Accardi by allison franklin novel

You Were My Favorite Hurt, And My Hardest Goodbye by Ava Knight 77 Summary Matteo is preoccupied after a meeting with Luca Guerra, a mysterious man whose sudden rise in power and unknown background unsettles him. Despite Luca's apparent success in Los Angeles, Matteo suspects something is off, especially since no records exist of Luca before two years ago. Genevieve, attentive and supportive, encourages Matteo to investigate further, suggesting he check police databases given the suspicious circumstances surrounding Luca's rapid dominance and the downfall of his competitors.

Their conversation shifts from suspicion to intimacy as Matteo and Genevieve share a tender moment, highlighting their deep connection and Matteo's protective affection for her. Matteo teases Genevieve about being his bodyguard and jokes about her being too beautiful to be a spy, which brings lightness to the tension. They leave the office together, and Matteo's plan to uncover the truth begins as they head home, strengthening their bond through playful and romantic gestures.

Back at their apartment, Matteo and Genevieve engage in a passionate and heartfelt exchange, with Matteo expressing his enduring love and commitment despite past doubts. Their kiss is intense and filled with longing, symbolizing a rekindling of their relationship. Genevieve's playful insistence on maintaining some distance on their "first date" adds charm and depth to their interaction. The chapter ends with Genevieve surprising Matteo by returning to his door, leading to a passionate reunion that contrasts with the earlier tenderness.

This moment underscores the complexity of their relationship-full of desire, affection, and unspoken promises-while Matteo remains haunted by the uncertainty surrounding Luca Guerra and the challenges ahead. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Matteo didn't catch what Genevieve had just asked him. His hands moved almost automatically, discarding the bandage wrappings, but his thoughts were still tangled up in the meeting he had just left. There was something about Luca Guerra that unsettled him deeply. Matteo had never been more certain about anything in his life.

Guerra was young-probably in his early twenties-but that alone wasn't unusual. He definitely looked Italian, but his accent felt exaggerated, like a mask. What really threw Matteo off was the way Luca's eyes scanned the room, as if every glance was a calculated move in a game Matteo was supposed to be winning, something to be studied and filed away for future advantage. A hand rested lightly on Matteo's back, and he exhaled a long, weary breath. Turning around, he found Genevieve looking up at him, worry creasing her forehead.

His gaze dropped to her knuckles, wrapped in bandages, and he suppressed a groan. The image of her in the fight with Mallory-fierce, untamed, relentless-was much more appealing. He smirked, recalling it was Frankie who had drawn his attention to the scuffle. "Holy fucking shit, that's hot," Frankie had said, eyes wide with admiration. Guerra had noticed too. "Isn't that the girl you had with you, Accardi? I thought she was just your escort, but maybe she's your bodyguard?" "Matteo?" Genevieve repeated for what felt like the hundredth time, finally breaking through his distracted haze.

Blinking, he met her piercing ice-blue eyes. The tension in her brow eased slightly with his attention. "Sorry, what was that?" "What happened in the meeting?" she pressed. Matteo shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. "Nothing much," he said, though he felt her stiffen beside him. "This Luca Guerra guy... something's off about him." "What's your gut telling you?" she asked, stepping back as he moved toward his desk. He sank heavily into his office chair, letting out a weighted sigh. "That he's not real." "Not real?" Genevieve echoed, following him and leaning against the desk.

"No one can find any trace of him before two years ago. He just appeared in Los Angeles out of nowhere. Then there were his questions-asking about territories, who controlled what, where he could carve out a spot for himself in the city." She smirked, teasing, "Maybe he wants to move to New York? LA might be too sunny for him." Matteo returned the smile, taking her hands and pulling her between his legs. "He's doing very well in LA. A lot of big players have been forced out or locked up. He's got solid opportunities there.

