Page 4 of Hot for Her Italian Mafia

I pay my bill and leave a hundred-dollar note as a tip. I’ve held this table down for months, the least I can do is put a smile on the waitress’ face.

I grab my coat from the seat beside me and shuffle out of the booth. My coat is a lifesaver in situations like these. Apart from a mad scramble to get it on after I stand, it hides my swollen meat until I get outside. It’s a good thing we’re in the middle of winter. Don’t see how I could justify wearing it in the middle of a sweltering summer heatwave.

But my night isn’t over yet, no matter how badly I want it to end.

Josie still has to make it home safely, and I’m going to make it happen.

CHAPTER 3

Josie

Luca’s gone.

Another wasted opportunity.

He’s usually here until the last few barflies try and weasel a few more drinks out of Oscar after midnight. His frame so firmly planted in his seat, he might as well have roots anchoring him to it.

But he’s gone, and I’m left with wasted ambition and burning embarrassment.

Why did he leave early on the night I found my courage?

I’ve got to be the unluckiest person ever. Maybe luck has nothing to do with it.

I’ve played up Luca’s interest in me in my head. That doesn’t mean it’s true. He could be here for a bunch of reasons that don’t involve me. Maybe he’s staking out a new business venture. An inconspicuous little place in the middle of the slums to conduct his nefarious dealings. The Sunken Sailor fits the bill alright. But if the stories I’ve heard about him—that he's the head of some mafia organization—are true, wouldn’t he have people to do that for him?

Luca’s odd habits make it hard to believe there isn’t something shady going on. One drink a night, watching over the bar from the same seat, wearing an all-black, nondescript outfit that shows off his muscular physique. Watching and waiting for an opportunity to pounce on Oscar and force his hand into the devil’s dealings.

Somehow, this thought makes it sting more. No matter his role, I’ve lost myself to wanting Luca Palermo. I was going to do something about it, too. Tonight could've been our first step into the future, and now I’m…

Crushed.

Rounding up empty glasses and cleaning counters with a void in my chest.

“You want a ride home tonight, Josie? I’m gonna be another half hour. Waiting for the boys in the back to finish.”

“Thanks for the offer, Oz. But I’ll take my chances with the cold.” I’ll be home in ten. The extra time I’d be sitting around here can be better spent in my bed.

Daydreaming about Luca. Naughty fingers finding their way wherever they might go.

I pull on my puffy pink winter jacket and head for the door. It’s good to be out of the Sunken Sailor uniform. Shorts and tight tube tops are fine, but there’s nothing better than a pair of comfy pants and an oversized tee.

“You sure? Full moon’s out.” Oscar turns his head to a filthy window that barely shows the outside world. “People tend to get squirrely…” He lets the thought trail off.

“Don’t let ghost stories get you down,” I tease. “I’ve done the walk home a thousand times. I’m sure it’ll be okay.” I stroke his shoulder. It’s a small gesture, probably pointless, but he’s worried about me. I’ll give him a small comfort.

How bad can it be? I’ve braved many full moons under his employ, and I’m sure I’ll go through many more. Tonight isn’t much different from any other. Apart from the cold.

“All right, but stay safe out there.” Oscar reaches under the bar and pulls out a small cylinder. “Anyone gives you hassles, you point this at them and press the button on top.”

He hands it to me. The label reads Dicks Pepper: Spray and Pray.

“Isn’t this illegal?” I ask, inspecting the can.

“Safety first. Your old man will give me a hell of a ribbing if anything happened to you on my watch.” Oscar releases a wheezy chuckle, but his eyes don’t match. They hold the same worry I noticed when he stopped me to chat.

“Thanks.” I tuck the pepper spray into my carry bag. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He nods and gives a two-finger salute.

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