“It’s fine, and he had been drinking and was trying to get his point across before Roman intervened.”
“Scum bag. I’ll handle his table if he comes here again.”
“You know he’ll come here.”
“And you won’t have to serve him. I will if Mica, Mel or Brook can’t handle what he wants. “
“I think it’s better that we don’t make a big deal out of this.”
“You have no idea who he is, what he’s connected to and how easily he can grab you if he wants you. You would have been safer making out with Vincent.”
“Hey, I didn’t make out with Ched, he grabbed me and forcibly kissed me. I stopped him from continuing and he got pissed.”
“You’re lucky he didn’t drag your ass out of there. You wouldn’t be able to fight a man like him off or his crew of shit.”
“There’s no reason to blow this out of proportion.”
“You’re fucking stubborn, do you know that?”
“It’s over. I know it, he does too. I told him I wasn’t interested and that’s it. All I want to do is work and mind my own business.”
“This might not go over so smoothly. Especially when Griska and Ivan see that wrist.”
“They won’t.” She shook her bracelets. He shook his head.
“Ched is involved in shit around the bosses, specifically that one guy Lanka Volchek I have steered you clear of. They do bad things, Annabella, and I wouldn’t even know where to begin to explain just how bad. Just think the worse and then ten times worse than that. You have to be smart and avoid them at all costs. If they come here and push for conversation or to make a move you need to get away from them. I’ll help you.”
“Nothing will happen. I’ll handle it. Let’s get to work.” She added.
“I’m going to have to keep extra eyes on you tonight.” He said and then they headed back downstairs to the bar.
She was busy all night, and thank goodness Ched and Aiden didn’t show up but Vincent and his friends did as she was helping out behind the bar. It was very crowded there tonight. He narrowed his eyes at her. “You okay?” he asked. She smiled as she cleaned a glass and then glanced at Berin who was nearby.
“I’m good, how about you?”
“That isn’t want I mean.” She held his gaze and gave him a smile. “I’m good. What can I get you?”
“A table for five when one comes available.” He smiled at her.
“No problem.” She said straight-faced and then Berin took their order and she spoke into her mic to Lucca.
“I need a table for five for Vincent Carlotto when one becomes available.”
“Not a problem. Heads up, Rustin Yolkov is here. He’s important, and I’m going to seat him and his guests at the corner private table in the back. Mr. Sokolov is meeting him.” Lucca informed her.
“Okay, whatever you need let me know. How long for the table for Vincent?”
“Mel is cleaning off table three, seat them there.”
She walked around the bar to where Vincent was and spotted Lucca escorting Mr. Yolkov and his guests, all big men toward a table. “Mr. Carlotto.” She tapped Vincent on the shoulder and he turned around to face her. “I have your table ready for you.” She told him.
He placed his hand on her hip. “Mr. Carlotto? Really?” he stared down into her eyes and she felt him caress her hip and then toward her back. “Aren’t we on a first name basis?”
She stepped back. “Follow me please.” She said, ignoring him, and he followed her, but once again, placed his hand on her hip and tried speaking to her as they walked.
“I thought we were having a good time together until I had to help out with a situation. The next thing I know Maloney has you pinned against a wall with his tongue down your throat.” She stopped at the table and narrowed her eyes up at him.
“Then you saw me shove him away?”