Page 20 of Spice and Revenge

“The twins are back,” Hilda suddenly says.

I’m about to ask her how she knows before I hear a female voice I haven’t heard before. We all glance at the large kitchen door as a girl in a tube top and shorts walks past the door, with a male version of her walking behind her.

“Mm. Something smells nice,” I hear her say.

My head swells with pride before I remember that all the Vitale family members I’ve met are assholes. I didn’t realize it ran in the family until my first encounter with Carmela. The little girl had looked me up and down, said I was too young to be a chef, and accused me of cheating my way through. So, I already know the twins won’t be any different.

Ugh! Thinking about it makes me mad.

With the clock ticking closer to lunchtime, everything falls into place gradually.

“What's cooking, guys?” Carmela's irritating voice breaks the peace.

I inwardly groan as I hear the annoying, scrawny voice belonging to Carmela.

Josie is the one who answers. Her answer earns a huff from Carmela.

“Really? That’s the best you can do? My siblings arrived today. I want you to cook something special, and not just the regular lunch we have on Fridays,” she complains, rolling her eyes dramatically.

I stare at her in disbelief. Surely, she isn't suggesting we whip up another meal.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” she snaps at me.

If she's aiming to intimidate me, she's got a long way to go.

In a bored tone, I say, “We cannot make another lunch, Carmela. If you want something special, perhaps we can discuss it for next time.”

She scoffs, flicking her brown hair backward. “Are you seriously telling me no?”

I bite my tongue to keep from saying something that might cost me my job.

“I'm afraid your request isn't feasible right now,” I respond, wondering where the hell Nina is. She'd know how to handle this little demon's spawn.

Josie and Blanco begin ferrying the dishes to the dining room.

“Fine. I guess I have to take matters into my own hands,” she huffs.

Before I can react, she strides over to the counter and grabs the platter of caponata. She’s about to throw it on the floor when I rush towards her and take it from her hands.

“What's your problem?” I growl, just as she screeches, “Don’t touch me!”

“What's happening here?” A deep voice interjects.

We both turn as a tall man enters the kitchen. Instantly, I recognize him as one of Leo's friends, and I can't help but notice his good looks.

“I told her to prepare something else for lunch, but she snapped at me and insulted me,” Carmela says, folding her hands on her chest.

I release a low groan in exhaustion, placing a hand on my forehead. The man seems to notice my frustration because a small smile appears on his lips.

“I overheard you, Carmela,” he says, his voice deep and soft. I close my eyes, partly from exhaustion and partly to savor the sound of his voice. “And I witnessed you almost throwing the platter on the floor. I don’t think that’s very nice,” he adds, his tone gentle. Oh God, he sounds so soothing.

I don’t hear anything from Carmela, so I open my eyes to see a slightly shy expression on her face.

“But the previous chef prepared this same dish all the time. It’s like that was the only thing he knew how to cook,” she grumbles low in her throat.

“Then, you calmly explain it to the wonderful chef here,” he glances at me, and I catch a glint in his eyes. “Sure, the meal has already been prepared, but if you had explained calmly, maybe she could consider cooking what you want next time,” he says.

Carmela rolls her eyes dismissively. “Yeah, whatever.”

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