Taming Ricardo, The Italian Billionaire

Chapter 7

Ricardo stepped out of the bathroom with a broad smile. “Did you want me to hold on to this?” His smile fell and he quickly shoved Kyra’s underwear back into his pocket. “Alfio, what the hell are you doing in here? Where’s-“

“The hot piece of ass that literally sprinted out of here?”

Ricardo’s jaws clenched. She ran? Dannazione! Damn! The woman was always slipping through his fingers. Hurt laced through him. Why would she leave without a word? “Call her a piece of ass one more time and I will hurt you, little brother.” 

Alfio held up both hands. “Whoa, defensive much. Sorry, man. Who is she anyway?”

“Kyra Fisher.”

“That name sounds familiar.”

“She’s the social worker who’s-“

“You have got to be kidding me! What was she doing here? Was she giving you a hard time about our business because I can shut her up.”

In a flash, Ricardo had his brother by the collar. Rage swirled inside of him. “Are you threatening her, Alfio?”

Alarm flashed in Alfio’s eyes. He’d never seen his brother react so strongly to anything. “I-I didn’t mean-“

“If you’re thinking of trying anything, think again. I will forget that we are family and break your fu*king neck, Alfio.”

Alfio pushed Ricardo away from him. “Jesus! What has gotten into you? I wasn’t planning on harming the woman. I simply meant that I could talk to her.”

Ricardo shoved a hand through his hair and took several deep breaths. “I, uh…I’m sorry. I lost my temper.” Alfio was eyeing him as if he’s suddenly sprouted another head. He had every right to look at him strangely. Ricardo prided himself on remaining cool and level-headed. He didn’t know what had just possessed him. Perhaps it was frustration and his confusion, regarding Kyra that had him so wound up. What had the woman done to him? And how dare she leave after they’d almost-

Fu*k. It just dawned on him that he’d nearly ravished her on his desk and they barely knew each other. He’d probably scared her away for Christ’s sake. There was no mistaking the shyness or the innocence that she exuded. He should have known better, exercised more self-control. He would have to find some way to make things right.

“Why are you here, Alfio?”

His brother eyed him suspiciously. “You’re not going to pounce on me again, are you?”

Rolling his eyes, Ricardo shook his head. “If you refrain from sprouting foolishness I won’t.”

“I’m here to discuss business, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

Ricardo gave a nod and walked around his desk to sit. “Let’s hear it.”

“Mario and I managed to speed things up.”

“What are you talking about?”

With glee shining in his eyes, Alfio said, “Well, we threw your name around a bit and got the necessary people to agree to cutting out the waiting time down. Instead of giving the residents of the tower block downtown three weeks, they have to evacuate a week earlier. We can start demolition as soon as they’re out.”

“Damn it! Why would you do something like that? And without my permission. Call whoever you spoke to and change it. Now.”

Confusion flickered across Alfio’s face. “Wait. What? I thought-“

“Three weeks, Alfio. That was the agreement. We can at least give those people that small courtesy.”

“Since when are you concerned about those people? Look, we gave them notice. That place is falling apart. The damn building is barely inhabitable, anyway. We’re doing them a favor by running them out.”

Ricardo had a flash of the disdain that would be on Kyra’s face when she looked at him. He couldn’t have her hate him. She cared about those people and he found that he didn’t want to disappoint her any more than he already had. “I’m concerned about those residents since I realized that they are being treated unfairly.” It had taken Kyra to help him see that. “Three weeks to relocate is near impossible for most of them. Sure the building isn’t in good condition but they should have gotten more time.” Kyra’s words rang in his ears. “We’re disrupting people’s lives. The least we could have done was give them more time. So, call whoever you spoke to and tell them that we’re not making any moves until the initial agreed date.” He had a different plan but he wouldn’t tell Alfio until it was solidified.

Alfio’s mouth hung open as he stared at his brother with outrage. “She got to you, didn’t she? That social worker fed you a bunch of sob stories and got to you.”

“It’s called having a damn conscience, Alfio. Perhaps you should try it. And I remember that I grew up in similar condition to those people. If you don’t make that call, I’m out. I mean it.”

“Unbelievable,” Alfio muttered, fishing his cell phone from his pocket. “I thought you would be thrilled. I mean, the sooner we get shit done, the sooner we start profiting.”

“It’s not always about money.”

“Easy for you to say. You’re already rich.”

“Alfio,” Ricardo growled in warning.

“Alright, alright. I’ll make the damn call.”

Alfio rose and stormed out of the office. Letting out a tired sigh, Ricardo leaned back in his chair. Since the night he’d visited Kyra and she’d let him have it, he’d been ridden with guilt. She was right in thinking he was no good. What had he been thinking, giving so many people three weeks to leave their homes?

He glanced at his watch. It was later than he’d realized. Getting up, he found his secretary squinting at her computer screen. “Marissa.”

She jumped. “Mr. Bianchi. I didn’t hear your door open.”

She looked ready to jump out of her skin, which annoyed Ricardo. He wanted a capable assistant, not a silly girl who scared easily and batter her eyelashes every time he spoke.

“I’m sorry I startled you. You should go home. It’s getting late.”

“Oh, I’m not finished updating your schedule and I have-“

“It’s okay, go home. I’m on my way out.”

Her face fell. She no doubt wanted a repeat of the night last week when he’d had her stay late and offered to carry her home. She had gazed at him like a love-sick kitten the entire drive.

“Sure, sir.”

“Have a good night, Marissa.” He wheeled around and went back into his office. He didn’t catch the longing look she wore as he walked away. He had one thing on his mind at the moment. Or one person rather. Kyra. He had to see her, to apologize for behaving like a horny teenager.

Nearly two hours later after making a few calls and reviewing a stack of paperwork, he decided that he had given Kyra enough time. Ricardo left the office and strolled to the parking lot where his driver was waiting. Sliding into the car, he reminded Anthony of Kyra’s address. He had no idea if she was home or not. He glanced at his phone tempted to call her. But if she was upset with him, she would probably ignore his call. It was best to surprise her.