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“It’s true,” I say calmly. “I found fucking her to be a chore. I do prefer partners who actually want to be with me.”
Lucia won’t quite look at me. She pours herself another glass of wine and sips from it, though she finally says, “It must be difficult to prefer nonexistent partners.”
The urge to banter back is great, but Pavone is still there, and I’m keenly aware of how precarious the situation is.
“Damn, Corvi, she’s been such an obedient kitten for me. You must have left a really bad impression on her.” Pavone refills his wine glass and takes several long gulps. When he’s done, he sets the glass on the table in front of him and crosses his arms. “Okay, I’ve thought about your proposition. And the answer is stillfuck off. I’m getting married in a week! I’m not moving the venue and dates around just because you threw a few empty threats at me. Now get the fuck out of here, or I’ll have the hotel staff kick you out.”
I didn’t expect anything else since I showed up with no proof of anything. I drink the last of my own wine, then get up and incline my head at both of them. “It was nice to meet you, Mr. Pavone. And congratulations on your upcoming nuptials, Lucia. It’s a shame I won’t be able to attend.”
“I’m devastated,” Lucia says, and while her voice is frosty, I’m surprised to hear something that sounds vaguely like… hurt? I can’t quite identify it, but there’s definitely something there.
“Yeah, yeah, fuck off.” Pavone makes a shooing motion. “I’ve got my hands full with the wedding, but don’t worry, Corvi, I’ll give you plenty of attention once the honeymoon’s over.”
I turn away from them and head toward the exit, pulling out my phone and sending a quick text:Go.
The thing with threats is—never make any you don’t intend to follow through on.
25
LUCIA
I’m just digging into my pasta dish when Angelo walks up to the table, and I wince. Victor’s little visit wrecked the entire mood of this little date—but then, was there really anythingtowreck?—and I know Pavone is pissed off that Angelo “let” himself be distracted from keeping Victor away.
I take a bite, glancing up at Angelo.
His own features are expressionless, though he spares me a quick glance before he looks at Pavone. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Boss, but it’s urgent.”
“Oh, now you’re interrupting? Where were you when Corvi waltzed in?” Pavone snaps. “Whatever it is, it can wait. I’m still enjoying my date.”
Angelo shrugs and holds up his phone. “I’ll tell Rossi not to call me again, then. He said he’s been trying to reach you, but your phone is off.”
Pavone slams his hand into the table. “It’s off because I’m trying to enjoy a nice dinner! But fine, hand it over.” He stretches out his hand, and Angelo raises his eyebrows.
“Um, just call Rossi back yourself? This is my phone.”
We’re starting to attract attention from nearby patrons, and I can see the hostess eyeing us. I don’t tell Pavone to calm down, though. If he wants to get us thrown out, that’s on him. I don’t have much of an appetite anyway, not after Victor’s little visit.
“Christ, it’s off! Just let me use yours, Angelo,” Pavone says, still holding out his hand.
There’s another tense moment before Angelo finally unlocks his phone, dials somebody, and hands it to Pavone. Pavone glares at him the entire time.
“This had better be important, Damien,” Pavone barks. “My date’s already had enough interruptions.”
I observe Angelo while Rossi responds. He has a new bruise on his jaw that wasn’t there when we were at the bar. I guess Victor wasn’t lying when he said he’d sent somebody to keep Angelo busy.
Victor. I still have no clue what he was playing at. He must have known that Pavone wouldn’t give in. He wasn’t really trying to negotiate. He didn’t… he didn’t mean any of what he said.
Before I can fall down that train of thought, Pavone suddenly yells, “Motherfucker!”
The entire restaurant falls quiet, and all eyes turn to stare at us.
“Emilio!” I hiss, already scrambling to try to figure out how to mitigate the situation.
He doesn’t look apologetic, though, or even slightly remorseful as he gets up and stalks out of the restaurant with Angelo’s phone still in hand. He at least stays contained throughout that walk, and I’m left with Angelo at the table.
“So I take it Victor wasn’t making empty threats,” I hazard a guess.
Angelo smirks at me and chuckles. “Victor always follows through on his threats. You know that, Princess.” He reaches up to rub the bruise on his jaw. “Wish I could have watched, although it has been a while since I sparred with Celio. Did Victor get under Pavone’s skin?”
