If Loving You is Wrong

14: Justification

Antonio rose from his desk chair and buttoned up his jack before stepping around his desk and waiting for Leonardo Vargas to enter.

The older man, almost twenty-five years his senior stepped into the room and completely dominated it. Not that Antonio was intimidated by him in any way, but there was something about Leonardo Vargas that told any one that he was not a man to be taken lightly.

He was known for his shrewd business mind and bulldog approach in the boardroom. However, he was also known for his levelheadedness and love and devotion to his family; the matriarch of which; Leia Vargas was a formidable businesswoman in her own right. Chairpersons, Founders and majority shareholders of the Vargas Group; Leonardo and Leia Vargas had created a catalogue of business that was mesmerising to behold. They had a created a legacy that would last for generations; the first of which; Leonardo was currently sleeping with.

"Antonio, how have you been?" Leonardo said with a large smile as he reached out and shook Antonio's hand.

Antonio smiled as best he could, even with the guilt and shame rushing through him,

"I've been well, please have a seat."

Antonio went back to the other side of his desk while Leonardo took the other seat,

"Things are going well at home. I know your wife is poorly."

"Olivia is doing well...she wont get any better, ever." he hated that he'd added that part because he knew that even Leonardo didn't know what he was talking about; Antonio was trying to justify his actions.

"Life can throw a lot at us but its how you deal with it determines your character."

"Absolutely, so...how can I help you?"

"Well, I'm heading to Aldovia soon to finish the plans with King Alpheus; I wanted to catch up with you and make sure all was okay with the contracts?"

"I was just looking at it actually," Antonio went back to the thick file that he'd just been going through. "There are a few clauses id like to go over but I can have these over to you by this evening?"

"That would be wonderful, Leia wants to make sure everything is perfect."

"And your son?"

Leonardo suddenly looked uncomfortable and Antonio nodded his understanding;

"He still doesn't know?"

"No and I appreciate your efforts in keeping this from him until his mother and I are ready."

"I do what you pay me to do Leonardo,"

"Please, call me Leo," Antonio nodded as Leo got up from his seat.

"Well thank you, once this is all over with you should come over for dinner; as a thank you." Antonio immediately began to shake his head,

"I wouldn't dream of imposing." Leo laughed heartily,

"Don't be absurd, how can an invitation be an imposition. We'll arrange something soon. Take care Antonio."

Antonio came around from his desk to shake Leo's hand again before the older man departed.

Antonio stood there for a moment before going back to his desk and picking up his phone. He went into his messages and re read the latest one from Liana;

I'll be there...I can't wait to have you inside me again.

With debilitating regret; Antonio typed out a reply:

Change of plans. I can no longer see you.

----

Liana looked at her phone, staring at the message on the screen for a few moments before she marched her way into the London headquarters of Sabbatini Legal. She'd done some fishing with Emilia before she left and got Julian to tell her Antonio's surname. With it, she'd googled him; his company and got the address.

At the Reception desk, the petite blond woman behind the desk looked up at her with an expectant smile,

"Hello, how can I help you?"

"Can you let Mr Sabbatini know I'm here."

The woman was taken back,

"Mr Antonio Sabbatini...the Head Partner?"

"Yes, that would be the one."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No," Liana was too angry to offer up any more but she was going to speak to Antonio even if it killed her,

"What's your name?"

"Liana Va..." Liana stopped, even she wasn't that stupid no matter how angry she was. If she said her real name and anyone found out she was here, it could get her in trouble with her father and even Antonio.

"Just tell him Liana, he'll know who it is."

"I see," the woman looked sceptical but picked up the phone receiver anyway.

After a short exchange with someone, she covered the mouthpiece and said,

"I'm just on hold."

"Fabulous."

When the person on the other end came back, Liana watched as the receptionists face went from dismissive to completely shocked,

"Erm, Mr Sabbatini has asked for you wait...he'll be downstairs in a moment."

Liana winked at the receptionist and went to take a seat.

Minutes later, the large elevator doors that led to the rest of the law firm opened up and Antonio was standing there looking as gorgeous as ever. Another young woman was fussing around him with his coat and briefcase before he took them from her and dismissed her completely.

Liana stood to meet him as his green eyes bore into her with seething anger. He said nothing but turned towards the large glass doors and she knew she was expected to follow.

When she finally caught up with him, a black Lamborghini had already pulled up onto the pavement and a valet stepped out of it handing the keys to Antonio. She heard him mumble his thanks then proceed to get into the car and once again she followed.

As soon as her door was closed, Antonio pulled out into the late afternoon traffic; taking them who knew where. As she contemplated that fact; Liana realised that she didn't know what she had gotten herself into and that she could be in very serious trouble.

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