The Italian Billionaire's Lover

CHAPTER 28

Alina and Tomas stared at each other, both wondering what the other was thinking. Alina wondered if Shay should have been escorted off their premises, just as a precautionary measure.

‘I’m sorry,’ Tomas murmured.

‘What for?’ Alina queried.

Tomas looked uncomfortable. ‘I hired Shay.’

Alina was distracted by Emily sobbing softly at the corner of the kitchen. She rushed to pick her up into her arms. ‘It’s okay sweetheart,’ Alina pacified the little one.

‘Emelia,’ Tomas spoke softly. ‘You will tell me if anyone lays a finger on you ever again.’

‘I’m sorry Toe-muz,’ she cried. ‘I did not mean to be naughty.’

Groaning softly, Tomas took Emily from Alina’s arms. ‘You were not naughty piccola. It was an accident.’

‘Shay said it was very expensive and that Aunt Alina bought it from Italy.’

‘I will buy your Aunt Alina another one. Please don’t cry,’ he drew Emily tightly against his chest and hugged her, softly murmuring a litany of consoling words.

Alina swallowed sharply when she saw this tender side of Tomas. She witnessed it often…in bed, but she had been convinced his hormones were responsible for that weakness. She longed to drape her arms around him right now.

‘You’re speaking to me in English Toe-muz,’ Emily giggled, through her tears.

‘That is because I want you to be very clear, that no one shall ever lay a hand on you ever again, you understand?’

‘Si,’ Emily nodded and hugged Tomas.

Alina cleared her throat. ‘We need somebody to replace Shay.’
This mansion was too huge and she did not want Caroline stressing about house-keeping.

‘I’ll call the agency and ask them to send a few candidates for you to screen,’ Tomas stated.

‘There is somebody at the restaurant, that I think can work well for Emily and Caroline,’ Alina suggested.

‘No cara,’ Tomas refused emphatically. Alina’s eyes widened. How can he just shoot down her preferred choice of a domestic helper? Surely she had a say in the matter, even if he paid the costs.

‘Emily,’ Alina spoke. ‘Please go and get ready for school.’

‘Okay,’ Emily slipped out of Tomas’ arms and ran happily to her bedroom.

‘What do you mean “no!”’ Alina challenged.

Tomas looked at the defiant expression on his wife’s face. He knew exactly why she tactfully got Emily out of the kitchen. ‘Like I don’t mix business and pleasure, my home is out of bounds to my professional staff and the same applies to your staff,’ he concluded.

So it’s his home. He makes the decisions.

‘Fine. Do as you please,’ Alina laced him with an angry glare and walked out.

‘Alina!’ Tomas cursed and gripped her arm, preventing her from striding away. ‘Let me explain___,’

‘That ultimately you will always make the decisions, because you are the boss and it’s your house!’ she cut him off.

‘No cara,’ he sighed. ‘We must ___ protect ourselves,’ he suggested cryptically.

‘“Protect?’” she echoed, shifting away. His warm breath was caressing her neck. His thumb was doing erotic things to the pulse at her wrist.