I studied my scuffed boots, feeling like I’d done something wrong. “I didn’t. Freya’s family did.”
Vlad moved closer, and Pete matched his steps. “Fuck off, Captain America. I’m talking to my friend, not trying to kidnap her.”
I stifled a laugh. Pete was definitely Captain America’s younger brother, with his all-American good looks and broad shoulders.
Satisfied that Pete would remain where he was, Vlad came closer and then hugged me. “I’m sorry, but I thought fora moment there you said FreyaOlysses’sfamily sent you a bodyguard.”
He spat out my friend’s last name as if it were blasphemous to say it out loud. He’d always been wary of her but never so openly disgusted.
“That’s because I did.”
His eyes went wide, and then he lightly shook me, causing Pete to take a step closer.
I held up a hand to stop any more fists from flying.
“Stay where you are. I’m only trying to shake some sense back into my friend, not kill her,” Vlad growled, his attention never leaving me. “Do you even know who they are?” He shook his head. “She promised to never put you in danger.”
I never knew Vlad and Freya had ever talked. They usually watched each other from a distance. At least now I knew what the problem was. “What does it matter who her family is? She’s my friend.”
“Doesn’t mean you should get all chummy with her family. They’re dangerous. The last thing you want to do is get involved with them.”
If he knew how involved I was, particularly with one member of her family, he’d lose his marbles. But we’d go there when we had to. Liam and I were still so new, it could be over before the week was out. The thought made my stomach clench and my heart miss a beat.
Because even though I knew getting this involved with Freya’s family wasn’t a good idea, I seemed to be unable to stay away. And it scared me how much I missed Liam, even though he’d only been gone a few hours.
“It’s too late now. Someone tried to harm me and my business because of my connection to them. And now they’re trying to make it right.” I pointed at Pete. “Hence the bodyguard.”
Vlad released my shoulders and glared at Pete. “He can take a break while you’re with me. I’m perfectly capable of keeping you safe.”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Pete said in a bored voice. “I’ll remain by Miss Lombardo’s side until the threat has been eliminated.”
Vlad huffed, then took my hand and led me to his car. “Fine. But she’s coming with me.”
Pete didn’t get a chance to protest before Vlad shoved me in the car, then gave Pete the finger.
“Was that really necessary?” I asked once he pulled back into traffic.
“You know I’d never let anything happen to you. You’re like a daughter to me.”
Vlad’s voice was scratchy, a sign he was getting emotional. He and Tati didn’t have kids, but I wasn’t sure if it was by choice or not. And ever since he first started working for me, he’d taken me under his wing, saying I needed someone to look out for me while my dad wasn’t there.
I turned to face him and put a hand on his arm. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I know you can keep me safe.”
The white-knuckled grip he had on the steering wheel eased. “Then get rid of him.”
“I can’t.” I tightened my hold when he opened his mouth, most likely to protest. “But we can ignore him.”
Vlad cursed under his breath but didn’t continue the argument. He knew me well enough to realize when I couldn’t be swayed.
The restaurant came into view, mostly looking like it always had from the outside. Some of the bricks were slightly darker. But if I didn’t know there had been a fire, I’d think everything was as it should be. Vlad parked, and Pete appeared seemingly out of nowhere, glaring at Vlad, who pointedly ignored him.
We walked around the building and to the front, where a pale guy in an ill-fitting blue suit was waiting for us.
“Miss Lombardo,” he greeted me, holding out a bony hand. His shake was limp and his palm damp. After brief contact, I dropped my hands to my thighs, wiping them under the guise of brushing off my pants.
“Mr. Salter, thanks for meeting us.”
“Of course. It’s always good to get these things over and done with.” He eyed Vlad and Pete, and I introduced them. “This is Vlad, my sous-chef. And Pete.”
