Accardi by allison franklin novel

You Were My Favorite Hurt, And My Hardest Goodbye by Ava Knight 39 Summary At a tense brunch gathering, Matteo remains unusually silent and distant, frustrating Genevieve who resents being dragged into the meeting without explanation. The atmosphere is thick with unspoken tension, and Matteo's cold demeanor only fuels her irritation. When Matteo abruptly leaves the table, Genevieve confronts Leo about the purpose of the meeting, but he remains evasive. Matteo returns with a sharp warning that Lee's role is to protect her, not to offer advice, escalating the tension between them.

As they head toward the elevators, Genevieve insists on accompanying Matteo, but he forcefully steers her into a different elevator, leading to a charged and intimate encounter. Their passionate kiss quickly turns heated, with Matteo's touch becoming more possessive and urgent. Despite the intensity of the moment, the elevator arrives at the lobby, forcing them to pull back and compose themselves before stepping into the sunlight, where the tension between them remains palpable.

Outside, the argument between Genevieve and Matteo escalates as she accuses him of dragging her into dangerous business and questions his intentions regarding another woman named Maisy. Matteo insists his actions were meant to protect her, even if it meant involving her with unsavory characters. Genevieve's anger and confusion clash with Matteo's guarded explanations, highlighting the complicated dynamics of their relationship and the unresolved feelings simmering beneath their conflict.

As they arrive at their office, Matteo warns Genevieve that if she ever crosses a boundary like she did in the elevator, he won't be able to control himself, even in public. This stark warning leaves Genevieve shaken but silent, seeking some form of acknowledgment from him. The chapter ends with a charged moment as Genevieve enters the building, catching Matteo's challenging gaze from the lobby, signaling that their complicated connection is far from resolved.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Chapter Thirty-Nine The group gathered around the brunch table, exchanging polite but dull chatter about the weather, the snarled traffic of New York City, and the lavish estates everyone dreamed of retiring to someday. Matteo, however, remained unusually quiet throughout the meal, his gaze fixed straight ahead as if trying to block out the world around him. He barely glanced in her direction as he ate, absorbing the conversations but offering no input.

Genevieve felt her frustration mounting with every passing minute, fueled both by his cold demeanor and the way he had dragged her into this tedious meeting without explanation. By the time the meal ended, she was convinced that the tension simmering between them was palpable to everyone at the table. Matteo excused himself abruptly to use the restroom, leaving Genevieve standing alone in the hallway while the others descended via elevator.

She leaned against the wall, her foot tapping nervously as she shot a sharp glare across the hall at Leo, who did everything possible to avoid meeting her eyes. "Did you know what this meeting was really about?" she asked quietly. Leo shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Lee is paid to keep you out of harm's way, not to offer advice or act as a sounding board," Matteo said as he returned, his tone clipped. Genevieve turned to face him, her voice low but pointed. "And who's paid to keep you safe, Mr. Accardi?

Because I have a feeling trouble is headed your way." Matteo arched an eyebrow, then glanced at Leo, who pushed off the wall and sighed. "I'll meet you at the car," Leo muttered. "I'm coming with you," Genevieve declared, stepping toward the elevators. At the last second, Matteo grabbed her arm firmly and steered her toward the other elevator. "You're not getting out of this that easily," he hissed under his breath as she struggled to pull free. He shoved her into the elevator, causing her to stumble and catch herself on the railing.

Genevieve exhaled sharply, spinning around to face the closing doors. She lunged toward them, desperate to escape, but his arm snaked around her waist, yanking her back. Pressed against the wall as the doors slid shut, she felt the heat of his body, the tension in his grip. His palms were slick with sweat, his breath hot against her skin. Then his lips crashed onto hers, fierce and demanding. Her resistance melted instantly, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, responding to the groan he buried in her mouth.

The elevator chimed as it descended rapidly toward the lobby, each ding marking a rougher, more desperate movement. Matteo's mouth was relentless, biting and nipping at her exposed skin. His free hand slid beneath her skirt, revealing the softness of her thighs to the cool air. She gasped as she felt his fingers tighten on her flesh, a mischievous smile playing against her neck. His grip grew harder, his nails digging in. "Matteo," she gasped, voice trembling as the sting mixed with desire. "Tuck. Don't call me that now," he warned, voice low and rough.

