He made for the door, but all four of Abrianna’s thugs moved to intercept him. Both his driver and his bodyguard reacted, but not before two more of Abrianna’s men stepped in. Then, Abrianna swept into the room, looking every bit the regal matriarch she was.
“Mayor Kinlan, so nice to see you,” she said. “My husband sends his regards.”
The color drained from the mayor’s face as he scanned the room. Multiple tables were full of patrons, but nobody met his gaze. If you ate at Il Porto, you knew how to mind your own damn business.
“Mrs. De Lucca.” Mayor Kinlan swallowed. “You’re looking lovely as always.”
“I’m glad to hear that, because I feel… perturbed. My family is concerned that you ordered a meal, but now you’re bolting, sticking my friend Ms. Stafford with your bill. But I’ve assured the men that there must be some misunderstanding, because you are far too much of a gentleman to do such a thing.”
His head bobbed up and down. “Yes, absolutely. I was just so distraught about my son the bill slipped my mind.”
She flashed him a smile. “See? I told you all he forgot. Please, go see Tony at the register and he’ll help you settle up. But please, do remember that Ms. Stafford does have friends in this city.”
I was taking mental notes, because when I grew up, I wanted to be just like Abrianna De Lucca. Mayor Kinlan paid and left, and less than a minute later I heard the growl of a Harley right outside the restaurant.
My gaze snapped to Bull who shrugged in response.
The door opened, and all my attention went to the raging tornado that stormed in. His gaze landed on me, and I had to resist the urge to climb under the table and hide. Abrianna’s men saw him advancing on me and stepped in to intercept the threat he so obviously was. His eyes flashed, and I got the feeling he was sizing them up and weighing his odds. Fearing that he was just crazy and pissed enough to start something with Abrianna’s family I gave them all the brightest, non-terrified smile I could muster.
“Link. So great you could join us.” My voice only wavered a little. I pointed to the chair recently vacated by the mayor. “Please, have a seat.”
