters with a smile on her face. No one can be this happy all the fucking time. "Mr. Zeller, you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, please have a seat," he tells her, gesturing towards the empty seat beside me. Lola floats across the room, a beacon of infectious cheer. I swear I can see fucking birds chirping around her. She settles into the chair beside me, flashing a bright smile that seems to light up the office. "Mr. Valentino, we meet again."

I nod stiffly, my mind wrestling with irritation and an inexplicable pull toward her spirited demeanor. James clears his throat, drawing our attention back to the matter at hand.

"Ms. Todd, Mr. Valentino has brought it to my attention that you entered his penthouse without permission."

"I believe there's been a misunderstanding," Lola begins, her voice as smooth and confident as if she were hosting a Girl Scout meeting rather than sitting in the hot seat for trespassing in one of the most exclusive areas of the hotel. "I was preparing the room for his arrival. We should always want our guests to feel welcomed, especially someone of Mr. Valentino's stature."

I raise an eyebrow, curious despite myself. "And who, may I ask, told you that such preparations were necessary?"

"No one, but I always go above and beyond for our guests, Mr. Valentino. It's the little touches, you know? Fresh flowers, a personalized note... I thought it would make your stay more pleasant." Her gaze is steady, her smile unwavering even as she speaks directly to me. I can hear her nervousness now, but there is that bubbly charm in the mix.

I lean back in my chair, analyzing her response. It's hard for me to admit, but there's something admirable about her initiative—even if it's misplaced in this scenario. James looks between us, clearly hoping for a resolution that doesn't end in disciplinary action.

"You do realize that the penthouse is off-limits without proper authorization?" I ask, my tone more curious than accusatory now. Travis is a smart man, but his daughter, on the other hand, seems as clueless as they come.

Lola's smile falters for just a split second before she recovers. "Yes, and I apologize for overstepping. It won't happen again. I just wanted to make a good impression."

A good impression—she certainly has a unique way of going about it. "Well," I pause, considering my next words carefully. "Perhaps your enthusiasm could be better directed. How would you feel about handling special projects directly? Projects that require a personal touch?"