It'd be dumb to give all that up just for some rain." "Hmmm," Genevieve hummed, running her hands along his arms. "Could he be someone your cousin sent? Like you sent Beatrice?" Matteo raised an eyebrow, impressed by her sharp thinking. "Unlikely. If Michele had sent someone, they wouldn't schedule a meeting. They'd infiltrate my inner circle quietly." "How do you know I'm not a spy?" she teased, wiggling her eyebrows. He chuckled. "You're too beautiful. Galante would never let me have you," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. "So, this Guerra character...

what else did he want besides street intel?" she asked, slipping into a playful urban accent. "We didn't get that far. We got distracted by the... well, the girl-on-girl action happening outside," Matteo said, squeezing her waist for emphasis. "How rude of them to interrupt," she said, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. "It's no big deal. I'll reschedule. Meanwhile, I'm going to dig into where Luca Guerra came from." Genevieve shrugged and started pacing his office, eyes drifting over the paintings and bookshelves. "Maybe check the LA police database?" Matteo spun his chair to look at her.

"What?" "You said a bunch of people have been pushed out of LA, some even jailed, right? Seems strange this new guy pops out of nowhere and suddenly his rivals start dropping like flies." He wondered why he hadn't thought of that sooner. Guerra didn't exactly scream cop, but two years was a long time. Maybe he'd worked under another Don before. And then there was what happened with Galante recently. Could Guerra have infiltrated Michele's ranks? Could Michele have taken the bait? How had he missed that? He'd have to call Marco.

Running Guerra's name through the police database should have been his first move, but there was no record. "Did I say something wrong?" Genevieve asked, standing in front of him again. "No, Weakness," Matteo replied with a smile. "You said something very right. Enough talk about other men. How about we get out of here and get back to our date?" Her eyes lit up. "Yes, let's do that." As they drove, Matteo watched Genevieve through the car window's reflection. She leaned her head back against the seat, one hand resting on his thigh.

Every thirty seconds or so, her eyelids would flutter closed, and her head would droop forward, only to jerk back awake. "Stop here, Leo," Matteo ordered, jolting Genevieve out of her drowsy state. "Here? We're still three blocks from the apartment," Leo said, but he obeyed. Matteo squeezed Genevieve's hand. "Exactly. I have a plan." Genevieve smiled brightly as Matteo opened the car door. He took the cigarette he'd been holding throughout the ride, inhaling deeply. By the time he reached her side, the cigarette was nearly burned down to his knuckles. He flicked it away and opened the door.

When she tried to step out, he clicked his tongue, stopping her. "You weren't serious about that, were you?" she asked, rolling her eyes. Matteo chuckled darkly and scooped her up, spinning her out of the car. Genevieve squealed with delight, making his heart skip a beat. She wrapped her arms around his neck and giggled. "Night, Leo!" she called as he used his shoulder to shut the car door. Leo's muffled response came through the door slamming shut. Moments later, the car pulled away, leaving them alone.

Matteo strolled down the sidewalk toward their apartment, a rare feeling of peace settling over him. He'd walk miles just to keep her in his arms. "What's the next step in your plan?" Genevieve asked, tightening her grip around his neck and nuzzling her face into the crook of his shoulder. "A good closer never reveals their secrets," he teased. "Ah, one of your trade secrets?" "Among many." "I do love surprises," she admitted softly. "Good. I love giving them." They entered the warm lobby where Hector immediately rose from his chair. "Good evening, Mr. Accardi, Miss Sinclair.

Is everything alright? Are you injured, Miss Sinclair?" "Everything's fine, Hector. Mr. Accardi here is just showing me the lost art of chivalry," Genevieve explained, shooting Matteo a wink that made his pants tighten. "Yes, it's one of many things Miss Sinclair will be learning tonight," Matteo replied, making her blush. "Well, you two have fun," Hector said, returning to his crochet, cheeks burning with secondhand embarrassment. Matteo carried Genevieve up the stairs. She wiggled, trying to get down, but he only tightened his hold.

He climbed all five flights, not setting her down until they reached her door. Without hesitation, he cupped her face and leaned in for the kiss he'd been craving all evening. "Whoa!" Genevieve exclaimed, slapping her hand to his chest and pushing him back. "What? You said-" "It's a first date," she reminded him, making his eyes roll upward involuntarily. She laughed. "You're supposed to pretend you don't have it all figured out." Matteo chuckled, resting one palm against the door beside her head. "So you admit you're a sure thing?" She pursed her lips and shrugged. "For you?

