Accardi by allison franklin novel

You Were My Favorite Hurt, And My Hardest Goodbye by Ava Knight 75 Summary Genevieve clings to Matteo as he navigates through a crowd, drawing curious and even hostile stares since he has never brought a woman with him before. Matteo asserts his authority, pushing through the crowd to reach the VIP section of the club, where Genevieve is instructed to wait with Leo while Matteo retreats to his office. The VIP area is exclusive and luxurious, with private alcoves and a smaller, finer bar overlooking the fighting ring below.

Genevieve feels the weight of Matteo's watchful eyes even from his tinted office window. While sitting with Leo, Genevieve orders a tequila, deviating from the vodka tonic Matteo once associated with her. Their light conversation hints at the tentative beginnings of their relationship, with Leo noting that Genevieve is already receiving more attention than any other woman Matteo has had. Suddenly, Mallory, an antagonistic figure, confronts Genevieve, mocking her presence in the VIP section and attacking her reputation by insinuating she only got there by sleeping with Matteo.

Genevieve stands her ground, trading sharp insults with Mallory and defending Leo fiercely when Mallory tries to provoke him. The verbal confrontation escalates as Genevieve challenges Mallory's background and criticizes her reliance on her father's influence. The tension culminates in Mallory slapping Genevieve, prompting a fierce physical fight between the two women. Despite attempts by others to separate them, Genevieve fights back relentlessly, determined to prove she can defend herself without Matteo or Leo's help.

The brawl ends with Genevieve being pulled away, still defiant and shouting about her powerful connections. Matteo asserts his dominance, acknowledging her association with him but not objecting to her loud declaration. The chapter closes with Genevieve's triumphant spirit intact, having stood up to her adversary and asserted her strength in a hostile environment. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Accardi Chapter Seventy-Five Genevieve gripped Matteo's arm firmly as he skillfully navigated them through the dense crowd.

Men and women instinctively stepped aside, their eyes flickering with curiosity as they glanced from her to Matteo. It dawned on her then-he had never brought a woman along like this before. She tightened her hold on his arm, catching his sharp gaze as he looked down at her. She smiled warmly, and he winked in return just before they reached a cluster of people gathered near a staircase. Genevieve tried to peer over their heads, eager to see what had everyone waiting. "Move," Matteo commanded quietly. The group ahead turned abruptly, gasping before reluctantly stepping aside.

The stares she received now felt less curious and more hostile, almost like silent warnings. Matteo gestured for her to go first, wrapping his arms protectively around her as they approached a man standing by a velvet rope, a sign above him reading 'VIP.' "Mr. Accardi," the man greeted, sneaking a quick glance at Genevieve. "John," Matteo replied with a sharp nod. "So, you finally brought her along, huh?" John said, nodding toward Genevieve. "Yeah. We'll be upstairs.

I want the VIP section tighter than ever tonight." "Got it, boss," John said, ushering them, along with Leo and Frankie, up the stairs. "Sorry, everyone else-no entry tonight. Find somewhere else to watch." The crowd grumbled, some muttering curses at John. "Oh, shove it. Most of you wouldn't have gotten in anyway!" Genevieve tuned out the disgruntled voices as she followed Matteo up the stairs. At the top, she noticed the VIP section wrapped around the entire club, a private enclave with thick curtains concealing intimate alcoves.

Tall tables and bar stools lined the railings, occupied by elegantly dressed men and stunning women, all watching the fights raging below. A smaller, more refined bar stood off to the side, offering a premium selection of liquor. "I'll be in my office," Matteo said, pointing toward a door. The tinted windows prevented her from seeing inside. "Once I'm done, I'll come get you," he promised, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "In the meantime, find a place to sit and keep Leo close. I shouldn't be long." "I'll manage," she assured him, letting her hand glide over his chest.

