Page 32 of Mafia Obsession

“I’m here with a date, Eden.” He declines harshly.

“Of course.” Hearingdate, Eden changes her posture. “How about the Kaiken Ultra Malbec?”

Ares scans the list and sets it down. “I’m not sure of that vintage.”

“It’s top tier, I assure you.” Eden takes the wine list off the table. “Blake will be serving you tonight. He’ll be right over.”

I’m grateful when she struts away, and that a male server will be taking care of us.

I didn’t like the way she looked at Ares or the way she blatantly propositioned him in front of me. In fact, I hated it. Will that be part of my job? Watching him date women? Making dinner reservations or romantic weekend getaways for him?

Not letting any of those useless churns of jealousy show, I glance around and say, “The food smells delicious. It certainly looks upscale. Fitting for a La Varenne graduate.”

“You remembered.” He smiles. “I vetted this establishment heavily before I allowed Lucia to work here.”

I’m about to remark how I looked up the school, but halt my words when I notice Eden back at our table.

She’s returned with her recommended wine and pours Ares a glass. “Here.”

He gestures toward me. “She’ll try it first.”

I admit, I don’t know the etiquette if the man is supposed to taste wine first. Or the date. Or both of us, but I feel his hand settle on my thigh. It’s a subtle squeeze that’s both intimate and assuring.

I lift the glass, forcing my hand not to shake as I take a sip. The wine is rich but tangy.

“That’s good.” I nod and offer him the glass.

“Good?” Eden snorts. “It won awards.”

Ignoring Eden, Ares takes the goblet from my fingers without breaking eye contact and drinks from the same spot.

Heat coils low in my stomach, taking in the way he looks at me.

Ares clears his throat and puts the glass down. “Someone bought off the judges for that award. Bring me the Delaire Graff.”

Blinking, Eden says, “Nice alternative. I’ll send Blake over to take your order.”

“You’ll take our selections now,” Ares says and proceeds to place orders for both of us.

Lamb chops for him. Chicken risotto for me.

Less cheerful, Eden leaves, and Ares turns to me again, fingers running along my arm like this is a real date. Our eyes lock, and I struggle for something to say.

Our moment is interrupted by a voice shooting across the table. “What are you doing here?”

Ares closes his eyes briefly and hides a grin. “Lucia, is that how you greet me?”

“I told you, I can handle this.” In a white jacket and a white cap over the same dark hair as Ares, but tied back into a bun, his young cousin folds her arms like a strong little spitfire.

“And I thought I made it clear thatIhandle men in your life who don’t respect you.” He sits back, his arm sliding around my shoulders. “I came to warn your boss that he is on thin ice. If he persists in devaluing you, he will get another version of me.”

His words, though delivered in a calm manner, are terrifying, but even so, I can tell Lucia is resisting an eyeroll.

“The food smells delicious,” I say to lighten the mood.

It seems only now she notices me. Or is surprised I spoke up.

Blinking, she looks from me back to her mafia boss cousin, and her face softens.