“Thank you for making dinner,” he says, taking a bite.
This will be the first time I’m allowed to eat the food I prepared. Cutting into a meatball, my gaze flits to Augusto, and when I see satisfaction on his face, there’s a weird sensation in my chest.
Pride?
I take a bite, and as the flavors burst over my tongue, my eyes widen. It tastes so good, I can’t stop a smile from tugging at my lips.
“The food is delicious,” Augusto says, then his eyes lock on my face, and his features tighten with surprise. “Jesus, Yuki. You’re beautiful when you smile.”
For the first time in my life, a man looks at me with admiration, and I don’t know how to react. Yutaro never taught me how to respond in this situation.
Even though I’m apprehensive around Augusto and unsure of what to do, I can’t help feeling flattered, and it has my face warming.
The corner of his mouth lifts, and his eyes soften on me as if my cheeks turning pink is pleasing to him.
“Eat your food, Yuki. It’s getting cold,” he murmurs, his tone gentle.
Doing as I’m told, I continue to eat while wondering about this gentle side of Augusto. I’ve seen how well he treats his mother.
Before I can stop it, a tiny seed of hope sprouts in my heart.
Maybe if I keep pleasing Augusto, he won’t hurt me.
Chapter 16
Augusto
Even though Yuki is still tense around me, I’m taking the beautiful smile as one hell of a win.
I’ve been busy with work and training Riccardo. Right now, he’s working at Vitale Health as the acting CEO. The company mainly supplies medical equipment.
I’m dealing with the money laundering and counterfeit notes side of the business, as well as transporting weapons for the Cosa Nostra.
Mom’s been keeping me up to date with everything concerning Yuki, and now that she’s better, I feel it’s time for her to meet the guards.
I have six stationed around the house at all times, but I’ve told them to stay out of Yuki’s way so they don’t frighten her.
Once we’re done with the meal, I tell her, “Thank you for having dinner with me. I enjoyed it.”
As she clears the plates, she mentions, “Your mom gave me a list of dishes you like. I’ll show them to you, and if you want to add anything, just let me know.” She sounds nervous as she flutters around the kitchen. “Also, tell me what you don’t like to eat.”
“I’ll eat anything but fish and broccoli.”
She nods, and when she’s done loading the dishwasher, she asks, “Can I get you anything to drink?”
Getting up from the stool, I shake my head. “No thanks. I’m going to have a whiskey.”
“Okay.” She begins to look awkward as she stands in the middle of the kitchen.
“Let’s move to the living room. I think it’s time we talk.”
Worry tightens her features even more, and as we leave the kitchen, I can feel the tension coming off Yuki.
“Relax, Yuki,” I say, keeping my voice soft. “You’re not in trouble.”
I gesture at a couch while I go to the side table to pour myself a drink.
Taking a sip, I sit down on the other couch opposite her.
