Chereads / Escaping The CEO / Chapter 17 - Chapter 16 - past mistakes threatening the future

Chapter 17 - Chapter 16 - past mistakes threatening the future

Angelo

Forgiveness is a beautiful gift. I always used to think that I was not worthy of forgiveness; until my father said he forgave me for going out on that fateful night and told me he was thankful to God that I was alive. Being pardoned brings about a feeling of freedom , for the person giving the redemption and the person receiving. I had to learn to forgive myself first before I could accept that I had no control over what happened. I couldn't predict what was going to happen that night . Cleo knows one of my secrets. I have already told her that I love her and I mean it from the depth of my soul. Making love to her lights my body up in ways unimaginable.

I feel alive and she doesn't know that she owns me and has my heart . I don't want to cause her any hurt or put her through any heart ache or heartbreak. I'd rather hurt than see her cry. I know I have to tell her about what I did in the past. She will know I just need time.

Before I went to mass I stopped by the family therapist/ psychologist . I told her everything about Giovanni and Cleo . I aso told her about my Bella not knowing what I did in the past and having nightmares that she would leave me. I made it clear to her that I wasn't being dependent I really wanted Cleo she gets me . I knew my dream last night was triggered by keeping part of my past away from Cleo but she will understand. Like I said I think what we have is sure fire. I had a background check done on her and she is clean. Duncan's a distant family member from my maternal side .He too was hired by the "boss" with Paul and Nicolai to protect me. Talk about complicated and he broke the code by sleeping with my then wife. My dad was right all along ; I have to find a way to let go of Gio. By the time I was done with therapy I drove to the address Cleo sent me. I knew the Church I had been going to the same parish until my messy divorce . Cleo is good for me, my dad has asked me for days what she managed to do by just asking and a kissing my forehead.

She looked cute this morning with her Navy blue pencil skirt and white blouse . I understand why she couldn't work for me, but who ever is hiring her better not try keep her away from me. She's mine all mine . I've lived long enough to know what I want ... I pulled up into the first parking space and I spotted my dad's car and Paul's car.

I walked inside the Church as soon as the bell was rung by the priest for everyone to stand. I walked in and took a seat at the back .I could sense Cleo but I couldn't see her. Mass went as normal until holy communion. I saw him. He put his hand on the small of Cleo's back to make way for her. He calmly followed behind. I couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy pass through me. He was going to get a piece of me after mass. I didn't care about what the priest said about looking at things from a different perspective...When mass was over I headed straight for the confessional room and I was done ten minuets later.

When I stepped out the door I saw my father and my best friend talking. The guy who was sitting sitting next to Cleo was waiting by his car which was next to mine. He looked familiar ... Then it dawned on me Brendan. As I walked closer he saw me and gave me an envious look. I smiled at him and all I got was a blank stare.

" Hey Brendan ."

"Michelangelo. I guess congratulations are in order."

"For what? "

"You're Cleo's new guy ?"

"Thank you Brendan ."

"Hurt her in anyway and I will..."

" It won't happen ."

Brendan and I shook hands.

"Paul also likes her. So you have competition . She got the job as his PA and she really wanted the PR gig . She's not saying anything. "

"That bad?"

He took his hand back

"Yes and one if your exes ... Her name evades me but she used to be a teacher was playing mean . She's been quiet all morning. Get her to talk somehow. Take her out to lunch or..."

I was curious about what happened last Thursday and I cut him off.

"What did you do on Thursday?"

"Oh ice -cream and her favourite movie."

"Which is?"

"What's in it for me. You have access to that gentlemen's club , I've been there. I just never seem to get through to VIP ."

"I'll see what I can do Brendan."

"She has a collection just ask her. The movie will give you a clear indication of what happened."

"The ice cream flavor?"

" You're already eating it and judging by what she told me...

she's happy. You're very lucky."

Brendan opened his car and got in .

"I know . Bye Brew."

"See you . I will put in a word for you."

Brendan drove away and my eyes drifted to my dad's car that was leaving and Paul standing with Cleo . He had his hand on her shoulder, She had both her hands on her face shaking her head she did a quick swipe of her eyes wiping her face with the back of her palms . Paul pulled out a hanky and wiped her tears . I had the innate feeling that something happened at work today with Bella and what ever it was I needed to know . It rips me apart to see her upset. Paul gave her a hug and she hugged him back. I walked to where they were and Paul let her go wincing at me. Cleo still wasn't making eye contact with me. She hadn't taken her car and we'd both agreed to head back together . I gave Paul a look he knew too well.

"Cleo see you tomorrow morning. If what happened today still has you in doubt; then I promise you what Sophia did will not go unpunished.

She unprofessional. You're perfect for PR but you make an exceptionally great PA."

"Okay. Thank you. "

"Paul."

"Angelo . Take care we'll talk later . Goodbye Cleo. Massa ."

"Stone."

I placed my hand in Cleo's and walked her to my car . I opened the door for her , closes it , and slid in the cockpit and drove out . Cleo was quiet and nervous too , I knew that because she was clutching and releasing her pinky with her hand. I decided to drive her to my house. On the way to my man cave ...we got stuck in traffic . There was a thirty minuet delay and as much as I wanted my new girlfriend to talk I couldn't push her . An SUV stopped next to us and there was a kid who smiled at Cleo and she smiled back , the little boy pulled a funny face and Cleo laughed so hard she had her hand on her tummy.

"You're laughing that's a good sign."

She looked across and winced at me and went back to being quiet. Oh my word what happened today. My phone buzzed and I glanced at the screen and answered it .

"Sophia. What do you want ?"

"Is that anyway to greet your former lover , or is your new girlfriend with you ?"

" She has a name ... Cleopatra and I'm in love with her . Do not disrespect her ."

I could see Cleo getting uncomfortable and I didn't want her feeling awkward.

"We slept together , or doesn't your main squeeze know about your secret room? I'm working at Paul Stone PR department she's Paul's new PA and he likes her I hope he takes her away from you, or you lose her . You don't deserve her . I accidentally tripped her and she fell. I'm not sorry. I want you to worry about her safety. She's pretty tough, luckily Paul was there to save the day. "

"I'm warning you Sophia back off."

"Oh sorry I can't . Ruth and Nina don't like her neither do I . She's too innocent for you. You know what I told her . You're using her just for sex and that's it. When you get bored you'll go missing on her again. "

I pulled up into the street, opened my gate and drove into the garage .

"Stop it right now. Stay away from."

"Who Cleopatra? She's too intelligent to be a PA but I can start a rumour that she was Paul's one night stand.

"Good bye Sophie I'm warning you stay away."

Cleo unbuckled her seat belt and stepped outside the car I rushed to her side and gave her a hug.

She pulled back and cried.

"I didn't know how to tell you that your ex is attacking me."

"Did she hurt you ? "

"Yes . I'm fine. Paul wants to give me a day off."

"I'm sorry. "

I kissed her and she kissed me back .

"It's not your fault."

"I meant what I said . I love you."

"I believe you ."

Cleo smiled and I smiled back

" We need to talk about what I did at the club before I met you."

"Okay Blue. "

"I wanted to show you my other home ."

I led Cleo into the house and as soon as I opened the door I heard a gun click making Cleo freeze.

"What the hell are you doing in my house?"

" I thought Duncan was lying when he said you have a new girl. She wouldn't sleep with him and she knew what he was ... Well sort of ."

"No she's off limits .I expect you to follow the code ... Who sent you? "

"Guess ?"

TBC>>

© #KCMmuoe