9. Gabriella

9

GAbrIELLA

Y ou win some and you lose some. The old adage rings true as I take the elevator up to Holloway Corp., soon to be taken over by Gabana LLC. Sorry, Enzo, but I won and you lost. I can only imagine how pissed he was when he found out.

I’m not going to lie, though. I feel like a million bucks. Enzo never should’ve gone behind my back like he did. Serves him right. Just because he’s a ruthless, experienced businessman doesn’t mean he’s going to win every single time. Doug Holloway is a smart man and he knows that I’m going to take good care of the company he built. I’m going to turn it into something even better and more successful. I have zero doubts in my abilities and the strategy I’ve developed to help me do exactly that. He’s a smart man for choosing me. A very smart?—

I can’t finish my final thought as I’m stepping into the office. All of the air whooshes from my lungs as I practically walk right into Enzo, wobbling on my heels, entirely shocked to see him here. He reaches for my elbow to steady me and I jerk it away as though his touch burns.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I hiss under my breath, trying to ignore how damn handsome he looks in a navy suit. His angular jaw and high cheekbones are more pronounced than usual because he’s cleanly-shaven, but also because he’s sporting quite the shiner. A part of me wants to ask if he’s okay and apply some arnica cream. Another part of me wants to punch him on the other side and give him a matching set of bruises.

I also feel a traitorous ache between my thighs, but I do my best to ignore it. I know what’s beneath that suit and I wish I didn’t. Knowing and not being able to do anything about it is torture.

“Nice to see you, too, Ms. Bianche,” he says coolly.

Before I can respond, Doug appears. Good timing, too, because I instantly reel it in and take a deep breath, forcing myself to be calm. I’m sure Doug will sort all this out quickly enough. There’s no need for me to worry or panic.

“Good to see you both,” Doug says and motions for us to follow him into the small conference room.

Enzo makes an exaggerated sweeping motion with his hand when I don’t immediately move. “No, please, go ahead,” I say stubbornly.

“Ladies first. I insist,” he grits out.

Neither of us moves. We just stand our ground like a couple of children. A moment later, Doug pokes his head out of the room.

“Is there a problem?”

Enzo looks pointedly at me and my nostrils flare in annoyance. “No, of course not,” I respond smoothly, turning away from the bane of my existence, and schooling my features into a pleasant expression. “How are you doing today, Doug?”

I purposely use his first name, hoping to sound chummy. As I sweep past Enzo, I completely ignore him, but I get a good whiff of his sandalwood cologne. No man should be allowed to smell so good. It makes a woman do stupid things. I should know since I caved in and slept with him…multiple times.

At least it was only one night. I’m trying to make myself feel better, reminding myself of that fact. But, it’s not exactly working.

The three of us sit down at the table. Doug points for us to sit across from him, so I force myself to sit in the chair beside Enzo. I don’t like it, but I don’t want to appear rude.

“I’d like to thank you both for being so patient with me and, full disclosure, I want to let you know right away that I haven’t made a final decision yet,” Doug says carefully, looking from me to Enzo.

My heart sinks. Dammit. I thought I had it.

“I honestly didn’t think anyone would be interested in acquiring Holloway Corp. because I haven’t been doing a very good job these past few years due to personal reasons.”

I nod in commiseration, sorry about his wife’s passing.

“I know I’ve let the business slide. And now, amazingly, I have two very excellent offers,” he states, smiling broadly.

Oh, great. This is where he’s going to start talking about wanting more money. Bile begins to crawl up the back of my throat because this is where Enzo will have the perfect opportunity to outbid me and win. I can’t possibly justify buying a company that isn’t doing well for more money than I’ve already offered. Swallowing hard, I force myself to keep my expression neutral as he continues speaking.

“Here’s the deal. I like both of your plans.”

What does that even mean? I wonder, trying not to appear as confused as I feel.

“As much as Ms. Bianche and I appreciate that,” Enzo says smoothly, “you can’t accept both our offers.”

I force a chuckle. “It’s not like we’re going to be working together. A decision has to be made.”

“Eventually,” Doug says cagily. “Here’s my proposition—you can either up your offer right now to something so incredibly ridiculous that I won’t be able to say no. Or, you can work together for the next two months and whoever I deem more successful will be declared the new owner.”

For a moment, I’m speechless. What in the hell? Is he joking? I’ve never heard of such a ludicrous plan in my entire li–

“I like it,” Enzo says, looking over at me. “I’m in. Gabriella?”

I’m going to kill him.

Clearing my throat, I turn my attention to Doug. “How will you determine who is more successful?”

“Well, I think that will be a combination of things. Who brings in more clients and increases sales is important, of course. But, I’m also going to speak to my employees here. I’ve always run a family-like company and I take their input very seriously. Treat them well and that goes a long way in my book.”

There are only a handful of employees working here—ten maybe—so that wouldn’t be hard. Besides, I’ve always treated employees well, whether they’re mine or someone else’s. It’s just common courtesy. Aside from that, I like to learn more about the people who I work with and take time to chat and get to know them better.

The truth is I can’t afford to offer more money. It would be great to toss out a huge number and get this over with right now. I’d enjoy throwing it in Enzo’s smug face and to walk out of here as the one and only winner. But that’s not something I can afford to do at this time. I can’t be reckless and I’m going to need to set my ego aside and play this smart.

