I slowly stroll back over to the table; my steps the only sound echoing across the room, and carefully set the smoking barrel beside Scarletta’s untouched wine glass. The movements are calm. Controlled.
“You think you can touch what’s fucking mine?” I ask him, referring to both Evangeline and the business. The low rasp of my voice makes it sound like a growl. Placing one heavy hand on Antony’s shoulder, my grip tightens until bones shift beneath his skin.
“Men have threatened me before,” I continue, leaning close so my breath brushes Antony’s ear. “But those men are buried in the ground. I didn’t blink then. I won’t blink now.”
With a sudden snap, I slam Antony’s head forward into the table. Wine glasses shatter, the crimson wine spilling like blood across the white cloth.
Antony is unconscious, his broken nose a mangled mess on his face, oozing blood.
“I end men for less. I don’t care if it’s your soldier, your underboss, or you sitting across from me. If you ever bring her into this again or attempt a move on my territory, I’ll make sure you choke on your own cock before I fillet you like a fucking fish.” I say, directing my words to Scarletta.
Scarletta’s bravado falters under the weight of my stare. The room is silent but for Scarletta’s ragged breath. He glances at the body cooling on the tiles, then back at me.
I take my seat, smoothing my coat, and pouring another glass of wine, the movements deliberate and precise
“Now,” I say, as if nothing had happened, “let’s talk about my territory.”
Chapter Nine
Evangeline
Alifesizeanimatronicwitchlaughs wickedly as I open the door to the neighborhood coffee shop. Normally, I would love the sight because it’s so realistic and appropriate for my favorite Halloween season, but not today. Despite the comforting smells of coffee beans and espresso hitting me when I step inside, I have a strange feeling of dread crawling up my spine.
I know someone’s watching, because I can feel their eyes on me.
I don’t need to turn to know someone’s there. There is a man by the counter who stays too still and seems too interested in me. His gaze snaps to mine, and he quickly looks away. My pulse hammers, and I force myself to move forward, my voice shaky when I place my order.
Eager to get my latte, leave, and go back to the safety of the pharmacy, I snatch my order from the barista.
“Have a great day!” she says in a cheery voice, but her look says I’m acting strange. I mumble a quick “thank you” and hustle out the door, head down.
The sunlight outside is glaring and bright. My hands tremble as I step out onto the sidewalk. The street is packed with people, so surely nothing can happen out here, I tell myself. It’s too crowded.
Then, a rough voice says, “Dolcezza.”
That voice, dark and hoarse, sets every one of my nerves on fire. I spin toward the alley, and there he stands. Dante. His suit is all black, his eyes cold, and he reminds me of a specter hiding in the shadows.
“You’re following me,” I hiss in an overly loud voice, laced with fear, looking around us.
He lifts a single finger, beckoning me. I obey, drawn forward like prey into a trap.
In only three strides, his hand slams onto my wrist, in his iron grip, dragging me inside the alley and against the brick wall. My coffee sloshes over the rim and drops, forgotten at my feet.
His breath ghosts across my ear. “Of course I’m following you,” he rasps. “Do you think I’d leave you unguarded? With the Scarletta vultures circling? With your uncle in debt to men who want you broken?”
I can feel the rough bricks pressing through my thin sweatshirt, a reminder that I’m in a dark alley with a dangerous mobster. I choke out, “Was that man in the shop … yours?”
“What man?” Dante growls, grasping my arm to pull me deeper into the alley, peering behind me, looking for a threat and placing himself between me and any potential danger.
“Th … there was someone in the coffee shop, watching me. I thought maybe he worked for you.”
“My men are ghosts, cara mia. You won’t see them, but they are everywhere. That one was not mine. He was likely Scarletta’s.”
“Who … who is that?”
Panic claws at my chest. Oh god, there are too many eyes, too many dangers all around me, surrounding me. I swallow hard. “What do they want with me?”
Dante captures my chin, tilting my face up to his. He’s so much taller that he stoops to hold my gaze and threads his fingers through my hair. “You’ll learn soon, sweet Evangeline. I’m protecting you. For now, you need to trust me. Know that I will keep you safe.”
