“I’m here to take my girlfriend on a date,” I say, steady and unflinching.
He’s not used to boys standing their ground. I’m a future mafia boss; I don’t cower for anyone.
“My sixteen-year-old daughter doesn’t date,” he snaps.
He’s acting like she’s fourteen. I knew kids who went on dates in middle school. Seems her dad’s overly protective.
I shrug. “She dates no one but me. The future mafia boss of the Pitucco family.”
“You little wise guy,” he sneers.
“I’m a wise guy who knows how to keep Serenity safe. Any enemies my crew and I should be worried about?” I ask.
He chuckles. “No more than the usual.”
“And your family?” he asks.
“For now, no more than the usual.”
That meant just a few enemies had our families in their sights. Nothing we couldn’t handle.
He snickers again. “Every kid who steps into this house leaves with his tail between his legs.”
“I can’t be a coward if I’m protecting your daughter.” I pull back my letterman jacket to reveal the Glock in my waist holster.
“I run errands for my dad sometimes. I rough guys up, but he hasn’t let me torture anyone yet.”
If Rod kept up his crap, he might be my first.
“Good to know you’re sharp. But my daughter’s not home.”
What the hell?
“Where is she?”
“Mr. Wise Guy, that’s for me to know and you to find out,” he chuckles again.
Her father’s clearly enjoying this.
“Pleasure meeting you, Mr. Cichello. I’ll be seeing you soon.”
He grins. “You sure about that, Nico?”
I flash a cocky smirk. “Absolutely.”
Five minutes later, I’m on the phone with Jayden. “I need you to call Melissa?”
“Why?”
“I think Serenity’s with her.”
He chuckles before bringing her on the line. “What’s up, Jayden?”
“What are you up to?” he asks.
“Me, Noré, and Serenity are heading into the theater.”
“Which movie again?” Jayden asks.
