“It’s not Silvio. It’s Silvio Jr. He has a coke problem and he’s fucking up his father’s business. He sells goods and supplies out the back of the place and he’s skimming from the register. Silvio doesn’t know what to do with the kid,” Jace replies.
“I’ll send one of my guys for this one. That’s my side of town,” I say and stand.
“Is Apollo ready to step up while you’re away?” Gio asks.
I nod. “On all fronts. He’ll run the business and watch out for Carleen. I talked to him today.”
Gio nods. “Good. I’ll keep an eye on everything as well. You don’t have to worry.”
“I’m not. I want to get this over with. I have things here I need to settle.”
“Mm,” Gio hums as a light fills his eyes while he looks at me over his tumbler.
That’s my cue. He’s in that crystal ball of his. I don’t need Gio digging into my plans with Carleen. I don’t want my family life anywhere near her. He doesn’t need to finesse my love life.
“Call me if you need me,” I call over my shoulder.
“Dario,” Dante calls.
“Ha ha, very funny.”
“I love you too,” he croons.
I look over my shoulder. “Yeah, yeah, I love you guys too.”
I look to Jace and give him a nod. He’s like another big brother. I don’t think I have to voice how much he means to me.
He’s saved my life more than once. I’d die for any one of the men in this room. All they need is to call and I’m there.
Carleen
I need to go home and take a nice, long bath. This day has been hell on my body. After sex with Dario last night and this morning, everything hurts.
The delicious soreness has turned into something else after a full night’s service. Dario had to step out in the middle of the dinner shift, and it seemed like all hell broke loose. One of our line cooks took ill and I had to step in for her. On beef, nonetheless.
When that one couple asked for me to come out, I thought I was going to be sick. In one night, I ruined the restaurant. However, they wanted to compliment the chef who cooked them the perfect steaks. I gained a little more confidence after that.
However, it was like every ticket that came in from then was a steak. Medium rare, rare, well done, my head was spinning. My normal station during service is usually desserts or seafood, chicken, and sides. That’s when I’m cooking.
I’d thought I’d be calling tickets tonight. It’s why I opted not to take a bath before heading into the restaurant this evening. We were already running late.
I moan as strong hands settle on my shoulders and begin to knead as I have the top part of my body stretched out over the prep top. I relax and sigh. This is the life. A glass of wine and a bath and I’d be a happy woman.
“You look exhausted, baby. This place looks done. Let me take you home,” Dario rumbles.
“But I don’t even want to move,” I almost whine.
He chuckles. “I’ll carry you, but you have to hold the flowers.”
I look up with a frown. “What flowers?” I gasp when I see the huge bouquet resting on the steel tabletop.
Straightening, I look over my shoulder as Dario reaches around me to unbutton my chef’s coat. He has a smile on his lips and his eyes twinkle. I reach to cup his face and he dips in for a kiss.
“Flowers, Di Lorenzo. I’m liking this side of you.”
He pulls my coat from my shoulders and kisses one exposed by my tank top. My entire body ignites. All the aches and pains pale next to the ache of wanting him.
“I’ve wanted to treat you like my queen for years. I won’t miss a single moment to place that smile on your face. Let’s get out of here. I have candles and bubble bath out in the car. Tonight, I plan to spoil you.”
“Wow, if I’m dreaming leave me alone,” I sing in my best Christopher Williams voice.
“Come here.” Dario laughs and places me in a headlock to tug me into his body as he kisses my forehead. “How was service?”
“Ugh, I don’t know what I’m going to do when you’re gone.”
“You’re going to be fine.”
He hangs my chef’s coat with the others that will go out to the dry cleaners first thing in the morning and grabs my coat to help me place it on. He then wraps an arm around my waist, shoving his hand into the back pocket of my jeans.
I can’t help smiling as we leave the restaurant locked together. “My uncle called,” I say cautiously.
He groans. “Listen, baby. I spoke to Gio. I understand your position but—”
“Dario, it’s fine. It’s business. My uncle is a huge client. I get it and I need to face my father at some point. Mommy has been asking me to start coming back to Sunday dinners.”