Page 80 of The Mafia King's Reign
Daniel's hand flies off my shoulder.
"Two."
"We were just talking," Daniel stammers, already scrambling out of the booth. "Business. Completely professional."
"Three."
But Daniel's already gone, practically sprinting toward the exit without looking back. Several diners are staring now, conversations dying as they take in the scene.
Salvatore doesn't seem to notice. His eyes find mine, dark and burning.
"We're leaving."
"Excuse me?" I stand, facing him. "I was handling that."
"You were handling it."
"Yes. I was about to handle his face with my elbow before you decided to play the possessive caveman."
A muscle ticks in his jaw. "He had his hands on you."
"And I was dealing with it,” I say trying to whisper like the damage isn’t already done. I don't need you to rescue me, Salvatore. I'm not some helpless—"
"Nico." He cuts me off, his voice clipped. "The car."
Nico appears out of nowhere, already moving toward the exit. Salvatore's hand closes around my elbow, firm but not painful, and he's steering me through the restaurant before I can protest.
"I can't just leave," I hiss. "Lindsay’s still here."
"She has been informed you weren't feeling well." His grip doesn't loosen. "She'll understand."
"She'll ask questions."
"Let her."
We're outside now, the cold night air hitting my flushed cheeks. A black sedan is already waiting at the curb, engine running. Salvatore opens the back door and waits.
I don't move.
"Get in the car, Valentina."
"Or what? You'll throw me over your shoulder like some kind of Neanderthal?"
Something dangerous flashes in his eyes. "Don't tempt me."
Lindsay suddenly appears, “Okay, Val, what’s going on here? Is this the guy you expect me to believe you’ve fallen madly in love within a matter of weeks? Salvatore Vitale?” She leans close to my ears “You do remember who he is right? The Mafia don?”
“Yes,” I rush out. I know who he is and yes he’s the guy. Lin, don’t worry, all is well, okay?”
She studies my face, clearly unconvinced. “Wait… is this the library guy?”
“Yes,” I admit. “But I’ll call you later and tell you everything.”
Her eyes narrow with concern. “Did he hurt you?”
“No,” I reassure her. But she turns and faces him, “Did you hurt her?” she asks him directly, but he doesn’t respond. “Lindsay, I already told you, no, he hasn’t. Look, I will call you, okay?” I hug her and convince her to leave this alone. She agrees to wait for my call tonight.
I get in the car to avoid it escalating with Lindsay, but when Salvatore turns around, she mouths to me, “What the fuck, areyou okay?” “Yes,” I mouth back and smile. “I love you.” “I love you too.”
