Page 51 of Now and Forever

“No, Catalina. Rarely are things all right. This morning before we arrived back in the city, Tony DeLuca, a business owner who works for us—he owns a trucking company—was found murdered in his vehicle.”

I held my breath. “Murdered. Are you sure?”

“One bullet. Efficient and deadly. My father believes it was the bratva.”

“Does he have proof?”

“Vincent Luciano doesn’t need proof. He has his beliefs. He’s called for retaliatory attacks.”

“Do you agree with your father?” I asked.

Dario’s gaze went to the front seat and back to me. “My father and I rarely see eye-to-eye. That’s a problem.”

“Dario, if you need to be working, you don’t need to take me to dinner. I understand the importance of your job. I would appreciate a call or text, but I don’t want to take you away from your responsibilities.”

“My father’s men took out two bratva soldiers this afternoon. My concern is escalation. The two bodyguards are here for you tonight. We have extra patrols at our more visible businesses: clubs and casinos.”

The SUV pulled off the main street, heading down a narrow alleyway, with concrete-block buildings on each side. We stopped by a door with a sign above that read: Mercato Mission. As Armando opened the door, a strong and delicious aroma of garlic permeated the air.

Dario placed his hand in the small of my back. “Our private entrance. I called ahead. Cesare is expecting us.”

Armando opened a metal door to a busy kitchen with multiple chefs shouting at one another in Italian. Dario seemed to know where we were going, and no one complained as he led me past the counters of fresh ingredients and near a large range. Heat radiated from the metal ovens. As we pushed through a swinging door, the noise level softened. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting as a quintessential quaint Italian restaurant appeared.

An older man in a suit came our way. “Mr. Luciano.” He stopped and stared at me. “Is this your bride?”

Dario replied, “Cesare, this is Catalina Luciano. Catalina, the owner and proprietor of this establishment, Cesare Bonetti.”

I offered him my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Cesare lifted my hand and brought my knuckles to his lips. “The pleasure is mine.” Releasing my hand, he gestured to a semi-circular booth at the back of the restaurant with red vinyl seats and a small candle burning on the table. “Your table is waiting.”

I scooted in, and to my surprise, Dario followed, sitting at my side. His leg emitted warmth against mine. When Cesare walked away, Dario turned and gently reached for my necklace. “This is even more beautiful when you wear it.”

“You sent it to me for my birthday.”

“I did. The emeralds reminded me of your eyes.”

I tilted my head. “Did you really pick it out yourself?”

“Why would I ask someone else to choose something for you?”

“Because you’re a busy man,” I said with a grin.

“That won’t change. However, I can do a better job of informing you. Old dog. New tricks.”

New tricks.

Did he call and inform Josie of his schedule?

I wanted to ask, but at the same time, I didn’t want to burst the bubble of our first date night. Looking up, I noticed that Giovanni and Armando were seated at a table between us and the front of the restaurant, each facing a different direction.

Cesare reappeared with a bottle of wine. He offered the label to Dario. “Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino Millecento Riserva 2016.” He pursed his lips and blew a kiss. “In honor of your nuptials, the best bottle from my cellar.”

Dario nodded. After Cesare poured a small amount into a glass, he handed it to Dario. Instead of taking a sip, Dario handed the glass to me. “You may taste it.”

A grin spread across my lips as I twisted the glass stem in my fingertips, swirling the deep red liquid, noticing the Gibbs-Marangoni Effect, and inhaling the bouquet. Black currant, dark berry fruit, and leather were the qualities I detected. Next, I took a sip, allowing the wine to stay on my tongue as more flavors came to life. Tobacco, truffle, and cedar came to mind. “Delicious,” I said after swallowing.

“Mrs. Luciano, you’re a connoisseur?”

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