Ellie was the first woman he’d ever kept all to himself. She was also the only woman he’d ever done some in-depth research on. He wanted to know everything about her. His reasonings were not entirely related to the Giavanni Family either. No, just his own personal interest in her.
He liked her.
She was different and for him, different meant something.
Sipping at his water, he was about to call the waiter over when the woman he needed to see arrived.
“I’m so sorry I’m late. There was a lot of traffic and my driver decided to take it slow,” Casey said, taking a seat.
Her face was flushed and he noticed her hands shook as well.
He sat back, staring at her.
This woman was, in some way, friends with Ellie. Again, he’d looked into that little detail only to discover Ellie had been asked to housesit and to walk Casey’s parents’ dogs. They’d hit it off, which wasn’t like Ellie, and they’d been friends ever since. From what he understood, Ellie wouldn’t accept money from her friend either. Even though her apartment was a complete dive and she sometimes went without food. Working as many jobs as she did pissed him off.
Casey picked up the menu and quickly scanned it, settling on a glass of white wine and some pasta. She offered him a smile. “My father would like to know what this is about. Your request to meet me has been somewhat surprising.”
“You shouldn’t get excited. I only have one reason for meeting with you and that’s Ellie.”
Casey sat back and stared at him. “You’re the … the guy. The one from the bar.”
“Yes.”
“Oh, my, you’re the one who took her ID?” Casey asked.
He found this entertaining. “Yes.” Ellie had talked about him, how interesting.
“She didn’t tell me your name. You do know she has no idea who you are, right? She’s not used to being around people like you.”
“People like me?”
“I meant no disrespect.”
“I doubt that.”
“I apologize.” She bowed her head in a submissive pose, one he wasn’t interested in.
“I don’t care how you refer to me. All I care about is you don’t tell Ellie what you know about me, who I work for, and what I do.” He stopped as the waiter brought out their meal.
Casey twirled her fork within the pasta but made no move to eat while he sliced through his steak and took a bite.
“You want me to lie to my best friend.”
“You don’t have to say anything to her,” he said. “She talks about me, you don’t know me.”
“Are you going to kill her?”
“No, I’m not going to kill her and if I were, what would you do about it?”
“Ellie’s a good person.”
“I know.”
“She doesn’t have a clue who you are and she doesn’t need to be pulled into your life.”
He raised a brow. “Are you seriously trying to warn me?”
“I care about Ellie. I can’t just lie to her.”
“You lie about a lot of things. Your shopping addiction. Your father’s demands that you help him make certain deals. Your body for more money. This is one lie that if you don’t keep it, I will have you and your family out on the streets and begging for scraps before you could even blink.”
Tears filled her eyes.
“Now, do I need to make a call or will you do as you’re told?”
She didn’t answer straightaway. Finally, she nodded. “I won’t say anything.”
“Good and if she says anything that could concern you, I want you to call me immediately. No waiting around. I want to know what’s going on in her head and why.” He was done with his food. After signing the check, he left it on the table. “Enjoy your meal.”
He got up from the table and left the restaurant. Always cautious, he took in his surroundings as he walked to his car. Once inside, he dialed Ellie’s number.
At this time, she should be arriving back at the apartment.
“Hello,” she said, out of breath.
“Hello, beautiful,” he said.
“Antonio.”
“I’ll be at the apartment in five minutes. I want you naked.”
“Er, no can do, mister. I’m working.”
His jaw clenched. “What job?”
“I lost three jobs, remember? So I picked up an extra couple of shifts at the restaurant. It’s not too bad. I’ll be at the apartment around eleven, maybe a little after.”
“I want you at the apartment now.”
“No can do. I’ve got to go. We’re swamped.” She hung up and he stared at his phone, puzzled.
She’d hung up on him.
On fucking him!
He didn’t bother with the belt. He’d told her to quit her jobs. No woman of his was ever going to be working three jobs and thinking she could get away with it. With his foot pressed to the gas, he arrived at the only job on her current résumé.
It was a restaurant on the Giavanni payroll. They paid them to keep their enemies out and for the most part, they hadn’t needed the extra protection. He’d fucking kill anyone who threatened the name.