Page 27 of Unforgivable Ties

“Ok...you know we’re going to a club after, right?” I said skeptically. “You don’t strike me as a dancer.”

“Hm, guess you’ll find out.”

I texted Jessica back and told her yes, the two of us would go that night. As I hit send, a rush of worry washed over me. A night that was supposed to be fun was just going to give me anxiety all evening.

It wasn’t just that Vincenzo was not a “fun” person by traditional standards. He was intimidating, with tattoos and a glare that could send a grown man running. But hopefully, his charming facade could last all night.

I worried about it the rest of the day, up until the two of us were approaching the restaurant. It would be harder to fool Jessica and Ted at dinner than it would be in the loud, overcrowded club.

I glanced at Vincenzo as we walked into the restaurant. He always looked handsome, but tonight he had dialed it up ten notches. The tousled ponytail he normally wore his hair in was slicked back, showing off his strong jawline. He wore a crisp, black suit that fit him perfectly, enhancing his broad shoulders and tapering down to his waist. The entire image was completedby a red tie, a standout splash of color against the black ensemble.

I was so busy checking him out that I didn’t notice the rug was raised, and I tripped over it. My hands instinctively went forward to brace my fall, but before I fell to the ground, Vincenzo’s arm wrapped around my waist.

“Careful,” he said. He left his arm wrapped around it as he led me to the table where Jessica and Ted were already seated. His touch was warm, firm, and strangely comforting, easing some of my pent-up anxiety.

“Hey!” Jessica said excitedly, shooting up from her seat to greet us.

“Hey,” I said, giving her a hug.

“Good to see you again,” Vincenzo said as he pulled my seat out for me.

“Nice to meet you, man,” Ted said, extending his hand across the table. “I’m Jessica’s boyfriend, Ted.”

Vincenzo accepted the gesture, his grip firm and his gaze steady as he responded, “Nice to meet you too, Ted.”

And just like that, Vincenzo flipped on his fake, charming persona. I should like him better like this. He knew exactly what to say and how to say it, every word smoothed over with a veneer of sincerity. He told jokes, laughed in the right places, and kept the conversation flowing effortlessly.

But I found myself more drawn to who he truly was—a gruff, no-nonsense man who worked in the mafia. Despite his tough exterior, he always took care of me in his own way. It was the Vincenzo who caught me just before I stumbled and fell in front of everyone, his powerful arms wrapped securely around me, that I preferred.

“What do you do for work, Vincenzo?” Jessica asked.

My stomach lurched. There was no way he’d tell them he worked in the mafia, but he didn’t hesitate before replying.

“Financial consulting,” he said smoothly, his expression calm and composed.

“Oh, cool,” she said, not pressing any further.

Most people weren’t interested in financial things. It was a great cover story and, smartly enough, boring enough to ward off any more inquiries. Even Ted simply nodded along, his attention already glazing over. I chewed on my bottom lip, watching them all interact.

“What’re you getting?” Vincenzo leaned over and murmured in my ear.

“Grilled sea bass, I think. You?”

“Haven’t decided,” he replied, his breath warm against my skin. I felt a slight shiver slip down my spine despite the crowded room around us.

The server came over, a young man with a wide smile. Vincenzo ordered a bottle of red wine for the table and a steak for himself, while I confirmed my order. Jessica and Ted placed their orders, too.

“How did you two meet?” Ted asked us, his eyes flicking between Vincenzo and me curiously.

Somehow, Vincenzo remembered the lie he had fed Jessica the day they had met.

“Well, I do consulting work for one of the directors at her school, and had to run to her campus that day,” he started, his charm turned on to the maximum. “After, it was pouring rain and I had forgotten an umbrella. Stephanie offered to share.”

He rested his hand on my knee, as if this was a real relationship. It felt so natural against my bare skin; like it should always be placed there. I felt a warm flush creep up my neck and settle on my cheeks.

“And I couldn’t leave without getting her number,” Vincenzo finished.

Ted laughed, the sound echoing across the room and drawing the attention of the other diners. “That sounds like a movie,” he said, shaking his head as he took a sip of his drink. “Doesn’t it, Jessica?”

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