It appears the two are progressing past their initial uneasiness when their lips meet over the table giving each other a serious lip lock as Sal pays the bill.
We stand to leave as we check out the street, with them taking their time in between me at the front and Matteo following in the rear until we reach a sports car on the street.
Sal puts Carla in her car after a not so passionate kiss and she drives off.
Matteo scratches his head and lets out a short, indiscrete sigh as we look at each other in bewilderment wanting to know what the fuck just happened.
Questions are inappropriate. I assume the woman either has some dignity or her feelings have changed. We make our way to our vehicle and head home, an uncomfortable silence hangs in the car.
“She’ll call me, that’s all,” Sal volunteers as he fastens his seatbelt and ends the awkwardness. “Baby steps,” he murmurs even though he doesn’t have to say anything.
“That lip lock looked like more than baby steps. I’m surprised you didn’t get more tonight,” rolls off my tongue like I’m talking to my best friend.
“Remember who you are talking to. Trainer or not, you work for me.” His harsh words cut through the air. He’s angry with me, not Carla.
Shit.In all honesty, I forgot he’s the brother to the don. In my clan, a throat could be slit for less.
During the ride home, I can’t tell if Sal is hurt by Carla making it an early night or relieved. I, for one, am not happy he dragged me on this wild goose chase and would have made me wait while he got laid if they did hookup. Is he just flaunting her in my face to make me give in to him? It’s too simple of a manipulation.
Besides, we’re not in a relationship and I blow off his reprimands when he delivers them but underneath my tough exterior, his opinions of me matter.
It’s a rare occurrence when I care how a man looks at me. With Sal, I even care what his opinion of me is and that’s just me.
He could have gone on this date without me. All he needs is Matteo, so I don’t know why he insisted I go with him unless he’s expecting my brothers to send someone after him? Which I seriously doubt because if that was the case, he’d remain at home, and safe.
I need to check in with my grandmother again. She has access to a wealth of information and keeps me in the loop. She’s too smart to be outfoxed by the younger generation even though she’s old school and well into her eighties. She hates technology and refuses to use a cell phone or replace her antiquated television. I mean what’s wrong with a smart TV?
We pull up to the house and get out. After Matteo and I check to make sure all is clear, there’s nothing left for me to do so I head to my room.
“What’s the matter? You jealous?” Sal taunts, stepping in front of me.
Tonight, he has been insensitive and the display of affection with Carla hurt. The two of them make a good-looking couple. Carla is not short of cash judging from her fancy sports car and her Birkin handbag that has a three year wait list. Did he plan the entire evening just to prove he can get his way with anyone?
“I don’t give a damn what you do, I’m here for business, not pleasure and we have a deal,” I remind him.
He grabs my arm as I turn to go.
“I can have Carla anytime I want. I just didn’t care to bring her home tonight,” he boasts puffing out his broad chest.
“Don’t let me stop you.” I yank my arm free and take the steps two at a time.
I slam the bedroom door closed, but I doubt he noticed. Reaching in my jacket, I pull out my knife and open my dresser drawers to find the rest of my knives. I throw them, one at a time, at the back of the door, picturing Sal’s face.
There is a knock on my door.
“What?” I’m annoyed.
“Can I come in?”
“You own the house, and apparently, I’m still your prisoner.”
The door slowly opens, and seeing the knife in my hand, he turns, looking at the door.
“You’re going to fix that,” he says, turning back, his stormy eyes turning to ice as he focuses on me.
He makes his way toward me, and my back is up against a wall. I have no room to retreat. I can’t back down, so I stand my ground.
“What do you want?”