Page 29 of Cara & Gian: The Guzzi Duet

“Why?”

Why on earth would he have forgotten about her? She was not easily forgotten, even with the sudden craziness his life had become. Gian fully intended on learning more about Cara Rossi, even if he knew that he had zero business doing so.

“For starters,” Cara said, “because we hooked up and that’s all it needs to be.”

“Tell me that’s all it is, though, and then and only then, will that be all it needs to be, Cara.”

Cara didn’t get the chance to answer.

“Gian, you’re early!”

He spun on his heel, whiskey in hand, only to come face to face with a stone-faced Claud Rossi. Constantino stood at his father’s side, his hands shoved in his pockets.

Claud passed a look between Gian, and Cara. “Busy night, Cara?”

“Busy enough, Zio.”

“Good, good.” Claud turned his gaze back on Gian. “Thanks for agreeing to meet with me. Constantino says he’s sure we can work something out about the little problems the guys have been having on the streets, if you’re involved.”

Gian nodded. “Sure.”

He hated to end his conversation with Cara short, but …

“That coffee,” he told her over his shoulder, “is happening soon.”

He didn’t even leave it open to question.

It was no longer an offer.

Cara nodded, but quickly headed to the other side of the bar.

Then, as Gian turned back to discuss the business at hand with the father and son Capo-duo, Claud was still watching him. It was a pensive sort of stare that put Gian on edge.

“What?” Gian asked.

“Should I be asking you that, Gian?” Claud asked.

Constantino cleared his throat. “Dad—”

“Did I see you give my niece a gift like you’re friendly with her?”

Gian resisted the urge to tell Claud to mind his business, though he had every right. “And if I did?”

“What in the hell are you doing, Gian?”

That was the million-dollar question, wasn’t it?

Even Gian didn’t have the answer.