No Strings Attached

Chapter Forty-Four

I have no idea what's going on.

But for the first time in months, I feel hope.

I feel hope that Giovanni didn't leave me by choice.

He hesitates where he stands before moving towards me, his fingers extending around the back of my throat, tilting my head up to his slowly. My stomach flutters, my heart expanding more than it has in so many months as he lowers his mouth to mine.

The kiss isn't long. His lips aren't insistent or lustful. His mouth caresses my own with a gentle caution.

It's a kiss to reassure. It's a silent confession.

My fingers hold onto his suit jacket, my body pressed up against his.

A shaky sigh escapes through my lips as he turns, breaking the kiss as he starts down the steps again without another word. I barely watch him go, kicking immediately into overdrive, running the opposite way to retrieve my shoes from the remodeled floor. I gain access to the locked room, scooping up the shoes, hopping as I put the heels on one-by-one.

It's only when I'm climbing back up the steps that my mind truly begins to spin.

How do I fix this?

What can I do?

What has Norman done?

My hand rests against the doorway back into the office, hesitating.

I know if Norman's been looking for me, the office has told him who I stormed out of here with. And if I come at him angry, he'll know that Giovanni told me he did something.

He can destroy my life. My family's life...

With a deep inhale, I force a mask of impassiveness and open the door. People turn at the sound, clearly interested in the drama. I stare at them coolly and they quickly avert their gazes, pretending to get back to their work.

By the time I reach Rebecca, she's eying me like I've just committed a murder, something she has to conceal.

"What the hell is going on? You storm away with Giovanni? Norman said things went sour in the meeting?"

"Norman came by?"

"Yeah. He was pissed when he left."

"Did you tell him where I went?"

"No, he guessed it."

I look around her space, not seeing anything in my frustration. "I'm taking a sick day. Forward me any important calls."

I enter my office, grabbing my purse.

"A sick day? Scarlett, what's going on?"

"I need to think."

"What happened with Giovanni?"

Lie. "We fought. He stormed out... it wasn't pretty."

"Shit. Is there anything I can do? I can call Sasha–"

I pass her, shaking my head. "No, we'll just give him time to simmer down. He'll- He'll come around."

"Are you okay?"

I nod, smiling reassuringly. "Fine... I'll see you later."

...

Norman: Heard you took the rest of the day off. I really think it would be in your best interest to let someone else take Martinelli on, if only to preserve your own well-being. Stop by my office in the morning. We'll speak further on it.