One of life’s simple pleasures… and her favorite comfort food.
“This is Branzino al Forno,” Tank said. “Sea bass.” He forked off a piece and offered it to her.
She opened her mouth, he slid the fork inside. As she accepted the protein, her taste buds rejoiced. “Delicious.”
She scooped some Fettuccine Alfredo onto her plate. “I never eat this, but after today, I’m gonna carb- and fat-load to my heart’s content.”
Tank chuffed out a laugh as he scooped some onto his plate.
They sampled all the entrees, drank down the water. It was a feast, but not a celebration. They said very little while they ate, and Sydney appreciated the silence. When they finished, the servers filled the plastic containers with their leftovers, set everything in a large black bag, the word SANTINI embossed in gold.
“These are classy,” she said.
“We went with the bags Luciano had created for his clothing line. Decided to carry the theme across everything associated with our family.”
“You’re an empire,” she said.
“We’re something, all right,” he replied, his sarcastic tone snagging her ear.
The head waitstaff returned. “I’m the last, and I’m heading out. I’ll lock up.”
Tank pushed out of the booth, extended his hand. “You did a great job tonight. Let the staff who worked the event know I’ll cover the tips theydidn’tget.”
The waiter thanked him and left.
“I want to make sure we’re alone.” On his way to the kitchen, Tank called out to her, “and confirmed we’re locked in.”
Minutes later, he returned with two lattes. “We’re alone, the front door is locked.”
She sipped the hot drink and sighed. “Perfetto.”
He lifted her hand, kissed her fingers. “Like you.”
When finished, they headed toward the back door. Before they exited, she pulled her SIG. At the SUV, he set the bag of food on the front passenger floor.
She groaned. “You’re not making me ride in the back, are you?”
He opened the door. On a glare, she got in, and he shut the door.
When he got behind the wheel, she said, “If we blow sky high, I’m grateful for every moment we’ve had together.”
“It’s not our time. Not today.” He started the engine.
She released the breath she’d been holding.
They headed out, but he didn’t drive west toward the Black Site. Instead, he headed in the opposite direction.
“Why aren’t we going to Creepy Secret Zone?” she asked.
“We’re going to my condo,” he replied.
“Why?”
“Because I said so.”
Ten minutes later, he drove down the ramp toward the underground garage. The gate lifted and he parked in his reserved spot.
In the elevator, he pulled her close. “You’re not just ALPHA’s heroine, you’re mine too.”
