by Cala Riley
Gio gets up with a scoff. “Just waiting on you boss.”
I stand and make my way to them with Gio behind me, as always. Other than being my confidant and advisor, he is also the one who always watches my back. Lorenzo often takes the front while Gio takes the back so I am always fully covered.
I smirk as I watch Sofia tense as we make our way towards them. I step to Tony first and hold out my hand. He shakes it and leans to kiss my cheek.
“Thank you for hosting us tonight, Tony. The service was impeccable and food as delicious as ever. I am not sure why we don’t come here more often. I will be sure to change that.”
“Of course. Thank you for choosing us to host. We are always happy to have you here.”
I smile and hand him a wad of cash.
“Oh, sir. This is far too much. We truly enjoy having you here.”
“You closed your restaurant down on a moment’s notice. Of course, you will accept payment for any lost income for tonight. I will hear no arguments over it.”
He nods once.
“Thank you, sir. Your generosity knows no bounds.”
I move past the girls and stand directly in front of Sofia. I peel off three hundred-dollar bills and hand them to the blonde, then do the same for the brunette, all while keeping my eyes locked with Sofia. I then peel off five bills and hold it out for Sofia.
“That’s too much. You only gave them three so I should only get three.” She doesn’t move to take the money.
I hear one of the girls hiss her name under their breath.
“They only got three because they didn’t serve me. You are getting five because you served me and did so well. Take the money, Sofia. You earned it.”
She snorts, and I feel everyone’s eyes turn to us. Well, more specifically her. I feel my dick stir at her defiance.
“Sofia!” Tony scolds. “I apologize, Bastiano. She obviously needs to learn her manners. I will take care of this.”
He takes a step towards us, but halts when I hold my hand out.
“Do you not believe you earned a tip?”
“Sure. Maybe 10 or 20 dollars. Not 500. That’s crazy.”
“Maybe. Or maybe I am just a generous man. I take care of my own. Take the money, Sofia.”
I pick up her hand and feel a spark as I shove the money into it while holding her hand.
“I appreciate that you take care of your own, but I am not one of you, nor do I wish to be.”
I chuckle.
“Do you live in this neighborhood? Work here?”
She looks uncomfortable at where this is going.
“Yeah.”
“Then you are my own. This neighborhood is mine. I own it and as such, I protect and take care of the people who decide to be in it. That includes you, Sofia. Take the money.”
We stare at each other for at least a full minute before she lets a small smile loose.
“Understood. Thank you, Bastiano for your generosity.”
Then she does that fucking curtsy again and I swear I feel it straight to my dick.
The sound of my name from her lips sends electric straight through me. This woman is such a spitfire, but I cannot fault her for it. No one speaks to me the way she does. Most are too scared. The ones who are not are usually trying to suck my cock. Either way, no one stands up to me, until her.
I see a twinkle in her eye I do not fully trust, but I decide to let her off the hook. For now. I pull her hand still clutched into mine up to my lips and give it a faint kiss. I hear her breathing pick up which only causes my dick to harden more. I give her one last smirk.
“See you around, gorgeous.” I wink as I walk out.
Chapter Two
Sofia
It’s been a week since I have seen Bastiano, but a couple of his men have been around since that night. Thankfully, none of them have talked to me, but I can’t help but feel a small disappointment that he hasn’t come back.
Which is crazy because I don’t want him to. I want to avoid him and everyone in his organization.
Yet, a very small part of me felt something for him. Like there was some sort of mutual heat between us. He is a gorgeous man, but the commanding attitude, yeah that turned me on, which it shouldn’t of. Hell, I ran from a man who attempted to control me by beating me and here I am thinking about one even more dangerous? This man could kill me and not even feel bad about it.
After that night last week, I had to listen to a long lecture from Uncle Tony, then another lecture from Mia and Izzy. Then Uncle Tony wouldn’t let me work the next day. He made me stay home and essentially grounded me. He said it was for my safety, but I felt he was overreacting. Gina obviously felt the same way I did because I heard her telling Uncle Tony that she shouldn’t have to babysit me while he left. It caused quite an argument between them.
Thankfully, the following day, Uncle Tony decided that everything was okay because he put me on the schedule and we went back to life as usual. The only difference? The mafia men paid attention to me. Whereas I would have avoided them before, that was no longer an option. Every time I turned a corner and saw them, one of them would always look my way and watch me. Instead of looking foolish or guilty by turning around, I would have to walk past them. I always kept my eyes forward and didn’t say anything. They never said anything either.
Mia thinks I am being paranoid, but Izzy seems to agree with me. She started walking home with me in the evenings to make sure I make it safe. I keep telling her she is silly because then she just walks alone anyway, but she always says she isn’t the one who talked back to the mafia king, which we have taken to calling him.
I shake out of my thoughts as finish wiping down the table I just bussed. It is another Friday night which means we are busy and in the weeds. Which is usual for us. I tried to convince Uncle Tony to hire some kid to bus on Friday and Saturday nights, but he is too cheap. On these nights, Mia and I serve and bus while Izzy is hostess and server. Gina is supposed to help, but she is usually nowhere to be found unless Uncle Tony shows up, which is unusual. He is usually playing cards with his buddies down the street.