The more I consider this, the more I realize it’s a win-win situation for me. Offering more money for this sinking ship is a no-go. I can’t let it fail. Going head-to-head with Enzo, though, gives me a safety net. If I fail, I just won’t tell my family about this little endeavor. However, if I succeed, then I’ll get bragging rights that I bested Enzo Rossi.

Even though I’m miffed with the man and don’t look forward to working next to him every single day, I know this is an opportunity that I can’t let slip away. “I accept,” I announce, my voice firm and steady.

“Excellent.” Doug pushes up from the table, grinning. “C’mon, I want to introduce you to everyone and give you the official tour.”

Enzo and I follow him around the office and meet the employees. It’s clear Doug values them and has formed friendships with them. So, of course, he doesn’t want the new owner to sweep in and clean shop, firing everyone. By making us get to know them better and work with them for the next two months is actually a pretty genius move. Relationships will inevitably form and I wouldn’t want to fire a friend.

The entire office takes up less than half of the floor and Doug eventually shows us to side by side offices. “These are perfect for you. You’ll be near each other, but still have your own private space to work.”

I try not to snort. The last thing I need or want is to be near Enzo.

“What about that fancy corner office?” Enzo jokes.

I struggle not to roll my eyes.

“I’m still cleaning it out,” Doug says. “Eventually, the corner office will go to one of you. But not until an official decision is made. Why don’t you check your space out and let me know if you have any questions. I’m going to check in with my assistant real quick.”

Ignoring Enzo, I walk into my new office and look around. It’s perfectly acceptable…except for the fact that it’s so close to Enzo. Before I can turn around, I feel his presence as he walks in behind me. A little thrill shoots through my entire body as I slowly turn to face him, crossing my arms.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” I tell him.

His mouth edges up. “Funny, I was just coming in here to say the same thing to you.”

I dig my fingernails into my arms. Cocky SOB. “I bet you thought you had this all in the bag, didn’t you?” My attention moves to the bruise on his cheek. For whatever reason, it bothers me.

“Actually, I did,” he says lightly.

“You’re so arrogant,” I exclaim and shake my head in disbelief.

“I’m confident. There’s a difference.”

All I want to do is knock his cocky ass down a few pegs. “Nice welt, by the way. Who kicked your ass?”

His smile evaporates and he glowers at me. “As if you don’t know,” he responds through gritted teeth.

“How the hell would I know?” My brows draw together in confusion.

For a long moment he doesn’t say anything, just studies me.

“Well,” I press, tapping a finger against my elbow, “don’t keep me in suspense. Did a couple of thieves try to pickpocket you?”

“Why don’t you ask Tommaso and Romeo?” he says darkly.

What, what? Shock fills me.

“What do they have to do with it?” I ask carefully.

“They’re the ones who jumped me. I had assumed you sic’d them on me after informing them about this.” He lifts a hand and motions around the office. “They weren’t too happy about you spending the night in my bed, either.”

My jaw drops as my mind races. “That doesn’t make any sense. There’s no way in hell those two know about us.”

“Well, they do, and they had a lot of fun trying to beat the shit out of me.”

I’m so confused. “I-I don’t understand.”

How would Tommaso and Romeo have found out? Unless…I quickly connect the dots and it leads me straight to Lili.

Oh, my God. I don’t want to believe my friend would’ve said anything, but she must’ve let it slip. She’s seeing Romeo, against my advice, and she loves to gossip. I let out a soft sigh and I feel awful.

Taking a step closer, my focus moves to the black and blue mark on Enzo’s cheek and my chest tightens. I hate seeing he’s hurt and knowing it’s my fault makes it so much worse. I vented to Lili, not thinking about the possible repercussions or that my friend tends to gossip and talk too much…and it must’ve gotten back to my cousins. After what happened with Rocco and Miceli, they hate the Rossi family and will use any excuse to start a fight.

On the verge of apologizing, I open my mouth, ready to swallow down my pride, when Enzo smiles.

“All you need to understand, honey, is I’m going to look real good in that corner office,” he drawls.

And there he is—the cocky bastard is back.

“Oh, you think so?” I retort, getting all fired up again. Forget the apology.

“I know so. But, if you want to come here every day for the next two months and give it a go then be my guest. But, know this—you’ll be wasting your time because you’ve already lost.”

The man is unbelievable. “You are the most arrogant prick I have ever had the misfortune of meeting.”

“Sorry, what did you say about my prick?” he asks, lips curling up.

“I hate you,” I seethe. I know it’s childish but, at this moment, I hate him so much I can only see a red haze.

“You know what they say. There’s a thin line between love and hate. Don’t go falling in love with me, honey.”

“Oh, shove it up your ass.” I march up to him and stab him in the chest with my index finger. “You’re going down, Rossi. And I’m going to take great pleasure watching it happen.”

His mouth edges up in a smirk. “Well, I’m all about giving you pleasure…Bri.”

“Ugh!” I throw my hands up in the air, spin around and stomp out. Because the truth is I’m scared that if he keeps saying things like that to me, I might wind up behind the desk, making out with him on the floor.

And that can’t happen.

He has a valid point and I hate admitting it, but there is a very fine line between love and hate. And right now I’m teetering on that extremely delicate line. Because as much as I can’t stand him, I’m also crazy attracted to the jerk.

God, help me.