Taming Ricardo, The Italian Billionaire

Allegra threw her hands up. “So that’s why you called me asking about a Richard Bianchi.”

“Yes. His name was on the letter that Deborah Griggs received. I assume he’s in charge of the whole project.” Kyra lowered her voice. “What a jerk. Has he no consideration, no compassion for those less fortunate? He’s probably some old man, sitting in his castle, smoking Cuban cigars and laughing at all the little people he steps on every day.”

Allegra giggled. “I’ve never seen you this upset.” She shook her head. “Is that what you’re stressed about? It doesn’t make any sense you torture yourself, Kyra. You can’t do anything to stop the renovations.”

“Well, I know that. I’m angry but that’s not why I’ve been so tense. I kind of called Richard Bianchi and let him have it. I may have thrown a few insults his way.”

Allegra’s eyes widened. “You may have?”

Kyra shut her eyes and groaned. “Okay, I did insult him, with rather colorful language. I was under the influence, I swear. I made the call after a few glasses of wine. Okay, an entire bottle. I didn’t get him, of course. I left a voice message, which I’m sure he must have heard and is probably plotting to destroy me. What if he calls Steve? I’m going to lose my job. I don’t stand a chance against some rich, big shot. One word from him and I’m done for.”

Holding up both hands, Allegra said, “Hold on now. I think you’re making more of a big deal about this than it really is. You telling off the rich old man is funny as hell. God, I wish I could have been a fly on the wall watching him listen to that message. I doubt you have anything to worry about, though.”

“I gave him my name and where I work, Allegra. He’s going to get me fired. Men like him have delicate egos.”

Allegra laughed, resulting in a scathing glance from Kyra. She quickly sobered. “I’m sorry, honey. I really thing you should relax.”

“Easy for you to say.” Kyra glanced at the clock above the exit. “It’s almost five. I’m going to get the hell out of here before Ricardo Bianchi calls the office or something.”

“Oh, my God. So this is what it takes to get you to leave early. Let me gather my things. I’m leaving with you.”

Kyra nodded and started cleaning up her desk. A slight commotion at the door caught her attention. An immaculately dressed man stepped into the office and stopped one of the staff who was passing. She couldn’t hear the exchanged words but the woman pointed toward Steve, their boss’s door. Initially, she wasn’t interested in who the stranger was until she took a second look at him. She blinked, just as awed as every woman in the office appeared to be. As he advanced further inside and toward Steve’s office, Kyra’s eyes remained on him.

Clearly, he was wealthy, evidenced by his attire and the Rolex gracing his left wrist. His stride was confident, his posture exuding power. He was good-looking and had a Mediterranean thing going, but before she could study him more, he entered Steve’s office. “Hmmm, must be one of Steve’s rich donors,” she murmured. Her boss had many wealthy friends and headed several charities.

She returned her mind to clearing her desk so she could vacate her cubicle as soon as possible. She glanced at the clock again. It was five minutes to five. “Yes.” She grabbed her handbag and looked toward Allegra’s desk anxiously. To her annoyance, Allegra was with a group of their co-workers whispering and giggling. Conversing about the handsome arrival, no doubt. Kyra let out an irritated sigh and waved Allegra over.

With a dramatic roll of her eyes, Allegra pulled herself away from the group and made her way over. “Do you really want to leave after seeing who just walked in? Aren’t you curious as to what he’s doing here?”

“What, you know him? Is he a celebrity or something?”

Allegra shrugged “I have no idea who the man is but he is gorgeous. Isn’t he?”

“I didn’t really get a good look. Are you ready?” Kyra glanced at Steve’s door. “Let’s go before Steve gets a call from Richard Bianchi. I’m surprised he hasn’t called yet.”

Allegra let out a sigh. “Fine.”

As they walked toward the door, with Kyra marching briskly ahead, her name echoed. “Kyra! Just a minute.”

She froze. Damn! Turning slowly, she pasted on a smile. “Yes, sir?” She eyed her boss warily.

Allegra froze beside her. “Oh, shit. I think you really are in trouble.”

“Kyra, I need you in my office. You have a visitor.”

“Huh?” Her mouth fell open but she quickly snapped it shut? “I-I do? But the only person…” She stopped. The only visitor to arrive was the hot Mediterranean man. What could he possibly want to see her for? She gave Steve a fleeting glance from beneath her lashes. He didn’t look upset so Mr. Bianchi hadn’t called. She let out a breath and turned to Allegra. “Give me a few minutes.”

“What’s this about?” Allegra asked looking from her to the Steve’s office. “Why would he want to see you?”

Kyra frowned. There was a hint of envy in Allegra’s tone but she was sure she must be mistaken. She didn’t have time to analyze Allegra’s tone or expression any further. “Uh, I haven’t a clue. Like you, I don’t know the man. Maybe he knows one of my clients.” She followed Steve.

“Kyra, it’s a good thing I caught you before you left. You never leave early. Is everything alright?”

She gave her boss a slight smile. “Everything is fine, Steve.” It sure was, knowing that she wasn’t about to lose her job. “I’m just extra tired today. So who is the gentleman that wants to see me? I don’t think we’ve ever met.”

“He says his name is Ricardo Bianchi,” Steve responded as he pushed his door open.

“What?” Before Kyra could say anything else, she was looking into a pair of gray eyes. At first, they looked cold, until the gray orbs moved over her from head to toe, slowly.  That was when she glimpsed the fire in the gray depth. Richard Bianchi? That was him? He was nothing like she had imagined. He was definitely not an old, balding, burly man. A lock of black, shiny hair fell over a prominent forehead above hooded eyes. His hair was a bit too long but it looked good on him. His angular jaw screamed masculinity and his mouth promised sensuality. He was tall and gorgeous. And his heated stare could only mean one thing. Anger. Well, two things. He was angry and she was totally screwed.

“S-Steve, I can explain. Please don’t fire me.”

Steve sent her a confused look. “Fire you? Why would I do that? You’re one of the organization’s best workers.” He paused. “Are you alright, Kyra?”

Kyra swallowed. “I- yes, I’m fine.”

Steve didn’t look convinced but turned to Ricardo. “Mr. Bianchi, here she is, Kyra Fisher. Kyra, this is Ricardo Bianchi, he requested to meet with you.”

All Kyra could do was gape at Ricardo. Seconds later, she came to her senses. “Er, hello, Mr. Bianchi.”

“Ricardo, please.”

She stared dumbly at the hand he extended before finally slipping hers into it. His large hand engulfed hers and a sensation she wasn’t familiar with shot up her arm and seemed to spread to her entire body. All of a sudden she felt too warm. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kyra Fisher.”