“I just sat you a party in the meeting room. Sorry Sof.”
Izzy calls to me as I walk by. I don’t have a chance to ask her why. The meeting room is Mia’s section. I don’t question it too much, figuring Mia is overwhelmed like I am and just needed help.
I hustle to grab food to deliver to one of my tables and then rush to take the order of the party.
I am searching for my pen as I walk up to the table and speak before looking.
“Good evening, my name is Sofia and I will be taking care of you. Can I get you something to drink while you look over the menu?”
A pen is suddenly thrust in my face and a give a small smile as I take it and look up. I am frozen in my tracks.
There are the table sits Bastiano with four of his men. I recognize two of them from the week before. Giovanni and Lorenzo. The other two I have seen on the streets, but never met.
“Good evening, Sofia. How are you doing this evening?”
I clear my throat as I look back to Bastiano. He looks similar to last week, except instead of a black tie, it is a lighter blue. It seems to make his eyes lighter. My heart is beating erratically in my chest. His eyes have haunted my dreams every night since we met.
“We’re extremely busy tonight so I can’t complain. How are you Bastiano?”
A smile lights his face as amusement lights his eyes.
“Wonderful. Thank you for asking. Can you bring two bottles of your best Montepulciano and some garlic knots.”
I keep my fake smile plastered.
“Of course. I will be right back with that.”
As I walk out of the room, I glance up to find Izzy giving me a pitiful look from the hostess stand. I gesture my head to the side station and make my way there.
“What the hell, Iz?” I hiss at her while keeping my voice low.
“I told him that the only table I had was in Mia�
��s section, but he said he wanted you specifically. What did you want me to do?”
I scoff at her. “Tell him no.”
Her face pales. “You can’t tell Bastiano Catalini no. Are you crazy? Well obviously, you are as evident by your behavior last week and the continued behavior now.”
“Just get back to work. I have to go entertain the mafia king”
I walk away without waiting for her response. It’s not really her fault, but I am irritated anyways. I didn’t want to deal with this tonight. I know she is right though. Most people wouldn’t speak to him that way. Maybe she’s right. Maybe I have a death wish.
I holler to Eddie to get me garlic knots as I go to the wine cellar and look through the wines. I feel like he is testing me. Montepulciano is not really the name of a wine, but is more about the grape used to make the wine. My eyes search through until I find the bottle I am looking for.
1985 Avignonesi Vin Santo L'Occhio di Pernice. $450 dollars a bottle, but after his show last week, he can afford it.
I hurry upstairs and grab two orders of garlic knots Eddie prepared and set them on a serving tray. I set the two bottles on top as well as 4 wine glasses as I hustle out of the kitchen.
I hear Eddie yell after me.
“Table 15 order is up!”
I don’t respond. I have learned not to let these men wait, even though I think it could be good for them. I am passing Mia as I am about to enter the party room.
“Mia. Please deliver table 15 for me. Love you.”
I don’t wait for a response as I rush by her. As I approach the table, I find the men laughing as they chat. They seem more relaxed than the last dinner I served. I walk up to the table and set the two plates of knots down first. Then I set a glass in front of each man. I then set both bottles of wine on the table as I set my tray aside. I move to open them, but Giovanni stops me.
“No offense, sweetheart. We will open it ourselves.”
I shrug. “Suit yourself. Are you guys ready to order?”
I actively avoid Bastiano’s eyes.
He must not like that because he says my name.
“Sofia.”
“Yeah?”
I say without turning to him.
He reaches out and touches my hand which sends a shock through it. I gasp and look up.
“Why don’t you go and tend to your other tables and come back and check on us in a bit?”
He squeezes my hand once as he gives me a tender look.
“Okay. I will be back to check on you. If you need anything, flag me down.”
He nods and gives me a smile. I turn and walk away from him as fast as I can. I head straight for the kitchen and stop to take a couple deep breaths. Something about that man rattles me. I’d like to say it’s the whole mafia king thing, but its deeper than that. I have already proved I don’t care who he is. So why do I find him so distracting?
“Sofia! You are getting behind. I have three of your tables ready here.”
Eddie starts to scold me.
“Sorry. Let me get those.”
I grab a tray and start loading up some food. Mia comes in behind me.
“Here, let me help. I didn’t realize you had special guests at your table. I was wondering why you were in my section.”
I groan as Eddie speaks up.
“Special guests?”
“Catalini and a couple of his boys.”
Eddie gives me an understanding look.
“Do what you need to, Sof. If I need to, I will deliver food myself.” He nods me out of the kitchen.
“No. Its ok. He told me he needed time. He said he would flag me down when he needed me. See. So, I am good. Now let me get these to my table.”
I head out with an order for one table as Mia loads up the second order. I get the third order then go and check on all my other tables. After I cash 4 tables out, I realize no one has been seated in my section and that there was a wait at the door. I go up to Izzy to check in.
“I am about to bus 4 tables and I have a fifth open.”
