Page 46 of Redemption

“I’ll seat them. Then you can take over their tables. Salvatore should be in any minute to watch the bar and I should head back into the kitchen.”

I nod at her and put away the glass I was washing earlier when I see my cousin take a seat outside on the patio. “Fuck,” I mutter to myself.

Salvatore joins me behind the bar a couple seconds later and I say hello before heading over to the three new tables that walked in. I figure I’ll hit my cousin last because there is no good reason for him to be here.

I take my time filling drink orders and taking food orders until I finally get the courage to walk outside and talk to him.

The cool wind whips through my hair but the abundant sunshine keeps the patio warm and heats my skin. “What are you doing here?” I ask Dante in a quiet voice.

“Can’t I just enjoy myself in a quaint seaside town and eat at one of the best restaurants there is?”

“No,” I say bluntly. “What do you want?”

“Darling Mirabella, I haven’t had a chance to look at the menu yet.”

“Dante, I am being serious.”

He folds the menu in front of him and sets it on the table. “For starters, you can get me a drink. Scotch. Then we can discuss our business. Maybe you could even take a seat and join your dear cousin for a short conversation.”

“I’m working.”

“I am sure your boss won’t mind you taking a quick break.”

“I am the only waitress today.”

“And my men will be happy to ensure your boss understands.”

My heart rate picks up and I quickly glance around to see three people near the building that look out of place and I have no doubt they are packing. “Fine. I’ll get you a scotch. Then you have five minutes of my time.”

“How generous of you.” I don’t miss the sarcasm in his voice.

I rush inside and check on my tables before running into the kitchen to talk to Magda. “Can I take a five-minute break?”

“We just got busy.”

I lean my palms on the center butcher block island. “I understand but it’s important I take this break.”

“Maybe in twenty minutes after you serve their food.”

I go to speak but then a burly-looking man in a crisp black suit bangs through the back door of the kitchen, a handgun hanging loosely in his hand.

Magda’s face remains stoic when she sees him. As if seeing a dangerous mafia hitman doesn’t even faze her. She turns back to me. “I’ll have Salvatore bring out the food when it’s ready.”

“Thank you,” I say before scowling at the man who works for my family.

I head through the double doors of the kitchen and across the restaurant, grabbing Dante’s scotch and walking to his table, sliding into the chair across from him.

“Now that wasn’t so difficult, was it?” Dante asks, sipping on his scotch.

I fold my arms over my chest, acting indifferent as I speak to him. “What do you want?”

“I would like to congratulate you on passing your test. My informant was happy to get that information from you.”

“You mean the assassin that picked up the envelope?”

He raises one of his dark, thick brows. “And what would you know about that?”

Shit. I was only supposed to drop the envelope and not know who picked it up. It was Kilian who told me. I quickly gather my thoughts and lie. “Please, it wasn’t hard to figure out when I saw a big, burly man carrying the envelope across the hotel lobby and through the front doors as I was waiting for an elevator.”

---