Page 82 of Dirty Hearts

If this were the desert, my car would have left a cloud of dust.

Luc looked pissed at me, and just as I thought he would, he pulled out his phone, and I knew he’d either call Claudius or one of his guys.

I appreciated the care he was taking. I appreciated the care everyone was taking, but this had gone too far.

I was still in that state of confusion, and sitting around wasn’t helping. Especially sitting around when I had so much things to do.

I couldn’t take it anymore. The sitting around and waiting seemed like a damn metaphor for my life. Sitting around playing the waiting game and watching things happen right in front of me. Things I had no control over.

No more of it. I’d planned for my big day on Friday all year. Starting right when Pa had handed me over the title.

I had a vision, and I didn’t want any part of it ruined. Most would think I was foolish to go running back to the restaurant because if Claudius thought I needed such high level of protection, maybe I did.

I just didn’t want my life to become this crazy mess of hiding out when there was potential danger, and not when I didn’t have anything to do with it.

I got to Delizioso in half an hour and frowned when I saw Donny and Saul waiting inside for me.

Kelly was serving them, talking it up with Donny about waffles. He was totally flirting with her.

The conversation stopped when they saw me come in.

While Kelly smiled on seeing me, Donny and Saul gave me an uneasy stare.

I stopped in my tracks and placed my hands on my hips, eyeing them with daggers.

“Waffles, really?” I challenged.

“Waffles, and an attempt to ask your pretty friend out,” Donny replied, casting Kelly a cunning smile.

“She’s engaged.”

“No wedding yet, means I still have a chance.” He chuckled. Saul just grinned.

Kelly’s eyes widened, and she blushed, looking like she didn’t know what to say.

“What are the two of you doing here?” It was a foolish question I already knew the answer to.

“Boss’ orders.” Donny smirked running a hand over his spiky hair.

“Which boss?”

They exchanged glances.

“Does it matter?” Saul asked.

“Stay out of my way.” I pointed at them and tapped my foot. I must have looked quite comical considering I was just a little woman. They were mobster scary with the muscles and height, and Saul looked like he’d just stepped out of a nightmare with his gold teeth. “I have work to do.”

Before they could answer, I stomped off and went behind the bar. Kelly followed me.

“What the hell was that about?”

Of course, I didn’t dare tell her what happened yesterday. I couldn’t. It was best that I kept that to myself. So, to her, I was acting irrational.

“Nothing. I just don’t like all these men hanging around.”

She frowned. “That makes no sense. What’s going on?”

“Kelly…” I pressed my hands on the counter and slumped my shoulders. “Not now, please. I just need a minute or two. I really want this place in shape for Friday. That’s all I want.”