Have you ever doubted it?" He shrugged in return. "There were a few doubts the morning you ran out on me." Genevieve's playful expression faded, guilt shadowing her eyes. "I know, I'm sorry, I..." Matteo covered her mouth gently with his hand. "Shh. No regrets tonight." Removing his palm, he traced the tip of his finger over her lips. "God, you're beautiful," he whispered. His finger left her lips, and her mouth parted, breath turning shallow with need. He traced his finger down her cheek, along her throat, watching her face closely.

His hand flattened, cupping her breast, and she leaned back against the wall, her long neck stretching, making him groan. He kissed the sensitive skin there tenderly. "The truth is, I'd chase you forever if you asked. I'd go on a thousand first dates if they all ended like this. But pretend you're not mine? I could never pretend I wasn't in love with you the moment you first held me," he whispered into her ear. "Matteo," Genevieve sighed. "I love how you say my name like it's the only one you've ever spoken," he murmured. "Please," she begged, clutching the fabric of his shirt.

"Have I earned it yet, Weakness?" "Yes," she breathed, tilting her face up to his. Matteo's hands slid around her neck, cradling her gently as if placing the finest china on a shelf. His lips brushed hers softly, barely a kiss. Then he stepped closer, pressing his lips firmer against hers. Her fists clenched, pulling him flush against her. She moaned, pulling back just enough to capture his bottom lip between her teeth. Matteo's grip tightened as her tongue slid into his mouth. Time slipped away-five seconds or five minutes-it didn't matter.

When they finally parted, her lips were swollen and red, her eyes shimmering with desire. "This is where I tell you I had one of the best nights of my life, tell you to call me, and then say goodnight," Matteo whispered, eyes flicking between her lips and her lost gaze. Genevieve nodded. "Well, Genevieve, tonight was one of the best nights of my life. I'll be waiting by the phone. Good night." "Good night, Matteo," she breathed as he stepped back. Matteo watched her unlock the door and slip inside. A small smile played on her lips. She bit her lip and kept eye contact until the door closed.

Once it shut, Matteo exhaled slowly, then turned to unlock his own door. His fingers trembled as he turned the knob and stepped inside. He leaned back against the cold door, groaning softly. God, she was definitely going to be thinking about this night tonight. He'd probably end up sleeping on the couch again. A soft knock echoed through the door and up his spine. Without peeking through the peephole, he opened the door. There stood Genevieve, a mischievous smile lighting up her face. "You didn't really think I'd be that cruel, did you?" Before he could answer, she leapt into his arms.

Matteo grunted at the impact, his arms wrapping around her body instinctively. Her mouth claimed his in a fierce kiss, wildly different from the tender one they had shared minutes ago. He groaned as she nipped and bit along his lips and down his neck. "Close the door this time, will you?" Genevieve murmured between kisses. Matteo hooked his foot against the door's edge and slammed it shut firmly behind them.

Conclusion The night's tender moments between Matteo and Genevieve reveal the deepening of their connection, a fragile yet fierce bond that stands resilient amid the shadows of doubt and danger. Their playful banter and stolen kisses offer a brief sanctuary from the uncertainties looming around them, reminding them both that love can be a refuge as much as a battlefield. Matteo's protective nature and Genevieve's fierce spirit intertwine, creating a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength that promises more than just fleeting affection.

Matteo's growing suspicion about Guerra's true identity and intentions hints at a web of secrets that could unravel the fragile balance Matteo has been trying to maintain. As Matteo digs deeper, readers can expect tension to rise, with alliances tested and unexpected revelations threatening to disrupt everything he holds dear. Meanwhile, the electric connection between Matteo and Genevieve continues to spark with passion and vulnerability.

Their playful banter and tender moments are laced with unspoken fears and past wounds, setting the stage for emotional challenges that could either bring them closer or drive them apart. The delicate dance of trust and desire between them will surely captivate, leaving readers eager to see how their relationship evolves amid the looming threats.