And just like that, business infiltrates family time. The shift is subtle but immediate. Backs straighten. Expressions sharpen. Even Raven’s playfulness dims slightly as she watches me with interest.
I take a slow sip of wine before answering. “I have it covered.”
“I don’t want the bakery to close,” Remus states, cutting into the tiramisu that’s been placed before him. “I know Alina’s your collateral for Sophia’s debt. But if she’s the only one who can run the bakery, you have to rethink it.”
Already way ahead of my cousin, I nod. “She’s not the only one,” I state. “But as I said, I have it covered.”
“Can the other one run it?”
Raven lets out a sardonic laugh. “Sabrina would never. It’s beneath her social media ventures.”
Matteo snorts, his fork stabbing into his food with unnecessary force. “I’ve seen that one around. All tits out and a bad attitude.” His eye narrows. “The bakery one, though, she makes those cinnamon things my Little Thief won’t shut up about.”
“Because they’re epic,” Raven insists, elbowing him. “And Alina’s sweet. Not her fault her sister’s a… a…”
“Bitch?” I suggest when she trails off.
“Witch,” Piper suggests, laughing.
“Sweet doesn’t pay debts.” Remus’ words remind us all that we need to get back on track. “What’s your plan, Rafe? The amount’s too significant to write off, even for a neighborhood staple.”
All eyes turn to me, expectant. Debt collection is my domain. Where Matteo hands out favors and Enzo manipulates politics, I make sure our money comes back to us with interest. Always with interest.
So far, Sophia Brewer’s two hundred thousand dollar debt has grown to two hundred seventy-five thousand dollars thanksto interest. Under usual circumstances, the interest would have been a lot more. But as Remus pointed out, the Brewer Family Bakery is a staple business in Little Italy.
“I’ll handle it personally,” I say, my voice flat with finality. “I already have men stationed outside the bakery to keep an eye on Alina and make sure she’s not going anywhere. And if she agrees to my… terms, she can return to the bakery, eventually.”
“What terms?” Enzo asks, finally getting involved.
I shoot him a look cold enough to shut him the fuck up.
Remus studies me for a long moment before nodding once. “Keep me updated.”
“Always do.”
Raven changes the subject, asking about Piper’s latest political project. The conversation flows back to safer waters, but I feel Matteo’s gaze lingering on me.
“Going collecting tonight?” he asks quietly while the others are distracted.
I check my watch. “Joe Carr. He’s been dodging me for three months.”
My cousin’s smile turns predatory. “Need company?”
“Ian and Colin are meeting me there,” I reply, appreciating the offer nonetheless. “Besides, someone needs to make sure Raven doesn’t make the kitchen staff cry again.”
“I heard that,” Raven calls, not missing a beat in her conversation with Piper. “And for your information, the chef here makes the best chocolate mousse in the world. These babies demand tribute.”
Piper shakes her head. “Not at fuc… fudging three in the morning they don’t.”
“Yeah, maybe that was a bit much,” Raven admits sheepishly.
Matteo’s hand slides up to her neck, squeezing gently. “Insatiable,” he murmurs, but there’s nothing but pride in his voice.
I push back from the table, straightening my suit jacket. “I’ve got to go,” I say, already done with this room.
“However will we survive without your shining personality,” Matteo deadpans.
“Shut up,” Enzo growls. “You’re going to make things worse.”
