Chairman of the Board
Aurora’s POV
“Gio, am I dressed appropriately to meet with your father? I feel like I’m dressed for a meeting with a CEO.” I ask as I check my appearance in the mirrors of the elevator. He snakes his arms around my waits from behind and leans his chin on my shoulder; with his pantie dropping smile.
“Baby Girl, you are meeting the CEO. ” he laughs.
It's been awhile since I've seen my future father-in. Between the move, and selling my house we've been too busy for a visit. City life has taken some getting used to as well. I'm so used to just jumping in my car to go somewhere real quick if I'm doing an errand, and it's not like that in Manhattan. There isn't always a quick place to park your car right outside of a store. But if that's the only draw back to living in the gorgeous apartment with my gorgeous man, I think I can deal with it.
“Nobody likes a wise ass.” I pout. “I’m sorry, I’m just nervous.” I look down at my gold heels and bite my bottom lip. I chose a classic cream colored Faux wrap dress. It has a deep V neck line, but has long sleeve so I don’t feel totally naked.
“Why, you’ve met my father before. Not like its the first time.” He steps to the side, fixing his collar in the mirror. His black on black fitted suit hugs him in all the right place. And not a single hair on his head is out of place. Pure perfection.
“But that was at his house, for a casual dinner. This is in his office, and I’ll be working for your family now.”
“It’s not an interview baby. You already have the job. As my assistant and future wife.” He pulls me to him.
He’s smiling so big today. He dips his head to give me a soft peck on my lips.
He knows not to mess up my lip stick.
DING!
He releases me from his hold and grabs my hand. As the elevator doors open, he pulls me along with him.
Walking through the hall to Mr. Marino’s office I watch the transformation next to me as he changes from my Gio to the Mafias Giovanni. His shoulders square, his spine perfectly straight pushing his chest out. His facial expression gives nothing away. He’s all business. And instead of holding my hand, his hand just rests on my lower back to guide me.
He’s so freakin sexy.
We come to a reception area. Behind the blondes desk is a huge mahogany door that leads into Mr. Marino’s office.
The Blonde acknowledges us. "You can go in, Mr. and Mrs. Marino, he’s waiting for you."
Gio doesn't correct her, he simply nods and guides me through the door.
“There she is! Bambina! How are you!” He kisses both cheeks and wraps me in a tight hug.
He pulls away, with my hands in his and holds them out to our sides to take in my outfit,
"You look beautiful!” He boasts, causing a blush to rise on my cheeks.
“Thank you so much, Mr. Marino. You are looking very handsome yourself.” He waves me off like I’m crazy.
Holding on to my elbow he guides me to the dark brown leather sofa.
“Come, Bambina. Sit.” I do as he says crossing my legs to get comfortable.
Gio sits down next to me resting his arm on the back of the couch behind me. Mr. Marino takes a seat on the over stuffed leather arm chair across from us.
“I’m so happy you’ve both decided to come work here.”
For a mafia Don he’s very bubbly. I’ve never seen him any other way.
“I must admit Aurora, you intrigue me.” His face darkens a bit with his confession. I swallow around the lump in my throat before I speak.
“How so Sir?” I clasp my hands together in my lap to cover up the shaking that has started. Gio, who misses nothing rubs my back to calm my nerves.
“I’ve only met one other woman who was so accepting of what we do as quickly as you. And do you know what I did with her?”
I shake my head, too afraid that my voice will betray me.
A corner of his mouth turns up into half of a smile, “I married her!” He laughs and slaps his knee.
I release the breath caught in my throat and can now laugh along with him.
“Jesus, Mr. Marino. You had me worried for a second there.” I bring my hand to my chest as if that could calm my racing heart.
His laughing stops as he sits back in his chair and crosses his legs. “Make no mistake Aurora, I am a monster. But you have no reason to fear me. I know the person you are in your heart. That is why you are here.” He stands and walks to his mini bar grabbing three glasses. “I’m good at reading people and situations,” he picks up his crystal bottle containing scotch and begins to pour. “And I was able to see the love between you and my Giovanni.” He walks back to give Gio and I each a glass before going back for his own and returning to his seat. “It’s the same love and loyalty I share with my wife.”
Gio takes his arm from around my back to take my hand, intertwining our fingers and kisses my hand before resting it on his thigh. I look up at him and the amount of love that pours from his eye is immeasurable.
A knock sounds from the big mahogany door ending our little moment and Mr. Marino turns his head towards the door, “Enter.”
The door opens as I place my scotch down on the glass table in front of me. When I look up an Italian God is walking in. Holy moley! Tanned skin, black hair, dark brown eyes, his face and body chiseled by the Gods themselves. His black suit is tailored to perfection. His white dress shirt has the top three button undone to reveal his chest and gold cross.
Do all the men in this mafia look like this?
“Nico! Come! Meet my future Daughter in law!”
When Mr. Marino stands, Gio and I follow suit.
Gio steps forward with a huge smile on his face.
“Bro, what’s going on?” Gio says, pulling Nico into a bro-hug.
Obviously they are close.
“Nothing much, Gi. I see you have been busy!”
Gio laughs standing aside. The look of pride on his face when he turns back to introduce me makes me blush.
“Nico, this is my Fiancé, Aurora. Aurora, this is my best friend, Nico Franzese”.
“Aurora.” my name slips from his mouth so smooth. He bends down to kiss both cheeks before pulling me into a hug. “Very nice to meet you.” When he steps back he holds my hand, raising it to the side to take me all in and turns looking to Gio. “E fuori dalla tua portata, amico mio.” He smirks at Gio.
Did he just tell him I’m out of his league??
I start to laugh and they all turn to look at me.
Nico looks at me with a raised brow, “Do you know what I said to him?”
I squeeze his hand and smile. "I have to agree, I am out of his league.” I give him a wink when his jaw drops.
Gio's smile widens and he pulls me from Nico’s grasp. He spins me around holding my back to his chest.
“I know bro, she’s fucking perfect and she’s all mine” I giggle as he kisses my neck.
Mr. Marino’s face goes from shock to mischievous, as his smile grows. “She’s our devil in disguise.”
