Chapter 6

Angelo

I am always in control . I love being in control; I'd like to believe I have self control and I also don't want to be out of control. The only person who can turn my plans upsidedown is my son . He just snaps his fingers and whatever he wants or needs is his . I thought that Giovanni was the only one who could control me to a degree but I was wrong. I've dated a lot of girls since my Nina left me and the last one I introduced to Gio wanted to to ship him off to boarding school , and Nikki was loud. In fact all the girls who I slept with for fun were loud and selfish. I don't know why I attracted that type. I'm not loud...

However everything changed when I laid eyes on Cleo at the Market and the night she literally came running into my life. She's a breath of fresh air Giovanni loves her and I'm falling for her . Nicolai is already going out with Jane and well Jane was on my case this morning for reasons that were valid. When I asked her what happened with Duncan and Cleo , she cut me off and said she had stuff to do .

My son has a face he makes when he doesn't like something or someone. He has a look that's between sulking and looking disgusted. He had the look when I was with Nikki who didn't like him around ,but when I called him this morning to go out for lunch , he asked if Cleo would be coming to lunch with us and when I said yes, he sounded elated.

Cleo is unexpected and for me that's a challenge . I still can't get over the way she dominated me that night in the club and how she allowed me to lead with no questions asked. She even figured out the code I used for the penthouse and I never take anyone up there ... Ever. She was slowly coming around and I didn't want her to panic again. She was on my lap facing up when her eyelids fluttered open.

"Why do you have such beautiful eyes ?"

"All the better to see you with Cleo."

"Hmm what soft lips you have ."

"All the better to kiss you with dolcezza."

She slowly got up and looked at me .

"Azzuri this isn't Little Red Riding hood. "

"So what I can't be a big bad wolf pin you on any flat surface and make you call my name out in pleasure. Over and over again .That's all I can dream about lately... Well for the past two weeks."

"You horny fine specimen of a man no. You'd be committing a litany of actions that violate the code of conduct and I'd end up jobless reputation tainted and you will be okay."

"How so if I made the first move."

" Honestly speaking; your stance and financial standing and dare I say race, which doesn't matter to me at all but it would to small minded people. I'm black in case you haven't noticed. "

" I love Oreo's . I'm one too only difference is I have the vanilla biscuit cover and chocolate casing."

"Those are yummy . I love them."

"I love your type of Oreo. I will find a way."

I gave Cleo a hug and she hugged me back.

"Why do you smell of baby cologne ?"

I leaned back and laughed.

"Must you notice everything."

"You're using Giovanni's stuff . I'm going to tell on you."

"He's my son ."

"What are you doing in his stuff. You didn't ask your son for permission."

I chuckled and stood up stretching my hand out to Cleo to hold.

"He would have said yes okay."

Cleo put her hand in mine and stood up.

" You don't smell like that ocean fresh musky scent that makes all the girls go gaga, and swoon when you walk into any room."

" Are you complaining ?"

" you smell good."

"We are going upstairs to sort out your new contract. Ruth can't buy you out."

"What?"

"I have a forensic team on the way . I'm staying with you until you put pen to paper."

"You're following me around ?"

"Yes . The cleaners are waiting outside to clear breakfast."

"I didn't die..."

"Over my sexy ripped horny body."

Cleo laughed at me .

"Are you sure about the position?"

" Missionary. I'm positive."

" I'm guessing we've shifted gears and we are talking about traveling to unknown territories right?"

"Yes and we don't have to travel far."

Cleo looked at me unlocked the door and walked out

" What a mucky mind you have. Soiled to be exact...let's get this over and done with before lunch. Mr Massa."

On our way out Blake was smiling at Cleo and they shot each other looks. I pretended as if I didn't get what they were saying but I did . By ten in the morning I had gotten Cleo out of the contract she had with Ruth and hired her as my "Personal assistant" I quickly came to the realization that almost everyone got along with her and those who didn't , had issues. On the way up to my office to show her the new office next to mine where she will be working , she was quiet and I smiling phase one complete.

