Page 36 of Aldo

I tried to shake off his hold. “You heard me. You can leave now. Your meal is on the house. Don’t worry about a tip.”

He yanked me closer. “You wouldn’t be getting one, you self-righteous little fuck. But I am going to give you something you won’t forget.”

I laughed. “I doubt that.”

“I don’t know who owns this shithole, but I have a thing or two I’d like to tell them.”

A voice spoke up behind me. “Well then, today is your lucky day. I happen to own this shithole, as you call it, and I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on the matter. But first, get your hands off her.”

“Right. Fucking. Now,” Aldo’s voice added, barely restrained fury deepening it.

The customer released my arm, and I stepped aside, relief flooding through me. Roman and Aldo stood behind me, looking like walking death. Both were serious. Intense. Threatening.

“I don’t appreciate my staff being harassed, touched, or threatened. Nor do I like the tone, the language, or the insults you are throwing around. You’re disturbing the other diners and upsetting everyone.” Roman tugged his shirt sleeves down and rolled his neck. “This casino and everything associated with it, including the restaurants and my staff, are, without a doubt, impeccable. Even that simple burger you ate is made from the best ingredients we can purchase. So your criticism is more indicative of your shitty frame of mind than actual fact.”

Aldo murmured something, and Roman lifted one eyebrow. “Perhaps the large sum of money you lost has made you forget your manners. I think you need to come with us and be reminded of how to use them.”

“Fuck you, asshole,” the man said, pushing out of the booth.

I watched the scene unfold in front of me. Everyone was watching. Roman laughed at his words, looking at Aldo. “Did you hear that? Fuck you, he said. As I stated, no manners.”

“He called you an asshole, too,” Aldo replied dryly. “Hardly imaginative.”

“I’m leaving,” the customer snarled.

Roman nodded. “Yes. You are. Permanently.”

“What?”

“You are banned. Effective this moment. You are no longer welcome in my buildings. Here, or anywhere.”

The customer’s face darkened. He glowered, almost spitting in his rage. Then he acted like an idiot.

I gasped as he took a swing at Roman. To his credit, Roman didn’t move—he didn’t even blink or look shocked. In an instant, Aldo had the customer in a headlock, and a moment later, two other men appeared and dragged him from the restaurant, with him cursing and yelling the whole time. Then, like a faucet, the noise was shut off.

Roman looked around. “I’m sorry for your meals being interrupted. Everything is on the house. I hope what occurred tonight won’t stop you from coming back.”

The people in the restaurant clapped. Actually clapped.

Roman turned to me, his voice quiet. “Nothing like dinner and a show. Are you all right, Ms. Nelson?”

“Yes.”

He glanced between me and Aldo, who was watching me with narrowed eyes. His shoulders were tense, and he looked as if he was about to explode.

“I’ll leave you two to talk. Aldo, you know where I’ll be.”

Aldo nodded. Roman left, stopping to shake a few hands and speak to Wanda. Aldo looked at me. “My office. Now.”

I could only follow.

ALDO

My blood was boiling with rage. Roman and I had come to the restaurant after Wanda called, worried about a brewing problem. I observed Vi trying to placate the customer to no avail. He became louder, angrier. She remained calm.

When he grabbed her, I was done.

“I will fucking end him,” I growled and rushed into the restaurant, Roman hot on my heels.