Under Pressure [IAD Agency] (Siren Publishing Classic)

you out before you hurt her. There was a time when I was too late, but never again. You understand this, no?”
    Jason couldn’t help but respect the loyalty this man showed to Bella. “I protect what’s mine, and she is mine. She means everything to me.”
    Gio’s smile returned as he slapped Jason on the shoulder. “ Excellente. I see she does.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Class was over, and the men were busy gorging themselves with sweets as Bella watched them in absolute wonder. Man, she was going to have to recalculate quantity for the party if this snack was an indication to how much they ate.
    It was a shame Jenna hadn’t stuck around to chat with them, but Bella knew that Jenna was running from the Savage brothers. She had watched the byplay between the three of them with amusement. It was easy to recognize that while Rock and Adrian terrified Jenna, interest was there. Jenna had a hard time keeping her eyes off the two men, and Bella had caught her sneaking glances their way the whole day. The men had not been as circumvent with their interest. One or both of them had watched Jenna from the moment she had walked into the room that morning until Jenna had all but fled in panic with the last of the students. Little good it would do. If they decided to find her, they would sooner or later. Until then, Bella would do what she could to give Jenna the space she needed.
    “This is like heaven in my mouth.” Adrian sighed as he reached for another piece.
    Rock was studying her intensely, and she turned to him with a questioning look. “I’m just trying to figure out how you get all that hair in that hat.” He earned a laugh, and she reached out to squeeze his hand.
    Just like that, Jason mused. One look, one touch, and Bella captivated those around her. His men were goners, just like him. She was his joy, and it soothed his soul that his men respected and liked his woman.
    “Okay, seriously, guys, I was going to take some of this back for the others at home. Let me get a few pieces for Brett and your other friend.” At their combined stubborn expressions, Bella rolled her eyes. It seemed as if they weren’t going to stop until there was nothing left. “I promised!”
    They let her take a few pieces for Brett and the injured Lynx before taking over again, pulling the trays away from her protectively. When she told them she needed to take another piece for her brother, they pulled the trays further out of her reach.
    “I give up. You’re going to make yourselves sick.” All she got were grunts in reply as they continued eating. Resigned, she switched topics. “Gio, what are you doing in Chicago? Not that I’m not happy to see you, but I’m surprised.”
    “Your e-mail, tesoro . If il bastardo is looking for you, then I am here. My service, whatever you may need, is yours.” At Jason’s growl, Gio simply shrugged then with a wink added, “As a bonus I was very curious to meet this new man in your life. This fiancé of yours, he will do. It is obvious he loves you deeply, as he should.” Without pausing for breath, he switched subjects. “It is good you are back in the kitchen. Although I am distressed with you wasting your time teaching. You should be creating, si ? For the favored few, not for students. Now, for the real reason I am here, a proposition for you.”
    Bella rested her chin on her hands and raised an eyebrow. Jason was sitting next to her, and his hand stilled on her back where he had been rubbing at the mention of a proposition.
    Gio shot Jason a knowing smile before continuing. “I am considering moving here, to your fine city of wind and snow if you, my sweet Bella, will partner me in a new restaurant. Our restaurant. Bella Gio’s will be the premier ristorante in the city,” Gio said waving his hand in the air.
    Bella was shocked, a dreamy smile on her lips. Years ago they had joked about opening a restaurant together. Her smile disappeared as she remembered that things had changed. Too many things. Gio’s smile faded just as quickly and turned into a fierce frown.
    Before she could say a word, he was raging at her, passion lending strength to his rapid Italian. “ Do not even begin to give me that bullshit about your hand ! Your hands create excellence, you create excellence! None of that has changed. This was your dream, our dream ! You cannot let this stand in the way of a future, your future, our future ! Stop being so stubborn, woman !”
    “Gio, you know I would love