Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Chapter 147

Sutton hadn’t realized how draining it was going to be leaving Miles at the hospital. She felt empty. She was so glad she had Luca. She was so tired.

Her body still ached from the hospital stay, her muscles weak from the enforced bed rest on top of everything else, but her heart was raw from everything that had happened to Miles. Now she had this new worry about Nicole getting near their son. The crazy bitch. She didn’t know what would make her stop unless she went to jail.

Luca opened the doors to his apartment… Their apartment. She could hear noise and people talking. Keira had said she would drop off all Sutton’s stuff with Blair and Roman.

But the thing that caught her attention was how beautiful the penthouse was. It was warm and soaked in golden sunset light from the floor–length windows. It wasn’t all black and steel like she had sort of expected. No.,. it was all warm colors, wood, and cozy. The colors reminded her of her place in Europe. Had he prepared this place to make her happy? So, he had paid attention to her tastes. Turning to him, she grinned, “Top score, Luca. Nicely done.”

“I wanted you to feel at home here. This is our home, not a showpiece or a corporate apartment.”

The smell of something delicious drifted from the kitchen.

She didn’t even make it past the entry before Keira came barreling toward her.

“You’re finally home!” Keira squealed, arms wrapping carefully, but forcefully, around her. “Okay, not really your home, but I guess technically your home–home now. Either way, welcome.”

Sutton chuckled as she hugged her back. “Don’t make me laugh. The stitches still pull.”

“I won’t. But isn’t it wild?” Keira pulled back, practically shimmering with energy. “I really feel like the underachiever compared to you and Blair.”

“Hey, Beautiful. I’m so glad you’re okay,” Jake said, appearing behind Keira with a glass of wine in one hand and a knowing smirk. “I know you’re going to tell me you’re still expressing milk, but Luca let me know you did a few bottles before you left the hospital, so if you don’t do it tonight, one glass will not hurt. I think you’ve earned this.”

Sutton took the glass after hugging Jake. He buzzed her cheek with a kiss. “I missed you.”

Roman and Blair were already in the living room, curled up on the oversized sectional that overlooked the skyline. Blair waved her fingers, trying hard to suppress a soft smile, but her eyes were warm and filled with love.

“I’m so glad you’re well enough to leave the hospital,” Blair said, standing slowly and coming closer to hug Sutton. “You look happy.”

“I am,” Sutton replied honestly. “It still doesn’t feel real. Any of it.”

“Miles will be home soon enough,” Roman said, crossing the room to shake Luca’s hand firmly and then hugging Sutton. “You have a lovely home here for him to come to after he leaves the hospital.”

“And you’re going to love it,” Luca whispered in her ear, kissing the shell gently. “I did have it designed with finding you in mind.”

“Were you so sure of finding me?” Sutton teased, before dragging herself toward the oversized armchair. She sat slowly, wincing just a little at the stiffness in her hip.

got you,” Luca said instantly, crouching as he adjusted a

a moment not standing,” she

chimed

throw dinner party tonight,” Keira muttered from where she

arrivals entered: Bella, radiant in a silk top and wide–legged linen pants, hair in a loose braid; and Antonio, easygoing and freshly pressed wearing rolled sleeves and

her expression open and kind. “Ciao bella,” she

blame for what had happened before. If anything, she was grateful to

now,” Antonio said, kissing Sutton’s cheek in the European manner. “Whether you want us

holding up a white bakery

always did. Keira told everyone no desserts

dinner on the table.

He slid into

let me know,”

slowly.

it? Do you need help picking a dress for the

man.”

a laugh and a sigh. “It’s the office. Everyone obviously knows now. Luca’s done press. There were images of me everywhere. I just… I feel like there’s a microscope on me. Like even if no one at Cyber10 says anything, they’ll be thinking

gave her a solid three seconds of silence. Then said flatly:

Sutton blinked.

that. And if they are, I swear I will spill boiling hot coffee in their lap. But Sutton? You made Cyber10 viable again. Your virus software doubled revenue projections in the first year. And Luca mentioned today they’re fast–tracking licensing

“You sound weirdly proud.”

because I am. You’re my boss now, so technically I’m only sucking

Sutton laughed.

of code. Every line. Every

leaned her head back, wine nestled tight in her hands, “Thanks,

“Anytime.”

was the last they were seeing off at the door. He shook Luca’s d

Luca said, deadpan. “Just

the side as he stood beside her at

It’s true. Both Roman and I believe the man that marries her will need shares in whips and chairs and earplugs.” Luca grinned. He

the elevator with a cheery wave, Sutton leaned against the doorframe, her legs aching and her shoulders sagging from the evening. She wasn’t

of her back, rubbing lightly. “Come on,” he said softly. “Let’s

didn’t argue. She was

still can’t believe this is your place,” she mumbled as she stepped out of her shoes, “I expected