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Chapter 23 - Chapter 23

Vittorio was analyzing some papers on his desk when the office door opened, allowing Ellis to enter, looking very different from the woman in red, but no less beautiful in his eyes. Vittorio was impressed by how her natural beauty could match that of the previous night.

"Mr. Amorielle," Ellis said, bringing Vittorio back from his thoughts.

"Yes, Miss Barker, what brings you here? Ah, I see, you couldn't stand to be away from me for a minute," Vittorio replied.

"In your dreams. I'm here for lunch with your mother," Ellis replied, making a face.

"Ah, of course," exclaimed Vittorio, pursing his lips. He returned to his papers and then said, "She must already be in the kitchen waiting for you."

"I also wanted to talk to you. I want you to withdraw those 20 thousand dollars from my account. I don't deserve it, I didn't fulfill my part of the deal, and I don't deserve your favor. Besides," Ellis said, releasing a sigh, "I would like to review some clauses of our contract."

"I don't think that's possible. You signed it yesterday, agreeing to all of them," explained Vittorio.

"I signed under duress," Ellis replied.

"Duress?" questioned Vittorio, getting up. "I asked you to read the contract to see if there was anything you disagreed with."

"As if I could refuse anything with a gun pointed at my brother's head," argued Ellis, her expression serious as she watched Vittorio approach her. She tried to ignore his cologne becoming stronger as he got closer, forcing herself to focus on the contract. "Anyway, there are some clauses that are completely disproportionate. I made some changes, but the contract is poorly drafted..."

"I disagree. I thought the contract was well-drafted. Besides, Alessio has always handled my family's contracts," explained Vittorio, causing Ellis to stare at him, her gaze filled with anger. Oh, those eyes that glowed with hatred made the mafioso wonder how they would be when filled with desire.

"Sure, I bet that's how you amassed a fortune of 32 billion," provoked Ellis. "Someone has to lose... and let it be the weaker one."

"Do you think I'm taking advantage of you?" asked Vittorio, seriously. Ellis' provocation had struck a nerve. No one had ever called him dishonest like that.

"Yes, I do," affirmed Ellis. She smiled and continued, "That's what disappointed me about you, Mr. Amorielle... You always wanted to appear fair in your actions. But I must say I'm not surprised. A man who's capable of stealing a parking spot is capable of anything."

Vittorio stared at Ellis for a few seconds and then took her hand, pulling her towards him. Their bodies pressed together, and Ellis tried not to look at Vittorio's mouth so close to her face. She could feel that he was about to kiss her, to the point that she closed her eyes and waited for the contact. But all she felt was the contract being pulled from her hands. When she opened her eyes, she noticed Vittorio had already distanced himself and was walking back to his chair, where the mafioso sat down.

"Let me see," Vittorio said, examining Ellis' notes. "You added zeros to most of them..."

"Yes, my kiss is worth no less than a thousand dollars," explained Ellis as Vittorio observed her.

"Undoubtedly the most expensive kiss in history."

"That's the price it's worth," affirmed Ellis, raising her arms.

"Prove it," challenged Vittorio, looking at Ellis.

"How?" asked Ellis.

"Well, Miss Barker, kiss me, and let's determine the price," said Vittorio.

"Really?" asked Ellis.

"You're the one who requested the exchange. I accept, but I need assurance that this is the right price," explained Vittorio.

"Okay... if you insist," said Ellis, still standing in the same place, nervous about what to do.

"I'm waiting, Miss Barker," said Vittorio, seated. "Do you want to kiss me here, or should I come over there?"

"No, I'll come to you," said Ellis, adjusting her hair. "I just need a minute."

"Alright."

She turned her back to him and then placed her hand over her mouth, taking a deep breath. Then she moved her hand to her nose, checking her breath. Ellis shook herself and then turned towards Vittorio, who was still seated, observing the scene. She approached slowly, while the mafioso turned his chair towards her.

Ellis stopped in front of Vittorio and then leaned her body slowly toward him, at the same time placing her hands on his shoulders, trying not to bite her lips. It was a simple gesture, but a whirlwind of thoughts ran through the young woman's mind. French kiss? What if his kiss isn't that good? What if he doesn't like her kiss? When was the last time she kissed someone? Does she still know how to kiss? What if their teeth clash?

"I'm waiting, Miss Barker," whispered Vittorio.

She closed her eyes and brought her face even closer to Vittorio's, who was eagerly anticipating the touch. She could already feel his breath on her lips... Now they just needed to make contact.

Then Vittorio pulled her onto his lap,

taking her lips in a passionate kiss. Barker's lips proved to be sweeter, softer, and warmer than Vittorio could have imagined. But what surprised him the most was that she didn't pull away even for a millimeter. He couldn't resist and opened his eyes, finding hers closed, as if completely absorbed in the moment. Especially when she wrapped her arms around the mafioso's neck.

"There you are!" exclaimed Antonietta, entering the office. "Am I interrupting?"

"Very much so..." muttered Vittorio, annoyed.

"No, not at all," said Ellis, jumping off Vittorio's lap. "We were just talking... making some adjustments for the wedding."

"Adjustments... I see," commented Antonietta, observing her son's disconcerted state. She smiled at Ellis and then approached. "I hope you're done already because we have lunch to prepare."

"Wow, isn't it too early?" asked Ellis, surprised, as she still felt the coffee in her stomach.

"Oh, my dear, a Zuppa all'omertà takes hours to be ready," explained Antonietta, holding onto her daughter-in-law's arm to lead her out of her son's office. "Come on, I already prepared everything in the kitchen..."

"Okay, I just need to know if what I asked you..." started Ellis, turning to Vittorio.

"Don't worry, I'll look into your request," said Vittorio to Ellis.

The two women left the room, leaving the mafioso lost in his thoughts, or rather, the memory of the kiss he had shared with Ellis. He automatically closed his eyes as he recalled her lips on his, how perfectly they fit... He could spend hours kissing Ellis Barker.

"Sir?" called Rocco from the door.

"What's wrong with all of you today? Why the hell isn't anyone knocking on the door?" asked

Vittorio, serious. "What do you want, Rocco?"

"Sorry for the interruption, but I was informed that a meeting is taking place at Wild Holdings Bank among the shareholders."

"What?"

"Apparently, one of the shareholders is unhappy with your acquisition of the bank and has decided to propose this meeting," informed Rocco. "According to Franco, the agenda of the meeting is to challenge the purchase. If he manages to gather the required amount, you'll have to undo the acquisition and therefore cease to be the owner of Wild."

"Who's the shareholder?" asked Vittorio, irritated, standing up.

"Tommaso Grecco."