Page 156 of Heartless Mafia Prince

“It won’t do you any good to reject my protection. Have a good night, Melanie. I’ll see you soon.”

Her dark eyes danced over my features. She nodded.

I continued to eat dinner on her shifts. It was best I took it slow with her.

One evening, her father stalked over to my table. “Why are you suddenly eating at this restaurant all the time?”

Fists balled at his sides; his dark brown, muscled arms flexed as he stood before me with teeth clenched.

He wore a white apron over a white short-sleeved shirt and dark pants.

Melanie was right, he hated me and didn’t even know me. He only knew of me. Or, should I have said he knew of my father.

I sat back in the booth and stretched my hand across the top. I wore a gray suit this time.

“The food is delicious. Is it a crime that I frequent your restaurant?”

Yeah, I wanted him to know I knew who owned the establishment.

“Of course not.” He slammed his finger on the table, and his nostrils flared. “I’ve noticed you only sit in my daughter’s section. The way your eyes rake over her doesn’t say you respect her.”

My lips tightened, and I raised my hand between us. “That’s where you’re wrong. I respect your daughter. You raised a strong woman, Mr. Soloman.”

“She’s strong and wholesome. You will not corrupt my daughter.”

A few customers whispered and looked our way.

My smile never wavered. Did he just tell me she was a virgin?

“I’m here to enjoy my meals. I just so happen to sit in Melanie’s section. I’m a paying customer. I really don’t know what all the fuss is about.”

His eyes gravitated to the door, then back at me. “I don’t want any trouble.”

Shit, my bodyguards were probably moving in.

“Luciano, is everything all right?”

Duran stood about six-five and was built like a refrigerator. He could intimidate anyone.

“Luciano?” Melanie stepped closer. Terror filled her eyes.

Did she think I’d hurt her father? I wasn’t that big of a monster.

“Duran, everything’s fine. Mr. Soloman and I are having a nice conversation about the wonderful food I’ve enjoyed over the past three weeks. I have everything under control.”

He nodded, turned on his heels, and exited the restaurant.

“Luciano, you can’t date my daughter,” he growled.

I noticed his bald head shined under the bright lights.

“She’s a grown woman. If she wants to date me, that’s up to her. Even though I haven’t asked her out yet?” I flashed a devilish grin.

Melanie’s eyes widened before she stepped between us. “Daddy, I really don’t want to discuss my personal life any further in front of our customers.” She glanced over her shoulder.

He rubbed his brow. “You’re right, Sugar Plum.”

Mr. Soloman kissed her cheek. “I’ll get back to the kitchen.”

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