" Cleo the office has a glass wall and connecting door , so there will be transparency at all times with a bit of privacy. I have all your numbers. "

"Psycho."

The elevator opened and I was greeted by my father's wait a minuet my secretary and she buzzed us in .

"Thank you . You bring out the freak in me ."

I opened the door to my son arguing with Nikki , my mother and father were also in the office. Nicolai was sitting on the couch as calm as ever. Nikki saw me and shouted surprise running to me and kissed me Cleo had walked to the side but Giovanni ran for her and she picked him up.

"Cleo I missed you I can't wait for lunch and KiKi is not invited its you daddy and me ."

Cleo smiled and when I tried to pry Nikki off me she kissed me harder.

"Hey Gio, I can't wait and what about cuddles? "

"I left him at home he says hello."

After prying Nikki off me , I shrugged off my jacket and greeted my parents.

"Mom this is a surprise. "

"Michelangelo is this anyway to greet your mother . I like your new girl."

I let go and stood next to my father who was as confused as I was.

"Mom I broke up with Nikki last week .She's not my girlfriend."

Nikki retorted by causing a scene.

"We slept together and I've been to your house and you introduced me to Gio !"

Giovanni looked up and stuck out his tongue

"That's a lie . Cleo is the only one and I like her not you. Grandma this is Cleo."

Giovanni hung his small arms around Cleo's neck and smiled .

"Who is she ?"

Nikki looked at Cleo in disgust. My mother also asked a question.

" Angelo , who is that woman that my grandson seems to like."

"My Personal assistant."

"I bet you slept with her too."

"No Nikki. You're the one I regret fucking."

My mother was shocked at the use of my language . Cleo was quiet and her eyes gave nothing away. The look on her face was impassive. My father like Nicolai was calm.

"Daddy what's ducking?"

"I with tell you later ."

I was getting angrier by the second. When my mother spoke

"Cleopatra I'm sorry Angelo wasted your time. He can do better. I know Ruth fired you."

The whole office went quiet and all eyes were on Cleo. She took a deep breath and before she could defend herself Nikki spoke.

" let me guess you fucked Angelo. He gave you the job out of pity and because of your color."

"She didn't do anything. She's been doing Ruth's work for her dad can attest to that. "

My mother interrupted me.

"How did you hurt yourself Cleo, do you understand me? ?"

Cleo's facial features went from impassive to stoic. Before she could speak again Nikki interrupted her.

"I thought you looked familiar. You're that girl my brother's friend used as a punching bag. You stayed even when he abused you. That screams desperate. Ha ha ."

"Nikki let the girl speak. Cleo?"

Cleo's eyes looked glossy from where I stood . She looked up and swallowed a hard.

"Mrs Massa Ruth fired me just because I had a late meeting with your son discussing why the hell I was working and she was doing nothing. Angelo didn't want to let me go and he hired me as his assistant. Clearly I'm not wanted and I'm not going to beg. I didn't sleep with your son and I will be out of the company as soon as I talk to my attorney."

Nikki spoke again.

"You can afford one ? Wow."

I couldn't say anything.

" I hurt my head when I passed out yesterday . I neglected to eat and it was my fault .Your son found me . As for my traumatic past which Nikki has boldly highlighted I was attacked because I spoke up against being treated like crap and being disrespected, by a man who swore love but used me as his punching bag and threatened to make me pay if I left him. I left him anyway and I ended up beaten , bruised and bleeding left for dead on a cold August night, "

I was making my way to where Cleo was but she shook her head and I stopped.

"Mr Massa thank you for everything .Working here has been a dream. Ruth and Blake might freak out but I saved everything on a cloud . All the passwords are in my bottom drawer. I've been embarrassed and ridiculed enough . I don't need another scandal and a dark cloud over my head. Thank you."

My dad nodded his head and smiled at Cleo.

"Cleo don't do this. "

"It's done Mr Massa. Nicolai please tell Gio I said goodbye to him and Cuddles. Good morning."

Cleo walked out leaving all of us in shock.

Gio walked out and saw my face.

"Daddy what did you do, where is Cleo?"

"Gone my boy."