Do You Remember Baby Girl (9)

It had been one week.

One week since Massimo had given her autonomy of the restaurant. She found that she enjoyed running such a stylish place. Granted, it needed some work, as the last manager didn't find the need to have the place re-painted, but she was glad to be able to do that. Massimo would stop in during the evening time to walk her back to the villa, but instead of finding that annoying, she reveled in being able to talk with the man.

While at the restaurant's back office she would carve out time for Massimo's books to see where the discrepancy lie. She was still on the hunt for where a portion of the money went, but was confident she would find it. She told him so during one of their routine walks back to his home.

"I have no doubt you will find what you need to, Laura," he said quietly gazing at her intently. She typically wasn't one to blush, but she felt her cheeks heating from his gaze alone. It was official. Massimo made her feel absolutely giddy, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Everything was going well. Too well.

And that worried her.

Really, could everything be this simple? She comes back to him and she runs a restaurant, they live happily ever after? Laura wouldn't lie, the thought filled her with a warmth that had been missing for a long time. She just didn't know if-

Nevermind.

The elephant in the room was their sexual relationship. It was of course, wonderful, but Laura was amazed to find that they never spoke of it the next day. Massimo came to her room almost every night and he would make passionate love to her, causing her to forget her own name at times. Afterward he would hold her close, and she would pretend to be asleep while he told her how much he loved her and wanted her forever. But morning would come and he would talk about the business. She was not ashamed to admit she was stunned by the recent turn of events, and it must've shown on her face this morning because as soon as Massimo left for business in town with Domenico Jamie stood beside her.

"He's in love with you," she said softly. Laura snapped her head over to the woman before laughing nervously.

"He thinks he's in love with me. I'm the only one who gives him this resistance, and it probably makes him want something he can't have," Laura said automatically. Janie raised a brow.

"That may be true. But the fact of the matter is Massimo is in love with you. And I can tell by the look on your face his actions surprise you."

Setting down her fork, she crossed her arms over her chest before biting her lip. Janie continued.

"I understand that the start you had previously was rocky. There was a lot of distrust and rightfully so. But Laura, you came back. Even after everything that happened, the moment you thought he was hurt you came back home. And that gave Massimo all the hope he needed. So he figures he'll wait until you're ready. And honestly, that's the smartest thing the man has done in ages," she said ending with a wink. Laura found herself giggling at the action.

"I just don't want to-"

"I know, dear. But you cannot live in fear. You have to ask yourself which is important. Having Massimo, or walking away to start your own life? I don't think either option is wrong, but you need to make sure for yourself if it's the right course of action for you. Because at the end of the day, that's all that matters. Not pleasing someone else, but making yourself happy. The road you take is what you have to live with."

                                                                                          .............

"Is this one of the men who tried to have me killed?" Massimo asked from the dark truck. They drove into a warehouse and saw the man tied to a chair. He looked frantic and judging by his lack of clothes, did not expect to be picked up from the comforts of his bed.

"No," Domenico answered amused at the fear in the man's eyes. "But sources say he knows who did. He was apparently threatened by the same men who tried to kill you. Since you successfully eradicated the world of all except one, the one still breathing made it a point to scare him well enough to move into another place."

Massimo grunted before stepping out of the car. He slammed the door shut drawing the man's attention to him and he swallowed when he recognized who it was. Massimo held out his hands and gave a slight spin.

"I see you know who I am," he stated. The man nodding.

"Look, I don't know-Ah!" The man screamed when Massimo pulled out his knife and held it over his dick.

"That's a lie, my friend. You do know. And if you lie to me, I will cut this off no questions asked. Do you understand?" Massimo's cool and calm voice was a complete contradiction to his wild eyes and steady hand gripping the knife.

"I understand."

"Good. Now, tell me who is trying to have me killed."

                                                                                 ......................

"Thanks, Laura, and have a good night!"

Laura waved off the last waiter before locking the place up behind her. She was going to start with the renovation tomorrow, and she had a staff meeting to know the changes that would be made. Everyone was happy judging by the wide smiles and relieved expressions.

"As long as you fix the doors so they lock that'd be great!"

She was also happy to note the staff was young, friendly, and willing to work for higher wages. Since they all knew she was here under Massimo she had no real issues and everyone went to work serving customers who came in frequently. Since everyone did their job efficiently she was able to get the paperwork concerning the restaurant in order and go over possible applications for hiring more staff. While busy she thought about Janie's words from earlier this morning. Massimo showed that he loved her. He even told her. But it was more than that. It was about her. To put it bluntly, she had to decide. Laura was annoyed at her back and forth thoughts, but this was a serious decision. 

Janie was right. Could she make the decision to be happy with the man? She said she'd give him a try and she meant it. But she was still wary, and she knew that Massimo could sense it. Laura appreciated his patience with her because it allowed her to really mull things over. Right now, she knew that trying again was what she wanted. And if it didn't work this time, well she would move on, but this time the door would be closed.

When it was closing time she held one more meeting describing what would be taking place in the next several weeks, and the bi-weekly meetings they would be having to make sure everyone felt their voice was being heard. Once the place was locked up she dropped the keys in her bag before turning and heading in the direction of the villa. She saw a familiar Range Rover parked not too far and when she saw Massimo step out dressed in his signature black and leaning against the car door she found herself smiling. She was pleased to see he returned her smile with one of his own.  When she was standing in front of him she breathed in his scent.

"Hi."

"Hey," he said reaching up and smoothing a piece of hair from her face.

"You look happy. Work was good today?" he asked. Laura nodded before closing her eyes and leaning her cheek into his palm. She heard his breath hitch before he leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"I want to take you somewhere."

Opening back up her eyes she reached up and smoothed his hair from his forehead.

"I want to go wherever you want to take me," she confessed. His eyebrows rose in surprise before he stepped closer. He invaded all of her personal space and for once it didn't bother her.

It excited her.

"Do you mean that?" he asked eyes searching her own. She nodded.

"I do."

His nostrils flared before he wrapped a possessive arm around her waist.

"Once you agree to this Laura, I won't go back. I was a bastard of how I treated you and very selfish, but I need you in my life. There cannot be another alternative."

She sighed.

"I know."

Forcing her chin up he placed a soft, but possessive kiss on her lips. The message was quite clear. She was his.

"Let's go."