My lungs stilled at the barely veiled threat. Some people around the table audibly gasped. My father didn’t move. But if looks could kill, Gino Ferraro would be dead.
“We should let them get back to their lunch,” a rough voice cut in.
Everyone was staring at my dad or Gino.
But Romolo was staring at me.
The restraint spelled across his features set off a warning flare inside my belly.
I shook my head. Just slightly. A silent plea not to come to my defense.
How did I know that’s what he wanted to do? It was a gut feeling, but I trusted it.
His gaze softened.
“Goodbye, Ferraro,” my father ground out. “Enjoy your last few weeks of peace. After I'm mayor, you'll only ever relive the feeling on your deathbed.”
Gino didn’t respond, just turned and strode away, his steps measured, unbothered.
Romolo lingered for a moment longer, then he followed, leaving a silence so heavy it felt like the whole room was holding its breath.
CHAPTER37
MIA
My father hadn’t said a word since the Ferraros had walked off to their table. The rest of our group had made a few weak attempts at small talk before giving up and focusing on their plates.
No one wanted to seem like they were eager to rush out of here, lest the Ferraros think they'd managed to scare us, but honestly, I couldn’t wait to leave. The people at our table shot me worried looks from time to time, likely remembering Gino’s parting words. Their attention made me more uncomfortable than the threat itself.
When the waiter came by to ask if we wanted dessert, Dad shook his head and asked for the bill.
Thank the lord.
“I need the bathroom before we go,” I said.
“We’ll wait outside,” Jenny replied, already rising from her seat.
The corridor was quiet, save for the soft hum of the dining room’s chatter. I headed down the hall toward the restrooms. I was halfway there when the men’s room door swung open, and Romolo stepped out.
My lips parted on a breath.
There he was. Alone. Both of us were. But with my father and his team and Rom's family just a few feet away we couldn’t speak, we couldn’t linger. Still, an invisible thread pulled us toward one another.
Each step felt heavy, my legs like concrete. His haunted eyes locked onto mine, and time seemed to slow.
I wanted to tell him I was okay. That he didn’t need to worry about me. That I didn’t hold him responsible for his father’s actions, just like I hoped he didn’t hold me responsible for mine.
But all I could do was stay mute.
As we passed, our hands brushed. A jolt of electricity raced over my skin. I wanted more so badly that I turned my fingers just enough to let them slip into his for a brief reckless second. Then I pulled away and disappeared into the ladies’ room.
When I came out, Jenny stood at the end of the hall, a strange expression on her face. “I got your jacket from the coat check.”
“Thanks.” I took it from her hands. “Ready to go?”
“Yes,” she said, her tone clipped.
We stepped outside. My father and the rest of his team had already left for a meeting across town. Jenny and I didn’t need to attend, so we’d take a cab back to the campaign headquarters.
