Sexting My Ex’s Dad (Forbidden Silver Foxes)

15. Elio

15

ELIO

T he slam of a file hitting the desk pulls me out of my thoughts. I look up to see Massimo’s stern face, his eyes not quite meeting mine. “Here’s the information you requested on Stella March, Elio.”

He has questions, I’m sure. I never ask for a report on anyone unless it’s for business. I like to know the kind of person that I’m dealing with, and, frankly, Stella March, is no different.

I should have done this a long time ago when she started dating my son.

“Thank you, Massimo.” My fingers absentmindedly trace the edge of the file. Part of me wonders if it’s wise to dig deeper into Stella’s life. But the hunger for answers wins out, and I open the file.

Stella March confuses me which isn’t a light thought for me. We sext every day, yet when I sent an email requesting her to schedule a time to meet with me: crickets.

What kind of game is she playing?

As I flip through the pages, I’m surprised by the depth of information Massimo managed to gather. Her struggles with Owen and her disabled brother Leo are laid bare before me, just as she’d claimed.

My son is an idiot.

“Owen,” I mutter under my breath, my heart twisting with disappointment at my son’s behavior. How could he abandon her like this?

I know I should’ve been a bigger part of his life, but how could he think this is okay? To take everything someone gives him and then just leave?

Especially to a girl like Stella.

“Is everything alright, Elio?” Massimo asks, eyeing me warily.

“Fine, just... processing,” I reply, continuing to scan the pages. The more I read, the more the curiosity grows, mingling with a hint of admiration for the strength she’s shown in caring for her brother Leo. It’s clear that her life has been far from easy, yet she’s never given up.

Regency. The name of the business catches my eye.

“Massimo, did you know Stella works at Regency?” I ask.

“Regency? The gentlemen’s club?” He raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Yes, it’s one of my establishments.”

“Transfer it under my name,” I say, without hesitation.

Massimo’s amusement fades, replaced with concern. “You’ve been very distracted lately, Elio. Are you sure you want to get involved with this girl? I don’t know that it would be a wise decision.”

As much as I want to dismiss his suggestion, the possibility lingers at the edge of my thoughts, making me uneasy. But there’s something about Stella that keeps pulling me in, a magnetic force that I can’t resist. She’s different from the women who usually throw themselves at me, and it’s driving me mad.

I’m a man who gets what he wants.

“Stay in your lane, Massimo,” I snap, a bit more harshly than intended. “And do as I ask you.”

I like Massimo, but he has this strange delusion that the two of us are equals – are friends. I don’t have friends, and I plan to keep it that way. He’s simply an acquaintance as far as labels go, and the last thing I need is his unwarranted concern.

He nods, clearly not convinced, but smart enough not to push the issue further. “Alright, Mr. Lombardi. If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure. Is there anything else we need to discuss right now?” I ask, eager to end this conversation.

“No.”

“Then, you’re dismissed.” As Massimo leaves, the door closes quietly behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Stella March. She’s, conveniently, waiting for me at Regency – all wrapped up like a little present.

I glance at the clock on the wall; a break won’t kill me.

I stride across the room and retrieve my keys from their resting place in the drawer. Then I type out a message to Stella.

Whether she’s ready or not, here I come.