As a queen.
And it was clear that Gianni’s influence extended beyond the immediate circle of the Mob and the typical associates. Governors, senators, a prince from some country I never heard of—they all hurried over with gifts, hoping to please him and me.
Soon the servers began presenting an array of elegant dishes. The aroma of perfectly seared steaks and rich sauces filled the air, mingling with the scent of the freshly baked bread.
The food was exquisite, each dish more elaborate than the last.
I was barely able to take in the sight of it all when a server approached with a plate of lobster.
Oh no.
My heart sank.
I leaned in close to the server and whispered, “I’m sorry, I’m to shellfish. Can you please get me a new plate with something else? But please tell the chef that the lobster looks amazing.”
Gianni had been mid conversation with a tall man, who seemed to be one of his most trusted lieutenants, but he must not have been listening that well because Gianni turned our way and glared at the waiter. “You brought my wife food that she is allergic to? Tell the chef to come here.”
I widened my eyes. “Well. . .I think the chef is probably busy. I only need a new plate of food.”
Gianni leaned forward and seared his gaze into the waiter. “Tell the chef to come here. Now.”
Oh God. What is he going to do to the chef?
Chapter ten
Daddy’s Princess
The grand ballroom, once alive with celebration, now felt tense and claustrophobic as everyone awaited the chef’s arrival.
I could feel the weight of Gianni’s expectations pressing down on me. The guests shifted in their seats. Their earlier murmurs were now subdued into a heavy silence, punctuated only by the occasional clink of glassware.
I glanced around, trying to distract myself from the anxiety gnawing at my insides.
Holy fuck. Is he going to kill the chef?
I could only imagine the worst.
In fact, as the minutes stretched on, my mind played out disturbing visions of what Gianni might do next.
I imagined him dragging the chef to a corner of the ballroom and torturing him with grim tools.
That’s not fair.
My heart ached for the chef, who had already been brought to the brink by this one mistake.
I turned to Gianni and realized that he’d been watching me the whole time.
I swallowed. “What are you going to say to the chef?”
He raised an eyebrow. “What is there to talk about?”
I shivered. “Does that mean you are going to kill him?”
“The shellfish could have killedyou.”
“But, I didn’t die so. . .please don’t kill him.”
Gianni’s expression hardened. “It was too damn close. In this world, death is often theonlysolution. It ensures order and discipline.”
