Instantly, the asshole dropped his hand, but not without flashing the one who’d spoken a harsh look. I certainly knewenough Spanish after living in Miami to know what had been commanded.
Let her go.
“I apologize for my friends, Valentina. They don’t get out much.” The one who was obviously in command slowly lifted his gaze toward me, searching my eyes. “May I say you are a very beautiful woman.”
“Miss. Can I have a refill on coffee?”
I was grateful the young couple needed something. “I’ll be right there,” I told them and when I glanced in their direction, I could see concern in the young man’s eyes. He was buying me an opportunity to get away from the men. “Why don’t I allow you gentlemen a few minutes to think about what you’d like. I can suggest the cheeseburgers or perhaps if you’re in the mood for sweets, the apple pie will fill your bellies.”
Taking that opportunity. I walked the three tables away, trying to control my breathing. Coming here had been a huge mistake. So far, all the thugs had done was manhandle me. I had a feeling their presence was meant to intimidate me. I’d never seen them before, but I had no doubt they’d been sent by Jacob Jones.
My skin began to crawl.
“Are you alright?” the young man asked.
“I’m fine. Unfortunately, we get our share of creeps.” I tried my best to pass it off knowing they were watching me.
“Would you like me to call the police?” the girl pressed.
A part of me wanted to say yes, but what could I tell them? That they’d been nasty to me? Even the quick grab would meannothing. “No. Just do me a favor and keep a wide berth from them when you leave. Okay?” I poured coffee even if they didn’t want any so as not to blow their cover of being nice to me.
Men like the four only feet away didn’t like anyone interfering.
“Are you sure?”
I appreciated the young man persisting, but neither one of them could handle those kinds of men. “Seriously. I’m fine. Would you like your check?”
“If you don’t mind.”
The men watched me as I made my way behind the counter. I bought myself as much time as I could to calm my nerves before dropping off the check and heading toward the men’s table.
“Have you decided yet?”
“Cheeseburgers all around. Heavy on the fries. And four nice. Tall. Cokes.” The leader was giving the order, looking me up and down as he did.
“Sounds perfect, I’ll get right on it.” Before I had a chance to turn around, the man’s voice and his words held me captive.
“I agree with the others, Valentina. You are a very beautiful young woman with a bright future. I just thought you should know that.”
I knew intimidation tactics came in all forms. What they were doing wasn’t blatant, simply meant to put me on edge.
While nothing he’d said could be considered an overt threat, that’s exactly what it was. They were here to intimidate me into not testifying again.
“Well, thank you very much,” I managed. “It’s rare to get some lovely compliments. Let me go ahead and get you your drinks.” My smile was bright, but my stomach was churning.
I put in the order like normal. As soon as I was at the soda machine, Carla was right there.
“What is going on? You look pale.”
“I’m fine. The guys are just… being guys.”
“Do you want me to grab Roger?”
I shook my head; that was truly the last thing I needed. I could get him hurt.
Or worse.
“I’m just going to feed them and send them on their way.” Then I’d figure out which knife to take from the kitchen to protect myself with.