He caught her hand gently and placed a tender kiss on it. She smiled knowingly; this sudden gesture was his way of restraining himself from kissing her more passionately. "Let's go already. You two can fuck later," Frankie grumbled from behind. Matteo rolled his eyes, planting a soft kiss on her cheek before turning toward his office. Even with his back to her, she sensed the shift in his demeanor. His shoulders squared, his stride grew purposeful, and one hand slid into his pocket as he reached the door. He glanced back once more, his eyes sharp and all-encompassing.

She stifled a breath, caught off guard by the transformation between the man who had sat across from her all evening and the commanding figure now watching her with unwavering focus. He nodded once and slipped inside. - As Matteo disappeared behind the door, Genevieve exhaled deeply, the tension easing from her body. She turned and toyed nervously with the edge of her shawl, scanning the area for a suitable place to sit. "We can sit here," Leo suggested, extending his hand toward a nearby table that looked recently vacated. "That sounds perfect.

Thanks, Leo," she said gratefully as he helped her onto a high stool. From her vantage point, she had a clear view of Matteo's office windows. A familiar prickling sensation crawled up the back of her neck, a silent reminder that this spot was perfect for him to keep a watchful eye on her. She diverted her gaze to the action below. One fighter was being carried out of the ring, while the victor pumped his fists triumphantly into the air. "Vodka tonic," a petite woman said, seemingly producing the drink from thin air. Genevieve looked down at the glass, then caught the woman's eye.

The server nodded at Leo before turning away. "Actually, excuse me," Genevieve interrupted softly. The woman raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed at having to wait on the boss's woman. "Could I get a glass of tequila instead?" "Yeah, whatever," the woman replied, taking back the vodka tonic without enthusiasm. Leo raised a brow at her. "He said you usually drink vodka tonics." Genevieve smiled, a light laugh escaping her lips. "That's what I ordered the first time I met him. I did a lot of things that night that weren't really me," she admitted with a playful grin.

"So, I'm guessing things are going well between you two?" Leo asked, genuine curiosity in his tone. She shrugged, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Too soon to say. We're still on our first date," she teased, winking. Leo grinned. "That's more than any other woman's ever gotten." "Thanks," she said, appreciating the small compliment. Just then, a glass of tequila appeared in front of her. She smiled down at the amber liquid, but before she could take a sip, someone bumped her shoulder hard, sending the drink spilling across the table.

Leo didn't flinch as the liquid dripped onto his lap, his eyes narrowing on the culprit, ready to intervene if necessary. "Well, well, well," came the most irritatingly nasal voice imaginable. "Look who's finally important enough for the VIP section," Mallory sneered as she stepped around so that Leo was behind her, giving Genevieve a venomous glare. "You're like a fungus that just won't go away." Genevieve's lips curled into a sharp smile. "Sorry you're dealing with fungal issues, Mallory. I'd suggest some cream, but I'm no expert in that department," she shot back.

Mallory's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What'd you do to get yourself a ticket upstairs?" "You know exactly what I did." "That's right... fucked your boss," Mallory spat loudly, drawing the attention of nearby onlookers. "I sure did," Genevieve leaned in, voice low and confident. "Repeatedly." Mallory scoffed, narrowing her eyes further. "That was months ago, sweetheart." "Actually, it was about three hours ago. Want to see proof?" Genevieve challenged. "Slut," Mallory hissed. "That's the best you've got?" Genevieve snickered, lifting the glass and sipping the last of her tequila.

"Your insults are so high school. Not that I'm surprised-that's clearly when you peaked." Leo almost spit out his beer, and Mallory shot him a frosty glare. "Why don't you stay out of this, Leo? Don't you have a new role as a shooting practice target somewhere?" Mallory snapped. Leo's eyes narrowed to slits, his entire body stiffening. People nearby discreetly edged away from the intimidating figure. Mallory just rolled her eyes. Genevieve stood abruptly, facing Mallory, who was only a few inches taller in her heels. "Watch your fucking mouth," Genevieve warned coldly.

