Page 62 of Roman

“His wife is scarier than he is,” I stated dryly.

We all laughed, then Luca became serious. “Roman, there could be retaliation. It could put you, this woman, even Nonna in danger.”

“I had no choice.”

“Are you serious about this woman?”

I shut my eyes. “Because of my big mouth, her sister put her in their path. I had to save her, Luca. She was—is—an innocent pawn in this game. She didn’t deserve what would have happened to her.”

“Why didn’t you send her away—someplace safe?”

“She was hurt. Needed care.”

“And now?”

“Now, thanks to Aldo, she is meeting Nonna. Who thinks we are dating.”

He hummed. “The Roman I know would have denied it and sent the girl away. Unless she is more than an obligation.” His statement was more like a question.

“I will keep her safe the way I feel is best.”

“You can’t keep her locked in the casino forever.”

“No, she will go home eventually.”

“They could snatch her again.”

That was my greatest fear. “I will take precautions.”

“You do that. And call me later. I want to talk about numbers.”

“Dinner next week,” I replied.

“Yes.”

He hung up.

I looked at Aldo, and he shook his head. “She will live her life looking over her shoulder, always fearful, once you let her go.”

I turned and looked out the window, cursing the day Marianne ever set foot in my building.

But I knew he was right.

On the drive over, Effie was quiet. When we pulled up to the diner, she straightened her shoulders and let me take her hand as she got out of the car. Surreptitiously, I glanced around, my men on high alert as instructed. I escorted Effie into Bagels and Bites quickly, not wanting her outside. I felt anxious even with my men around us. It was odd. I never worried about myself, but I felt the pull of fear for Effie.

Effie was greeted enthusiastically. Margi and Anne fussed over her, as did the few customers and other staff who were there. I sat at a table, letting her speak with her staff, keeping an eye on everything. I saw nothing untoward, no one out of place, and from what I heard of the conversation, no strange happenings at the diner. I disliked it when Effie went into the kitchen, and I got up and followed her. She was checking supplies, talking to Margi, every bit in control. The back door was shut and the only other person in the kitchen was busy making dough, so I left her to do what she needed to do. I sat down, and a minute later, a cup of coffee and a toasted bagel appeared in front of me. I glanced up. Anne smiled at me. “Effie said you would like that. Oh, and this.” She placed a wrapped cookie next to the toasted bagel and walked away.

I slipped the cookie into my pocket, then ate the bagel and drank the coffee as I waited for Effie. She appeared a short while later, coming over to where I sat. She looked a little pale, and I stood.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes. A little tired.”

“I told you that you need to rest.”

She nodded, looking distracted.

“You ready to go upstairs and check your plants?”