“No can do. As long as they are here, you need to focus on them. I will bus your tables and take over anyone I seat there.”
“You can’t do that. Seriously, it’s fine. Seat someone at 10 and I will bus the others.”
“But..”
I cut her off. “No buts. I can do my job and take care of them. Seat my tables damn it.”
I fume at her before I turn and go to bus my tables. Once they are bussed I see that she has sat a couple at table 10. After I bring their drinks and submit their food order, twenty minutes has gone by. I do one last check on my tables before I go and check on my “special party.”
As I walk back, I see that they have made themselves comfortable. I also notice that many of the tables around them have been vacated and no one has been seated. Only two tables are left, and they look like they are just about done.
I walk up to the table and they all stop their conversation as Bastiano turns to me.
“Ah, Sofia. I was wondering when I would get to see your beautiful face again. Is the night getting any better for you?”
I force a smile on my face as I adjust my position. My feet started hurting two hours ago, but constant movement usually keeps it at bay. Stopping and talking to Bastiano is causing the pain to seep in.
“It is. Thank you for being patient. Are you ready to order now?”
He gives me a quizzical look, then glances to Lorenzo.
“Get up.”
Lorenzo doesn’t question it. He stands immediately. I look from him to Bastiano.
“Sit, Sofia. Your feet hurt. You can sit while you take our order.”
I scoff at him.
“Absolutely not. That isn’t professional at all. I work these shifts every night. I appreciate the concern, but I will be ok.” I wave off his worry.
I see a glint of anger in his eyes.
“You stubborn woman. Take a seat. I order it.”
He uses a tone of voice I hadn’t heard yet. While I wanted to disobey, my body sits on his command without complaint. My feet throb, but I don’t tell him that. I just grit my teeth as I look at him.
“Better.” He nods to one of the men. “You first.”
I take their orders down as I feel slightly uncomfortable at the fact that Lorenzo is standing behind me. Add in the fact that I saw Mia take a double take as she checked on her last tables and I was beyond uncomfortable.
I repeat their orders then stand to leave.
“Come back and check on us after you take care of your other tables. Okay, Sofia?”
I had already turned to leave so I turn back to give Bastiano a small smile.
“Of course, sir.”
Bastiano
I shouldn’t be here, but I couldn’t help myself. I was able to stay away a week. One week. I feel weak for not being able to get her out of my mind, but I tell myself I just need to get her out of my system. Her open defiance is something that angers me, but I also find it deeply attractive. That is the only reason I cannot get her out of my head. Once I fuck her, she will lose all appeal. Then her defiance is likely to get her killed.
My heart constricts at the thought. Okay. Maybe I won’t kill her, but I will need to scare her to the point that she understands she needs to respect me. The guys are already starting to question why I am letting her get away with it now.
“Can I sit back down, Bash?”
I look to Lo. He looks amused at the fact that I made him get up.
“Yes. Grab that chair and put it here though. The poor girl is barely standing.” I point to the neighboring tables chair.
He smirks.
“Someone is going soft.” Pagolo, one of the Brooklyn center crew’s members, mutters under his breath.
Before anyone can react, I pull the gun out of my waistband and point it directly at his head.
“What was that, Pagolo?
Everyone in the room freezes and I feed on the power I feel from that. I don’t
take my eyes off of Pagolo, but I can see the last couple at the table get up and leave. They don’t look our way nor do they say anything. Most people would worry that they would call the cops. I don’t. This is my neighborhood and in my neighborhood, no one calls the cops. We are the authorities here. If you need help, you call us. We can do so much more than the police can.
Because of that, Brooklyn seems like a fairly crime free area. The statistics are low here. They are also skewed.
I focus back on Pagolo as he gulps.
“I was joking sir.” He casts his eyes down.
Lo gets up and closes the doors to the party room now that we are alone.
“Repeat your words.”
“Someone is going soft. I meant it as a joke. Not to offend.”
“You think that joking about your Don being weak is okay?”
“N-no.”
He gulps again.
Lo keeps a sliver of the door open as he watches the dining room.
“Your girl is coming this way, Bash. Either shoot him now, or put the gun away.”
I do neither. Lo lets out a sigh as he opens the door and ushers her in. She is holding a tray of food, which she almost drops as she freezes inside the door. Lo grabs the tray as he closes the door.
“W-What is going on?” She breathes out.
“Pagolo here thinks I am going soft. What do you think, Tesoro?”
The term falls out of my mouth before I can question it.
“I think that if you kill a man in my dining room, you are going to pay someone else to clean it up.”
She crosses her arms over her chest and pops her hip out. I smile at her response. She is not like most women, that is for sure.
“Gio, your silencer.”
I put my hand out and he hands it to me. At this point, the man is quivering in his chair and crying. He is a weakling. He would crack in a minute if he were pinched. I glance at his friend from his crew as I screw on the silencer. He stares straight ahead with no emotion on his face. He doesn’t even look bothered that I am about to kill his friend. Only one action will test his loyalty.
I am being reckless and I know it, but I also cannot let him get away with his words. I am already being viewed as soft because of Sofia. If I let him go, there will be no question of if I am soft.