Chapter 2 A Dinner Invite

• Allegra Turano
• “Mario, how can I help you?” The minute I say his name Leo snaps his head from the TV. Growling his total displeasure at Mario phoning, I frowned at him and placed a hand over the receiver “What?” He just huffs and storms from the room. Returning my attention back to the phone call. “Sorry, Mario, what can I do for you?”
• “I just heard about your warehouse, I thought I would reach out to see if I can do anything to help?” Anything to help? What a strange thing to say. “Everything is under control, thank you for the offer” As I go to hang up he speaks “Would you like to have dinner tonight with me? Allegra” The way he says my name with his accent has my brain going blank and my panties getting damp. “Allegra” Shit, focus Allegra.
• “Sorry, yes of course forward me the details” He pauses for a moment “I'll collect you myself, are you staying at the Turano mansion?” “No, I have a penthouse in downtown” I say wondering why he wants to go to dinner now? “Send me the address, I’ll be there at eight” He hangs up and I just stare at my phone. “What did he want?” Leo says pulling me from my thoughts.
• “He asked me to dinner tonight” Leo scoffs “Please tell me you said no?” I just look at him, what is wrong with him this morning? Maybe lack of sleep. “He is picking me up at eight” He looks as though someone just slapped him. “What?” I snap, he shakes his head “You know for a strong intelligent woman Allegra, you sure as hell can be stupid” He growls at me before stomping out the room, leaving me confused and fuming.
• I spent the rest of the morning and half the early afternoon dealing with the aftermath of the warehouse fire. By the time I leave to go home to get ready Leo is waiting in reception for me, still giving me the cold shoulder he gives me one word answers to anything I ask him. Leo and I have been by each other's side for ten years and never has he acted like this, I wonder what the heck has gotten into him or why Mario rubs him up the wrong way.
• By the time the buzzer goes at eight on the dot, I have showered and stand looking in the mirror, I pull my auburn hair into a loose updo and have on a navy fitted dress that finishes just above the knee. My nude heels and bag match, I look tired but this will do it’s not like it’s a date.
• Leo looks me up and down, shakes his head and goes back into his room. I don’t know why but his reaction hurts, the way he looked at me before turning away hurt. Stepping into the elevator that leads to the lobby down stairs, my mind is stuck on Leo and his odd behaviour. The minute the door opens Mario stands looking like he was a Roman God, Fuck!
• Standing around the same height as Leo with black dress trousers and a charcoal grey dress shirt, with the top three buttons open with a gold chain. “Allegra, you look beautiful” He says, offering me his arm with an easy smile on his stupidly handsome face. Linking my arm with his we head out to his waiting black and chrome Maserati. It doesn’t take long before we pull up at the Thorntree, a restaurant I know is owned by his family.
• We head to the top floor, the staff bowing and greeting Mario as we make our way to what I realise is an empty room. He pulls out my seat for me and I sit, I feel on high alert after Leo's words keep playing over, was I stupid for accepting his dinner invitation. “Why is this floor empty?” I ask, he smiles his charming smile showing a set of dimples and pure white teeth.
• “Are you nervous? Little Allegra” He almost purrs as he runs his eyes over me, I keep my face stoic as I raise a brow and cross my arms, a move that screams Really! He just starts to laugh, “Relax, I just thought we could get to know each other a little without prying eyes” I accept the glass of white wine he offers me as he sits back looking sexy as hell.
• “Okay, Mario tell me why you wanted to get me on my own?” He smirks at this “Maybe it is right what they say about you” I frown at this, who the fuck are they? “Do tell?” I say as I sip my wine. Leaning forward into my space examining my face, Mario narrows his eyes at me. “Tell me Allegra, Is it true you have refused many offers of marriage? Not only that, not even dated since you took over?”
• I study him for a second, what has my love life got to do with him? Absolutely nothing, that's what. “I do not need nor do I want a man. Do you think I am stupid? They do not want me, they want my empire, and it will be a cold day in Hell before I allow a man to take over my business” He looks shocked for a split second before he recovers quickly, putting his easy going smirk back in place.
• “You're a very guarded woman, Allegra. Talking of, where on earth did you find your guard dog?” He laughs, clearly meaning Leo. “Leo is a good friend, he works for me too. We have actually been friends for a long time” I say with an edge to my voice, not liking his mocking tone or the jab at Leo. He holds his hands up “I apologise, It is good to be surrounded by people you can trust” I narrow my eyes at him, I don't much care for his tone.
• Leo and I may be at odds but I won’t allow anyone to talk shit about my best friend.