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Color flushes my cheeks. He called me princess, and it irks me. It’s like he said it to brush me off, like a child whose opinion doesn’t matter.
I suspected all along that he wouldn’t see me as an equal. He probably uses women only for his amusement… like a real player.
And why not? He’s got the looks, he’s got the money, and he’s got the charm… and I’m falling for it hook, line and sinker. The thought makes my stomach turn.
“They weren’t much use yesterday,” I remark, swallowing down my annoyance. “Aren’t they meant to keep eyes on you at all times?” I ask, while looking at the men sitting at a nearby table.
All of them are large and muscly and despite their suits look a little rough around the edges. They’ve been scanning the restaurant and patrons for any threats, watching the comings and goings continuously. When the others moved to the dancefloor, two of them followed and stationed themselves in the shadows close-by.
“When I took the phone call, I stepped outside thinking I’d only be a minute,” Tiero says, but it still doesn’t explain why he was unprotected.
“They’re normally very good at their job. But maybe I should hire you to look after me,” he winks, and I blush on cue.
God, I wish I was immune to his charms.
“You did a fine job yesterday to keep me out of harm’s way. Thank you again.” He raises his glass to salute me, his eyes never leaving mine.
I clink my glass with his and take a sip. The champagne is delicious, slightly sweet, and refreshing, one of the best I’ve tasted.
My mind is distracted, though. I wonder what the phone call was about. And how did the driver of the SUV know Tiero was unguarded? It can’t have been a coincidence.
I’m about to open my mouth and ask more questions, but Tiero beats me to it and speaks first.
“We should order,” he suggests. “You must be hungry after your exciting day.”
With that, he ends the conversation about what transpired yesterday, leaving me none the wiser, but with more questions running through my head.
“Have you had a full traditional Sicilian dinner since you’ve been here?” Tiero asks.
“That depends on what you consider a full dinner. I usually feel full when I’m finished.” I laugh at my joke.
He chuckles too and then enlightens me. “A traditional Sicilian or Italian dinner typically has five small courses. Would you like me to order for you?”
I nod. Why not? It’s his favorite restaurant, so he’ll know what’s good.
“Is there anything that you don’t like to eat?” Gualtiero asks.
“I’m not a fan of eggplants,” I admit.
Tiero smiles at that. “Well, that excludes a few dishes. But don’t worry. I’ll find things you’ll love.”
“I know I’m in expert hands with you,” I say flirtatiously and give myself a mental pat on the shoulder.
Go Opposite Ella!
Flirting… I haven’t done it in so long. I’ve forgotten how much fun it can be.
The others are still dancing, in no hurry to return to the table. So Tiero ends up ordering for everyone. As if by magic, the four of them appear back at our table as soon as the food arrives.
“The first course in any traditional Italian meal is called the antipasto,” Tiero explains. Of course, we’ve heard this before. “Typically, I would have ordered us caponata but as one of the key ingredients is eggplant, and you expressed your dislike for this rather tasty vegetable,” he teases. “I chose this simple but extremely delicious seafood salad instead.”
“Wonderful choice. Thank you. It looks lovely.” And it really does and tastes even better.
We breeze through the primo, which, despite its name, is the second course. Pasta con le sarde tickles our taste buds. Who would have thought that sardine pasta could be so exquisite?
The secondo, which naturally is the third and main course, follows swiftly as soon as we finish the previous one. Tiero has picked very well again. A plate of pesce spada alla ghiotta is served which, thanks to my excellent translator, I now know is swordfish, which was cooked to perfection.
The contorno, which is a vegetable dish, is served as the fourth course. And last but not least the highlight of any dinner in my books, the dolce or dessert.
