Page 37 of Empire of Seduction

“Another chef. And she doesn’t know of my background or what my brothers do for a living.”

I folded my arms across my chest and stared at my feet. I didn’t like this. Maybe it was to be expected now that Maz was on his own. But I still didn’t like it. “Has Enzo?—”

“He doesn’t know and I don’t want you to tell him. He’ll want to investigate her and tap her fucking phone. She’s not of our world and I like her. That should be enough for both of you.”

“Maz, this is different. You’re not just anyone.”

“To her I am just anyone. I’m not in the life anymore, V.”

“She could be using you. Her family?—”

He dropped the ladle in his hand and whirled toward me, his lips flat and angry. “Her family are regular people. I’ve met them. They’re not involved with the mafia. No one is using me. This isn’t your ex-girlfriend, V.”

I put out my palms. “Okay, if you say so.”

“Promise me you won’t tell Enzo.”

“He will find out. He always does. And it’s better to get ahead of his anger. Trust me.” I should know. I served as his consigliere for years.

“There’s no reason for him to be angry. Just like there’s no reason for either of you to be involved or think twice about her. Don’t make me sorry I trusted you, fratello.”

Massimo was neither the responsible brother (me), nor the smart brother (Enzo). Instead, he was reckless and impulsive, charming and creative. He liked to party and smoke weed, and he also had a big heart. The two of us had always been closest, the second and third sons who would never take over the kingdom.

I couldn’t disregard his wishes.

“I won’t tell him. If he finds out, it won’t be from me.”

Massimo relaxed and went back to his utensils. “Go, get some sleep. You look tired. The next few days will be long ones.”

“For you, maybe.”

“And you.” He slid me a disapproving glance. “I will find something for you to do.”

“I’m the owner, not a sous chef, andyouare working forme, stronzo.”

He snorted. “Would you like to test me? Because I can hop on the next flight home.”

I didn’t bother responding. My brothers each knew the best way to get under my skin, and I learned a long time ago that an argument wasn’t worth it. Especially because Maz was doing me a favor. “See you in the morning,” I said on my way out the door.

“Tell your girl I can’t wait to meet her,” he called after me, still sorting the mound of utensils.

Which meant he never saw the middle finger I held up.

Maggie

“Don’t go in there.”

My brother’s voice caught me off guard. It was six-thirty in the morning and I was on my way to the kitchen for a pre-work snack. Mikey sat at the bar, a cup of coffee in front of him. I looked him over carefully. “What are you doing out of bed this early?”

“I didn’t have a choice. They started making a racket about an hour ago.”

“Who’s they?”

“Our new chef and the kitchen staff.”

I leaned against the bar. “Vito’s brother is here.”

Mikey nodded. “And he’s nothing like Vito, so be prepared.”

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