Page 257 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

CHAPTER4

MARCHELLA

Istand next to the bar at the end of the night, counting my tips. I do well enough most nights, but tonight, the cash take is amazing. I actually want to cry out with glee. The five, crisp hundred-dollar bills that the sexy stranger, who also happens to be my date tonight, left on his table before dashing out of here are safely tucked away in the front pocket of my pants, not to emerge until I’ve gotten home and can slip them into my safe, along with every other dollar I manage to squirrel away for a rainy day.

I just never anticipated that I’d be living in the middle of a never-ending monsoon.

I take a sip of water from the glass in front of me, my mind tripping back to the fiercely handsome guy who literally barreled into my life tonight, only to disappear just as quickly. A shiver runs through me and I glance down at my watch. It’s eleven o’clock now.

I bite down on my lower lip, hugging myself in anticipation. How ridiculous! I don’t even know his name, although there’s something about him that’s so damn familiar.

Speaking of names, I wonder how he’ll react when he hears my last name. Will he be like all of the others who disappear into thin air when they find out the truth about my family? I mean, it’s not like guys are lined up to beat down my broken-down door, not with the patriarch of my family tree rotting at the roots in prison.

For murder.

At twenty-four years old, I have no prospects…of anything.

I tug at my ponytail.

Maybe I can write a book.

I took courses in creative writing, and Lord knows, I love to read. These days, it’s my only escape from my otherwise dismal reality, whether it’s reading stories to the little neighborhood kids or smutty romance novels to myself.

How hard could it be to write one of my own?

At least I’d be able to use my name in a way that would benefit me instead of making me cringe as it so often does.

My eyes sneak a glance toward the door. It’s still a couple of hours until last call, so he’ll be able to get inside.

But the past year has taught me that things have a tendency to go sideways more often than not, and getting your hopes up prematurely is the surest way to be disappointed.

I see Jimmy, my boss, walk over. I straighten up and flash him a bright smile. “Hey, Jimmy! Great night, huh? And tomorrow will be even better, I’m sure! That party will bring in so much business! I’m really excited for you!” There is an exclusive event on the schedule for tomorrow night hosted by some socialite here in lower Manhattan. It’s to celebrate the launch of a new artist who is debuting at the Whitney Museum of Art this weekend. The guest list is sure to be filled with A-listers, and I’m hoping that’ll mean big bucks for the servers.

Namely, me.

“Thanks, Chella. It should definitely be good for the restaurant.” He returns my smile, but it doesn’t quite reach as high as it normally does. It almost looks…forced. A knot of fear constricts my heart.

Oh, God. Why is he looking at me like that?

Jimmy clears his throat. “Listen, Chella. I don’t think I’m going to be able to use you tomorrow night after all.”

I furrow my brow, my breath hitched. “I don’t understand. I’ve been on the schedule since you booked the event. You said you needed your most experienced servers here.”

“I know what I told you, but…” His voice trails off and he averts his gaze, rubbing the back of his neck. “Things have changed.”

“What kind of things?” My voice rises slightly and I hate myself for it, but I need to work this event. I can easily make a few hundred dollars in only a few hours, and it will hold me over to next weekend when I work here again.

He leans toward me. “You know this event is high-profile.”

I nod. “Of course.”

“That’s exactly why I can’t risk upsetting any of the guests. The people who run in this circle can crush my business if they recognize you. I took a risk taking you back after all hell broke loose with your family, but negative publicity at that level will crush my business. I just can’t take that chance.” He backs away. “I hope you can understand.”

I swallow the gaggle of tears in the back of my throat and nod quickly. “Sure, Jimmy. I totally see your point. And I am so thankful to be back here. I’d never want to be the reason for anything bad to happen to your business.”

“Thanks, Chella. You know I think the world of you, and I’d do anything in my power to help you. But I need you to sit this one out. There will be others in the future and hopefully, when the stories die out, you won’t be under such scrutiny.”

I force a quivery smile. “Right,” I whisper, gathering my tips and stuffing them into my pocket. “I guess I’ll just see you in a couple of days, then.”

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