Page 22 of Grumpy Mafia Boss and the Cleaner
Harper was quiet in the car. They didn’t have any privacy, and they drove for a good forty minutes until they got to the restaurant. It was owned by the Villa Mafia, however, it was also a famous restaurant for the quality of food. This is where they brought people to do business.
Her hand shook in his, and he didn’t let her go, even as they made their way inside. The maître d’ already knew him, and the moment he entered, they were escorted to a private table in the back. It was a booth, offering privacy from the other diners. Soft candlelight glowed, creating a more romantic feeling. The waiters were not invasive, offering the menus then giving them space.
“This is fancy,” Harper said.
This was what he was used to. Harper was not used to this level of comfort. He had come to realize that while her father liked the nicer things in life, he never offered it to his daughter. His sons were allowed, but Harper never got the same treatment. It was like he couldn’t stand to have a daughter.
It was funny, because where Bradley’s precious sons was a treasure to him, they were a couple of bums that didn’t work a hard day in their life. Harper was the real treasure. She deserved every good thing that could happen to her.
He knew she was worried about the future, but he already put plans in place. Every time he was inside her, he didn’t pull out. She was not on any kind of pill, and he made sure not to use protection. He was completely out of his mind that first time. Never had he been so careless, but Harper not being with any other man, he knew she was safe. Now, there was not going to be another man.
“What would you recommend?” Harper asked. “It all looks and sounds delicious. I don’t want to seem immature by asking for the meatballs.” She wrinkled her nose. “But they are my favorite.”
He made a note about every little detail she told about herself and filed it away. The more he learned about Harper, the easier it was to fall in love.
Enzo stared across the table at her. Her long, brown hair had been pulled back into a clip, and the length had been spiraled to give some curl and bounce. She looked gorgeous. The makeup was soft, enhancing her beauty. She had the fullest lips, which would look so good wrapped around his cock, but he hadn’t gotten there yet. He was taking his time with Harper.
The truth was, he was breaking that promise. He was falling in love with her.
Enzo didn’t believe in love. He only believed in strength, in power, but Harper shattered his world. He loved his kids, this was how he knew what love was. That love was nothing compared to what he felt for Harper.
Holding her in his arms as she fell asleep, waking up to see her fast asleep, trusting him. He never slept with Isabella, could never stand to hold her longer than he had to. He couldn’t keep his hands off Harper. It could be lust, but he had a sneaking suspicion this was more than that.
“Order whatever you want, and I don’t care how you sound. The meatballs sound pretty amazing to me.”
She took a deep breath and he signaled to the waiter, ordering them both plates of spaghetti with meatballs. The waiter did look shocked for the merest hint of a second, but he sent him a warning glare, which immediately silenced him.
“This is a really nice place,” Harper said. “And it’s so quiet.”
Enzo reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a large square velvet box. “Happy Halloween, Harper.”
She frowned. “You didn’t have to get me anything. Gifts don’t need to be exchanged at Halloween. Candy does. Candy is all over Halloween.”
“You’re cute when you’re nervous. Open it.”
She looked at the box, then reached over and opened the lid, letting out a gasp. “I can’t take this.”
It was a diamond bracelet. He’d seen it passing one of the jewelry stores the other day. The moment he saw it, he knew Haper would look amazing in it.
“Did I say you had a choice?” He took the bracelet out of the box, wrapped it around her wrist, and secured the clasp.
“See, it fits and looks perfect on you, just as I knew it would.”
“This is expensive, and beautiful. I really don’t think I should take it.”
She nibbled her lip, and he took hold of her hands.
“It would upset me more if you didn’t take it. I got it for you. Please take this gift.”
She looked like she wanted to argue with him, but he was not hearing another word. He was thankful the waiter came with their food, and the bracelet as a topic was over.
The meal looked amazing. It might be simple, perhaps even basic, but it was so delicious. He speared a meatball and placed it in his mouth. The flavors were heavenly, well balanced.
They were enjoying their meal when Marcus Villa approached his table. Harper nearly choked on her spaghetti as she sucked quite hard, making sauce slap her on the chin.
“What a pleasant surprise to see you out at Halloween,” Marcus said.
Most Halloweens, he was indoors, dealing with the pain of losing his kids. If he wasn’t at home, he was often found torturing someone that needed to be dealt with.
