Page 8 of The Obsession
Thankfully, Mr Rizzo’s company have arrived, and from the moment I was hired, I was warned, like the rest of the staff, to greet the mobsters, seat them, and take drink orders. From there, we’re required to give them complete privacy so they can conduct their business until Massimo, our chef, is ready to serve their feast.
They rarely place individual orders; instead, platters of fresh seafood, pasta, and meat dishes are sent out from the kitchen in a steady stream. The amount of food they’re served is complete overkill, but Dante Mancini is a king in his world and is treated accordingly.
When I delivered the Don and his underboss their scotch on the rocks, I purposely avoided making eye contact with their guest, but I could feel his narrowed gaze burning into the side of my face the entire time.
I’ve been to Mick’s bikie cookouts and mingled with some truly menacing men, the kind who wear their violence like a badge of honour, but none of them have rattled me the way this man does.
There’s something different about him, something quiet, calculated, and far more dangerous. The bikies I’ve come to know puff out their chests and bare their teeth, but this man doesn’t need to. He carries his power in silence, and that’s what makes him all the more terrifying.
Chapter 4
Dominic
Ishovel another forkful of pasta into my mouth while Dante taps the tip of his finger on the tabletop and assesses me. “Why the sudden change of heart?” My gaze flickers to him as I lift one shoulder, and the flippant response has his eyes narrowing. “I’m going to need more than that. Rumour has it you’ve taken leave from Crimson Lounge.”
He owns the club, so it’s not surprising he’s privy to that information.
I blow out a breath as I drop my fork on the plate and sit back in my seat. My business is exactly that … mine, but I know I’m going to have to give him something. The hours and money this new gig can bring will make it easier if I get custody of Peach, so I’m not about to blow this.
“I’m thinking of quitting.”
“The club?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?” he asks as he arches an eyebrow.
“Family problems,” I admit, but that’s all he’s going to get.
“What kind of family problems?”
“Just stuff.”
“With your woman?” he probes.
“I don’t have one.”
“Kids?”
“None.”
“Parents?”
“Nope.” I shrug nonchalantly.
I hear Romeo snicker beside me when a low growl rumbles in the back of Dante’s throat.
“I get you’re not a man of many words, Dominic, but if you want to be a part of theFamiglia, you’re going to have to learn to trust us, just as we will learn to trust you in return.”
I roll my shoulders, trying to ease the tension. “My sister.”
“Was that so hard?” Dante asks, sarcasm dripping from his voice.
Actually, it was, but I don’t voice that out loud. Instead, I pick up my fork and continue eating my lunch.
Thankfully, he and Romeo do the same. I haven’t eaten this well in a long time, so it would be a shame if this interrogation ruined my appetite by giving me indigestion. The food here is delicious.
Just when I begin to relax, thinking the probing has stopped, Dante opens his fucking gob again. “So, your sister …”