"You can throw shade all you want-I actually encourage it. Keeps my wit sharp. But don't you dare say another word to the man who saved my life, or I'll end yours." Oblivious to the growing crowd around them, Mallory crossed her arms, equally focused on their confrontation. "What are you going to do, cupcake? Audit me?" she taunted. Genevieve smirked, glancing down at the ring where two men shook hands. "What would I audit? You only ever spend your daddy's money," she retorted sharply. The crowd around them murmured in approval. Mallory's face flushed red.

"I work at the same company you do, bitch. Only I didn't have to screw my boss to get here." Genevieve's eyes flashed. "Right, just had your daddy make a phone call. Even if my skills in the bedroom helped me more than my actual work, at least I earned it myself instead of riding someone else's coattails. By the way, shaming someone for having a healthy sex life and using it to their advantage is pretty outdated. Just because it doesn't work for you..." Mallory slapped her hard across the face. The crowd gasped. Genevieve kept her head down, hearing the scrape of Leo's chair as he stood.

Then she laughed, a clear, ringing sound that only grew louder as she looked up at Mallory's furious, flushed face. "Do you want to know why I really didn't want to give you my mother's ring, Mallory?" Genevieve asked softly. "Because you'd never be able to afford jewelry of your own?" Mallory guessed, tone clipped. Genevieve clenched her right fist. "No. Because it's always served me well." Mallory's brow furrowed in confusion. The bell rang from the ring below. Without hesitation, Genevieve drove her fist into Mallory's nose. The crowd gasawed again.

- Mallory stumbled backward, clutching her bleeding nose while Genevieve shook out her fist. She glanced at Leo with a triumphant smile, though his expression was one of shock. She shrugged, just as Mallory lunged at her waist, tackling her to the ground. The two women hit the floor hard. Mallory began slapping Genevieve, which only made her laugh harder. Wrapping her leg around Mallory's waist, Genevieve grunted as she shoved her off. She swung her fist again, the opal ring gleaming as it scraped across Mallory's cheek.

Mallory weakly tried to block the blows or shift her weight, but Genevieve was immovable. She was done being pushed around, done being underestimated. Exhausted emotionally and physically, she was ready to prove she could fight her own battles without Matteo or Leo's help. People tried to pull her off the weaker woman beneath her, but each time Genevieve broke free, coming back for more. Then two strong hands gripped her waist, lifting her up. She smiled victoriously at the bloody mess left behind. She kicked out as the person pulled her away from the crowd.

Louis appeared suddenly from behind, rushing to his sister's side, shaking his head as he assessed the damage. "I told you to tell her to stay the fuck away from me, Louis! Let go of me!" Genevieve shouted at whoever was holding her. "Do you have any idea who I'm here with?!" "I know exactly who you belong to, Weakness," Matteo growled, his voice low and dangerous. "But if you want to scream it so everyone hears, I won't stop you." Conclusion This chapter captures the fierce intensity of Genevieve's journey toward asserting her strength and claiming her place beside Matteo.

Despite the hostile glare of the crowd and Mallory's venomous provocations, Genevieve stands unflinching, her wit sharp and her resolve unbreakable. Her defiant laughter and physical retaliation reveal a woman who refuses to be diminished or defined by others' judgments, embracing both her vulnerabilities and her power. The raw emotions simmer beneath the surface, highlighting the complex dance of love, loyalty, and self-respect that underpins her relationship with Matteo.

In the charged atmosphere of the VIP section, Genevieve's boldness challenges the status quo and the whispered doubts around her, proving that she is no longer the passive observer but an active participant in this world. Matteo's protective presence and unwavering claim over her underscore the depth of their connection, even as she fights her own battles. This chapter leaves us with a poignant reminder that love is as much about standing tall through the storms as it is about shared tenderness, and that sometimes the hardest goodbyes are those we refuse to say to ourselves.