AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His face turned to mild shock. “Water?”
“Yes, sir. I don’t drink alone.”
He tucked his thumbs under his suspenders, guffawing. “Probably best here.”
As he turned to get a glass, I peeked behind me at the table of men in the room's corner near the stage.Holy shit!My mouth fell agape just as Vincenzo’s head lifted and his gaze met mine. A mounted, neon sign of a trumpet illuminated him just enough for me to tell he was not happy with my presence.
“Hey,” Jimmy barked.
Startled, I whirled around.
“Best to keep your eyes this way, little lady.”
“Sorry,” I murmured, sipping the water in front of me. Anxiousness and confusion overcame me as I tried my best to keep my gaze off Vincenzo.
Jimmy crossed his arms, leaning on the counter facing me. I’d been here less than ten minutes and already pissed off a bartender who was dressed like he illegally served alcohol in a speakeasy during the prohibition.Great.
8
SAY YOU’RE MINE
“Igot this.” She shivered at the sound of my voice.
“Right, boss.” Jimmy bowed his head, hustling away.
Elizabeth remained like a statue, staring ahead.Why was she here?There was no way she could have followed me. The only person besides my men who knew my whereabouts was James. He would’ve never told a soul.
I perched on a barstool on the other side of her, keeping her focus away from the prohibited undertakings occurring behind her. Propping an elbow on the bar, I swiveled her chair toward me with my free hand. She averted her gaze to my hand, which had made its way to her upper thigh.
“Why are you here, Lizzie?”
“Maddie has a job interview.” She twisted around toward the back office.
I put a finger on her jaw, lightly directing her gaze back to me. “Eyes on me, princess.” I did not knowMaddiewas the sameMadisonthat Dimitri was interviewing. Had I known, I’m not sure I would’ve agreed to it. While Abruzzo’s was a legit business, this part of town wasn’t the best during the day.
“You own this place?” She hissed under her breath.
“A good friend of mine does.” I stood, taking her hand in mine. “Come on.”
She tightened her grip in my palm.
“I want you out of here.”
“What about Maddie?”
“Silenzio,” I muttered under my breath, hoping she understood. I led her through the main room, into the only door Maddie could have gone in, then down a hall to another room. I closed the door and turned to her, placing my hands on her hips. “My guys are very protective of women, and she’s safer here than out there on the street, I assure you.”
“Yeah, we saw someone get mugged on the way in.”
Rolling my eyes, I rested my forehead against hers. “I’ll make sure Dimitri takes care of her if he hires her.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. “Hi, by the way.”
“Eliza.” Keeping my head against hers, I sighed. “Don’t.”
“You look so sexy like that.”
“You’ve seen me in a suit before.”
