Page 39 of Empire of Seduction

“But—”

“There is no but. I know what I’m talking about. I’ve worked in enough kitchens to understand this. If I’m their friend, they will slack on their responsibilities. I need to earn their respect first.”

“I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

“No, you don’t. My brother has given me the kitchen and I will lead it as I choose.”

The back of my neck started to itch at the words “has given me the kitchen.” Because Vito now had the right.

“Maggie.” Massimo put his hands on my shoulders to regain my attention. “I can call you Maggie, no?” When I nodded, he said, “I’m not my brother and I don’t wish to fight with you.” He dropped his hands. “The staff will like me when this is over, te lo prometto. I’m the fun brother.”

Somehow, I believed him. “Okay, chef. I’ll stay out of it.”

“Good. Now, I need to get back inside. Was there a reason you came to visit the kitchen this morning?”

He held the door open for me and I went through. “I was going to grab a quick snack before heading out to the vineyards.”

“I made a frittata this morning for the staff. Would you like some?”

I glanced over my shoulder as we walked into the kitchen. “You made a frittata? How long have you been awake?”

“I slept on the plane. Ivan!” He lifted his chin toward the young man stirring something in a stock pot on the stove. “Cut Signorina Fiorentino a piece of frittata.”

“Yes, chef,” Ivan said dutifully and set down his spoon.

Massimo regarded me. “Would you also do me a favor?”

“Of course.”

“Would you take a piece to Vito?”

Instantly, my body recoiled, a curtain of resentment and dislike falling around me, smothering me. “I really need to get to work?—”

“Two pieces!” he called to Ivan without looking away from me. “Per favore, Maggie? As a favor to me? It’s one of his favorites.”

I didn’t want to see Vito. I was still reeling from our interaction at the employee meeting yesterday.

“Your mouth, bella. It will get you into all kinds of trouble with me.”

Massimo stared at me like he was carefully evaluating my reaction. Was he matchmaking? If so, it was a wasted effort. I wiped my expression clear. I wasn’t giving either D’Agostino brother any intel on my feelings. “Sure. I’ll have Mikey take it over.”

“Do you not like my brother?”

“Your married brother who stole my winery from me. Is this the brother we are discussing?”

“Well, I’m not talking about Enzo. You would definitely hate him.”

“Here, chef.” Ivan held a pair of carryout boxes out to Massimo.

Not bothering to thank Ivan, Massimo took the boxes and handed them to me. “He’s a good man, my brother. But he’s not perfect, Maggie.”

“Oh, I’m totally aware. Thanks for the breakfast. See you later.” I started for the dining room. “Have a great day, everyone!”

A chorus of voices told me to have a nice day as I pushed through the swinging door. The dining room was empty. Mikey had deserted me and no one else was around to handle this errand for Massimo.Fuck my life.

The carryout boxes felt heavy in my hands. Was I really doing this? Taking Vito his breakfast like a . . . like a littlewife?Ugh.

Hi, honey. Here’s your breakfast. I hope you choke on it.

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