"Matteo," she repeated, breath coming in short, ragged pants. "We're almost... at the... ah... lobby." "I'll hurry," he promised, stepping back and grabbing the fabric of her shirt. Buttons popped off as he yanked it open. She stared down at the torn blouse, then back up at him. His face was unreadable as his hands trembled slightly, caressing the white lace of her bustier beneath. Her eyelids fluttered closed at his delicate touch. "Were you thinking of wearing this?" he whispered against her collarbone before pressing a soft kiss there. She whimpered softly. "I haven't had a chance to...

do laundry," she confessed, sucking in a breath as his lips trailed up her neck. "I'd buy you a machine, but not if it means you hide this little number in the back of your dresser," he murmured, voice thick with something unspoken. "Matteo..." she began, but the elevator announced their arrival in the lobby. "Dammit, Gen," he groaned, stepping back to tug her shirt taut and tuck it neatly into her skirt. He shifted so she stood near the door while he leaned against the railing. The doors slid open, flooding the space with bright sunlight streaming through the lobby windows.

Thankfully, Leo and the others were nowhere in sight. Genevieve took unsteady steps toward the entrance, her mind clearing as the anger from the rooftop incident flared back to life. By the time she reached the sidewalk, she was seething again. She yanked open the passenger door and slid inside. "Leo, keys," Matteo ordered sharply. "You and Alexander can catch a ride with Frankie and Marco." "What?" Genevieve snapped, her fury boiling over. Leo tossed the keys to Matteo, who circled the car. Genevieve moved to get out, but Matteo's hand caught her wrist, pulling her back inside.

He reached around her, closing the door with a firm click. The engine roared to life as he peeled away, leaving no chance for her to throw herself out onto the pavement. Resigned, she crossed her arms and glared out the window. "Why are you the one who's upset?" Matteo growled. "You're the one who crossed the line you drew." "Me?!" she shot back, incredulous. "Yes, you. Or did I faint and imagine you grabbing my-" "It was an important meeting! You said so yourself! You were a sweaty, scared little mess. I had to do something.

You're the one who dragged me into business you promised to keep me out of!" Matteo scoffed, knuckles whitening on the steering wheel. "I involved you to keep you from getting involved." "What does that even mean?" "I can't tell you everything." "Then tell me something. Why was it so crucial for me to be there?" "I needed to protect you." "By seating me next to an Irish mafia boss?!" Matteo growled, "Do you think I wanted you sitting next to him?" "Maybe not as much as you wanted to sit next to Maisy. Is she your next conquest?

Tired of Bella, done waiting on me, so you're looking for a new hot piece of ass?" His eyes darkened, and he shot her a sharp glare. "Are you serious?" "Am I wrong?" she challenged. The car screeched to a halt outside their office. Genevieve moved to open the door, but Matteo's hand closed around her wrist before she could. She closed her eyes, refusing to look at him. Five people knew her real name. Five knew where she lived. Those same five knew about her safehouse. Only one had held her when she was breaking apart. One had brought her to her knees.

One had shattered her heart by walking away. Don't question your importance to me. Helping my cousins meant everything. O'Brien wanted my track, and until two days ago, I meant to say no. But things have changed. My track means nothing now. But you and your safety... Stating you are mine while he needed something from me was the best way I could protect you. I won't involve you again, Genevieve. But know this-if you ever touch me like that again in the elevator, I won't be able to stop myself. Not even if the whole damn office is watching. This is your only warning.

Genevieve kept her eyes closed, trying to steady her pounding heart. "I need some form of acknowledgment," she whispered. She gave two quick nods. Matteo released her wrist, and she yanked the car door open. Leo waited just outside, raising an eyebrow at the expression on her face. He bent down to give Matteo the same questioning look. Genevieve wasn't sure if Matteo revealed anything. Clenching her hand into a fist inside her blouse, she wondered what she would do with the rest of her day. She hurried into the building and asked the people in the elevator to hold it for her.

As the doors slowly slid closed, she caught sight of Matteo standing in the lobby, his eyes locking onto hers with an unspoken challenge. Conclusion The chapter closes on a simmering tension between Genevieve and Matteo, their emotions raw and tangled beneath the surface of their charged interactions. Despite the frustration and misunderstandings, there is an undeniable pull between them-a blend of anger, desire, and vulnerability that neither can fully resist.

Their shared history and the weight of their unspoken truths add layers of complexity to their connection, making every glance and gesture heavy with meaning. The delicate balance of power and passion between them hints at a fragile truce, one that could easily shatter or deepen depending on what lies ahead. In this moment, both characters stand at a crossroads, grappling with their fears and the invisible walls they've built around themselves.