Page 32 of Unrelenting
“Can you do that? Isn’t it your brother’s club?”
I shrug. “What’s his is mine.”
“And does that work the other way around?”
“Hell, no,” I scoff. “I don’t share.”
“Pity. Your brother’s kind of cute.” Lucia’s eyes sparkle with mischief. “I wouldn’t mind being the filling in a Volante sandwich.”
“Go get ready.” I grab her shoulders and spin her around. Just for good measure, I slap her ass. “While I contemplate ways to kill my brother and make it look like an accident.”
Lucia walks off, shaking her head and laughing. I grin too, knowing she wasn’t serious about a threesome with my brother.
The very fact she called him cute is proof enough she hasn’t thought of him in that way because it’s the last word anyone would ever use to describe Damiano.
As she disappears into the kitchen, I feel lighter than I have in years. I like this woman. I like her a lot, and that thought scares me because there is nothing I won’t do to keep her.
NINE
Lucia
Ever since Damiano Volanteopened La Stanza Rosso, I’ve wondered whether the club can live up to the hype. It’s been featured in every lifestyle magazine in Italy and a few from beyond our borders.
In fact, it was named as one of Europe’s ten hottest clubs by a famous New York newspaper. I can’t help wondering how much of the buzz around it is to do with the owner and not the club itself.
An image of glamor and sophistication surrounds the Mafia that belies the brutal truth of how men like Damiano maintain their position in society.
Until now, my interactions with Lorenzo have taken place at the restaurant or at my apartment, so I’m excited to get my first glimpse into his world.
I quickly strip off my chef’s uniform and wash my face at the sink in the staff bathroom. Ideally, I’d want to go home and shower before going out, but I’d rather not waste time.
It’s already late, and although I’m not yet ready for bed, I know it won’t be long before the usual weariness I feel after a long day kicks in.
I put on the cropped trousers and silk halter top I wore this morning. I feel sexy in the outfit, so hopefully it will be suitable for the club.
Once I’m dressed, I do what I can with my hair. I leave it down, hanging over my shoulders in loose waves.
Then I apply some lipstick, which is the only makeup I have with me.
When I step into the kitchen, Nicolo lets out a whistle and all eyes turn to me. “Looking good there, boss.”
“Thanks, Nicolo.” I try not to preen at his compliment. “Can you close up for me tonight?”
A look of mild surprise crosses his face. Although he often arrives before me so he can work on his latest creations, I always insist on being the one to lock up after everyone leaves. I guess I do have an issue with wanting to be in control.
That urge doesn’t cross over into my personal life. Where Lorenzo is concerned, I’m happy for him to take the lead.
“Yeah, I can do that,” Nicolo agrees. “You going somewhere nice?”
“La Stanza Rosso.”
A cacophony of jealous murmurs goes around the room, but it’s all good-natured grumbling. I hold a hand up to silence everyone.
“Your turn will come next Saturday.”
“What are you talking about?” Suki, my sous chef, asks. Blonde with green eyes, she’s the member of my staff who’s most into partying.
“I may have organized for you all to be put on the guest list.” Perhaps I shouldn’t announce this to them before Lorenzo has confirmed it, but I have a feeling he’ll come through for me.
