Page 69 of Samson

“Why’d you do it?”

“Do what?”

“I knew something wasn’t right. I should have listened to my instincts, but I let myself like you too much. I thought what happened at the garden was real.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Who do you work for?”

“You already know that. I’m a waitress at my cousin’s restaurant.” She let go of the water bottle and pressed her hands into her lap to keep them from shaking.

“Is Luca mixed up in something?”

“No.” She fired back, probably too fast. “He’s just trying to run a business.” She hated the anger that came out of her mouth. She was treating Samson the way Luca had treated her. Trying to hide behind aggression. “I’m sorry.” She lowered her voice. “I care about him, and I would hate for you to go after him thinking he’d done something wrong. If anything happened to him…”

Samson’s face softened. “Is he in some kind of trouble?”

“No. Nothing he can’t handle.”

“But there is trouble?”

“The normal struggles of running a business. That’s all.”

“Then explain to me why you did it. Does it have anything to do with Luca?”

“What is it you think I did?”

“I’d like you to tell me why I was druggedand then attacked with swords days after telling you I wasn’t good with blades.”

“You were attacked with swords?”

“I probably wouldn’t have suspected you, except the situation was too well executed. An innocent meeting where my gun is taken away, and then I’m shown into a room full of swords. It’s a little too convenient.”

“Who has a room full of swords?”

“It was a museum at the back of the restaurant.”

“Hang on. So you’re suspicious of me because you drank too muchsake and then some men attacked you with the weapons that were at their disposal?”

“You think I’m being paranoid?”

“Maybe. I don’t know.”

“Then why is your face red?”

“I’ve been for a run. Or maybe it’s because you’re accusing me of something. Just because you can’t hold your liquor doesn’t mean I’m responsible for any predicament you get into.” She was doing it again. She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m being like this. I should be supportive. You’ve obviously come out of a scary situation.”

“Scary? That’s not the word for it. You’re an intelligent woman. I don’t think I have to explain why it looks suspicious.”

She dropped her head. She desperately wanted to tell him everything. But she couldn’t. It wasn’t just about Luca going to prison anymore. She was now in way over her head. Both Marc and Samson were dangerous men, and she and Luca were stuck in the middle. If she told Samson about Marc, Luca’s life could be in serious danger. She’d just have to ride this out.

Samson appeared shaken, but safe. Now she had to protect Luca. It wasn’t like she had anything to lose with Samson. There was never anything possible between them anyway.

“You’re right,” she said. “I can see why it looks like I had something to do with it. And maybe I did.”

“Maybe?”

“You’re worried I betrayed your trust, and I guess I did.” This was the closest she was brave enough to get to a confession. “I’m embarrassed to even say this, but I mentioned it to one of the other waitresses. She was gushing about you, and—I’m sorry. It was the first thing that came to mind. We were in a crowd of people, so others could have easily heard me. I’m so sorry. If I had known it would have put you at risk, I wouldn’t have said anything.”

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