Accardi by allison franklin novel

You Were My Favorite Hurt, And My Hardest Goodbye by Ava Knight 79 Summary In the conference room, after a tense moment between Genevieve and Matteo, everyone else leaves, leaving just the two of them. Matteo apologizes sincerely for his earlier behavior, admitting he went too far and accepts the consequences, showing a marked tattoo on his hand as a symbol of his "punishment." They discuss the nature of their relationship at work, with Matteo expressing frustration that Genevieve wants to hide their relationship, while he openly admits his love for her and refuses to conceal it.

Genevieve explains her concerns about workplace stereotypes regarding relationships between supervisors and subordinates. Matteo counters that there is no policy against such relationships in his company and questions why he shouldn't have the same freedom to love her openly. He reveals he will be traveling to Los Angeles soon for a meeting linked to some troubling incidents involving a colleague, Miss Kennedy, whom Genevieve distrusts intensely. Despite her jealousy and suspicion of Kennedy's intentions, Genevieve reassures Matteo that she trusts him.

The conversation turns playful as Matteo offers a low-key warning about how he stakes his claim on Genevieve, which she humorously rebuffs. As Matteo leaves the room, Genevieve makes a decisive choice to publicly acknowledge their relationship, ending any rumors or speculation. She calls out to him, announces her decision, and kisses him passionately in front of their coworkers, making it clear that Matteo is officially off the market.

The kiss sparks reactions from those nearby, and Matteo and Genevieve share a tender moment as she asks when he will be home, to which he replies as soon as possible. Their mutual affection is evident, and Genevieve feels a mix of excitement and nervousness as she returns to her office, wishing the walls weren't transparent so she could hide her flushed face. The chapter closes with her feeling more confident and hopeful about their relationship being out in the open.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Seventy-Nine Around the conference table, the atmosphere shifted abruptly as everyone's gaze flickered between Gen and Matteo. The tension was palpable, and one by one, people quietly exited the room, Bella being the last to slip away. Yet, Gen remained standing, her palms pressed flat against the polished surface, eyes fixed intently on the table as if willing it to reveal some hidden truth. "Close the door," Matteo instructed Bella without looking up.

Then, turning his attention to Gen, he added, "Sit down, Genevieve." Reluctantly, Gen eased herself back into her chair. Her eyes drifted forward, settling on the coastal painting hung in the hallway beyond the glass wall. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Matteo doing the same. His fists clenched briefly on the table before relaxing, palms flattening against the wood as he exhaled slowly. "I crossed a line," he confessed quietly.

"I've been imagining doing that for..." He flicked his left wrist, a habitual gesture she had quickly learned to recognize as him checking the time on his watch. "Well, it was out of bounds, and I'm truly sorry. From the bottom of my heart." Gen nodded, her voice steady. "Thank you." He offered a small, wry smile. "I think we can agree that the punishment fits the crime, right?" He stretched out his right hand, revealing a prominent hole and a ring of ink circling his finger. A wave of guilt twisted in Gen's stomach. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" "Don't apologize to me," he cut in firmly.

"You told me five different ways to stop, and I didn't listen. I earned this mark." Gen glanced at his profile as he kept his gaze fixed ahead. The corner of his mouth twitched upward. "You'll carry my brand soon enough." He released another breath, bowed his head, and interlaced his fingers. "That said, this morning when you mentioned keeping our relationship professional at work, I didn't realize you meant you wanted to hide it altogether." His jaw tightened, the muscles twitching in a way that revealed how deeply this truth affected him.

"It's not that I want to hide it, Matteo," Gen replied carefully, "but there are stereotypes about women and men who get involved with their supervisors or subordinates." Matteo snorted softly. "You care what they think?" "And you don't?" His head finally turned to face her, jaw set firmly, eyes sharp and unwavering. "There's nothing stopping my employees from finding love at work-whether with a coworker or a supervisor. The contract I gave you was the same as anyone else's in the company. I have no rules against relationships within the business.

Why shouldn't I get the same respect?" Gen's mouth fell open in surprise. "I thought-" "You were wrong." He raised a brow. "Besides, do you really think people don't already know how I feel about you?" He held out his tattooed hand as if to prove a point. "Or that you don't feel the same about me?" He softened his tone. "I get why you want to keep things professional, I do. But you can't expect me to hide that I'm in love with you. I never have been able to. Everyone here knew I was a goner the moment I came into work that Monday after you left.

Your return as our new accountant just put a face to what they already suspected. Now I've said my piece. It's your turn. What's really bothering you-the private meeting implication or the trip to LA?" Gen drummed her nails lightly on the desk. "When were you planning to tell me you were leaving?" She looked at him expectantly, and he responded with a playful smirk. "I've been trying to get you in my office all morning, if you remember," Matteo teased, raising his eyebrows. His expression softened when he saw her doubtful look. "I'm meeting with Guerra.

I suspect he, or maybe Michele, is behind the incidents Miss Kennedy mentioned. When she asked me to handle the PR side, I thought it would be the perfect cover for a trip to LA." "I see. When exactly?" "I leave Wednesday and return Friday," he answered without hesitation. "Hm." "And about Miss Kennedy..." Gen interrupted, "I trust you." Her words made Matteo's eyes widen in surprise. "Don't look so shocked," she said with a smirk. "I chose you. I've been hurt more times than I can count, but I wouldn't be in this relationship if I didn't trust you.

