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I give a little wave as I grab my purse and head out of the front door. The moment I step outside, the hair on the back of my neck stands up and I can feel someone’s eyes on me. It’s creepy as fuck, but there are a few people on the sidewalk, and I know the deli will be busy. I can see the sign ahead on the next block and it almost makes me smile.
Neighborhoods can go through so many changes and this deli is one of the oldest in the borough. It’s also the best. Probably because they’re doing everything the right way and not cutting corners. I’d rather pay a little more at a local place, owned by people who live and work in the neighborhood, than some chain something or other where the CEO is all about profit. There’s no heart in that.
Before I start walking, I look up and notice a few men in suits across the street. They look out of place with the relaxed vibe going on midday and stand out, but not in a good way. Their suits are nondescript black, but they look more expensive than you normally see around here.
They’re stationed right across the street from the store while staring at me. It’s unnerving that I can feel their eyes on me even though they’re wearing sunglasses. I shouldn’t know they’re looking at me, but I can feel it as if they’re touching me.
The sensation creeps me out and I’m tempted to open the door at my back and slip back into the bookstore. I should do it, but my stomach growls to remind me that I need to eat something. The other option is to send my grandfather for lunch, and I have a better chance at out running those creeps than he does.
I look down the road at the deli sign and take a deep breath. I can make it a block. Right? I hope so. Hopefully the fact that it’s the middle of the day and there are people around will protect me.
I start walking, but my knees feel a little weak. An image of Sergio flashes in my mind and I wish he was here with me. He would protect me. He would make sure nothing bad ever touches me.
I have no idea how I know it, but I do.
As I approach the corner and look at the crosswalk sign, I glance across the street again to see the two men in suits standing at the opposite corner. They look like they’re going to cross and come toward me. My spine straightens, but before I can turn around and head back to the bookstore or cross the street, an arm slides around my waist.
I startle and look up to find Sergio looking down at me with concern swirling in his dark eyes.
“Sergio,” I gasp.
The man who has haunted every moment since I met him, graces me with a small smile before looking up and over my head. His eyes harden and then we’re moving across the street toward the deli.
“I was just going to get some lunch for myself and my grandfather. From the deli?” Why did that come out as a question? “It’s the best deli around. The pastrami is to die for. Have you had it?”
Holy shit, stop babbling Magnolia.
I press my lips together and sway slightly when Sergio chuckles, the sound traveling through me and making everything inside of me settle in a way it hasn’t in far longer than I would like to admit.
“It’s a good thing I’m hungry, la mia piccola bellezza,” his voice is a deep rumble that has my nipples hardening.
Bless the person who invented padded bras. Between the colder temperature of the bookstore and what this man does to me, I would be fighting embarrassment right now if he could see just how much my nipples are begging for his attention and his mouth.
“You’re hungry?” Yes, I sound like I don’t understand the basics of language and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it because this man does something inexplicable to me.
Sergio smirks at me and leans down as we stop in front of the deli. When he runs the tip of his nose up my neck, my body shivers and goosebumps cover my skin.
“I’m starving, Marigold,” he growls. “For much more than this deli has to offer, but it’s a good place to start.”
“Uh,” I hold out the sound of surprise and a little discomfort.
When Sergio tips his head back and laughs, I can only stare at him in awe before allowing him to lead me inside. I’m in a daze as I order food for myself and Grandpa. I only come out of my trance when Sergio adds his order and pays.
I shake my head, “I can pay for lunch, Sergio.”
“You’ll be doing no such thing,” there’s a command in his tone. He leans in closer to me and lowers his voice, “I’ll be taking care of you.”
I find myself nodding as I blink up at him. How the hell does this man turn my brain to mush with zero effort? I should be arguing with him. I should be telling him how I’m not a kept woman.
Then there’s the fact he stopped those men from whatever it is they were going to do. Though, I’m not really ready to admit it out loud or in my head. If I ignore it, does that mean it goes away? It’s a tactic which has always worked for me in the past.
I have a feeling it’s not going to work this time.
There aren’t a lot of seats in the deli, but Sergio is able to grab a table for two easily. I’m sure it helps that he’s intimidating as hell. I should tell him I need to go back to the store, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I’ve been thinking about this man and now he’s right in front of me.
With our sandwiches in front of us, we eat, a quiet truce between us. We chat and I’m thankful when the conversation is light. He does ask a few questions about the store and what books I like to read, but it’s about as personal as things get. Who knew I could feel so at ease with a man so intimidating?
When we’re done, he leans over the table slightly and his dark eyes pierce me and hold me in place like a butterfly on display. “Do you know who those men were?” My eyes widen and he cocks his head to the side as he intently studies me. “They were following you, Marigold. Do you know who they were?”