So I will keep trusting you-until you give me a reason not to. But..." Gen looked away toward the hallway, clenching her fists. "But?" Matteo prompted gently. "I'm going to sound like a jealous bitch," she admitted with a sigh. "All the more reason to say it," Matteo said with a chuckle. Gen exhaled deeply. "I just know she's sitting in her office right now, planning her outfits for the trip. She's probably already come up with five excuses to show up at your hotel room door in nothing but a towel.

And I just know that bitch thinks this whole thing is her golden ticket to get Matteo Accardi into bed," she confessed in a rush, voice tinged with frustration. Matteo turned in his chair and placed a hand on the back of Gen's seat. "We won't be staying at the same hotel. She'll fly economy on a different airline. I'll only see her at the necessary media events. She doesn't stand a chance," he assured her firmly. Gen took a deep breath. "It's just... I want her to know she doesn't stand a chance." Matteo chuckled, pushing back from the table as he stood.

One hand remained on the back of her chair, the other gripping the edge of the table. "Well, you could always do what I do when I sense a threat," he said in a low voice. Gen rolled her eyes and looked up into his dark, intense gaze. "If it involves a hacksaw, count me out." A sly smile tugged at the corner of Matteo's mouth as he leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. "I stake my claim however I see fit, Weakness," he whispered. Matteo stepped back and headed toward the door. "So, like, what?

Send out a company-wide email or something?" Gen called after him, a teasing edge to her voice. His chuckle echoed down the hallway as he disappeared. Gen glared at his retreating figure, then looked down at her hand, which had been tapping her pen for what felt like an eternity. She glanced back up just in time to see Matteo standing outside his office, studying an envelope while talking quietly with Alexander. Further down the hall, Kaitlin was taking diligent notes from Mrs. Tutt, who stood beside her, while Bella watched Matteo with wide, admiring eyes.

Gen wished the chair she sat in didn't have wheels. The sound of it scraping backward would have been the perfect punctuation to her decision. Rising, she walked out of the room and turned to face Matteo, taking a deep breath as she started toward him. This was it. If she followed through, there would be no more rumors, no whispers, no guessing games. Everyone in the office would know-Matteo Accardi was officially off the market. "Mr. Accardi!" Gen called out, still halfway down the hall. Matteo looked up from the envelope in his hand.

"I have an answer to what we discussed in the conference room." A slow, knowing smile curved his lips, his eyes half-lidded as if he'd just received a detailed blueprint of her plan. Alexander stepped back as Gen stopped in front of Matteo, cupping his face with both hands and pressing her lips to his. His free hand immediately wrapped around her waist as she rose onto her tiptoes, deepening the kiss. A few gasps rippled through the office. The sharp slap of an envelope hitting the floor came just before Matteo's other hand found her back, pulling her closer.

Gen tangled her fingers in his hair, her tongue tracing every inch of his mouth. After a moment, she pulled away, still holding his face. His expression lit up with excitement, his dimple more pronounced than ever. "When will you be home tonight?" she asked softly, admiring his swollen lips and the way his eyes gleamed golden under the overhead lights. He bit his lower lip and shook his head. "As soon as I fucking can." "Do you think that was enough to get my message across?" He pressed his lips together before breaking into a wide grin. "Maybe one more?" he suggested with a wink.

"Just to be sure?" The smile on her face was impossible to suppress as she leaned in for another gentle kiss. She could feel his eyes on her, and the watchful gazes of everyone on the floor as she turned and walked toward her office. She bit the inside of her cheek to hold back her smile, cheeks flushing as she met Kaitlin's eyes, who gave her an awed thumbs-up. Ignoring Bella's shocked expression and Mrs. Tutt's proud smirk, Gen stepped into her office and, for the first time since starting at Accardi Industries, wished the walls weren't made of glass.

Conclusion This chapter beautifully captures the fragile dance between vulnerability and strength that defines Gen and Matteo's relationship. Their candid conversation reveals not only the depth of their feelings but also the challenges they face in balancing love and professionalism. Gen's internal struggle with jealousy and trust highlights the emotional stakes, while Matteo's unwavering confidence and openness offer a reassuring anchor. Their connection, marked by honesty and a shared determination, resonates deeply amid the whispered judgments and office politics surrounding them.

In the end, Gen's bold public declaration of their relationship marks a turning point, a refusal to be silenced or hidden. The tender yet defiant kiss in the hallway is more than a romantic gesture-it's a statement of ownership and commitment, a promise to face whatever comes together. As Gen retreats to the privacy of her office, the glass walls no longer feel like barriers but rather transparent witnesses to a love that refuses to be confined or diminished.

Will their relationship withstand the scrutiny and potential gossip, or will external pressures begin to weigh heavily on them? Meanwhile, the looming trip to LA introduces an undercurrent of tension and jealousy that threatens to test Gen's trust in Matteo. The presence of Miss Kennedy and the mystery surrounding the incidents at work hint at conflicts that could complicate both their personal and professional lives. As Matteo prepares to confront these challenges, Gen's inner turmoil and determination to stake her claim add emotional depth and anticipation.