Page 19 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

“Signora Lombardi already told me she was excellent – ”

“Yeah, but you gotta taste this for yourself.”

“I’m not hungry – ”

“Just TASTE it, will you?”

Nic grumbled as I set down the plate in front of him. “Not on the paperwork – Jesus.”

After he’d cleared away his things, he took the fork on the plate and took a bite of the pasta.

His grumpy look immediately turned to surprise.

“Well?” I asked.

“Not bad,” he conceded.

“‘Not bad,’” I said, mocking him back. “Try the bread.”

He bit into the bread –

“Damn,” he said.

“Right? Now try the cake.”

He took a bite –

And went “MMPH!” in ecstasy.

“See?!” I said triumphantly.

He wiped his mouth on the napkin I’d brought him. “You didn’t need to go through this entire act. I already hired her.”

“Oh,” I said, surprised. “Well – good. Now you know you made the right decision.”

Niccolo gave me some side-eye. “And your interest in her has nothing to do with the fact that she’s an attractive girl with certain…ahem… prominent physical attributes.”

“You really shouldn’t talk that way about a new hire,” I deadpanned. “It could get you sued.”

“I appreciate your concern,” he said drily. “Valentino, I’m serious: donotmess with her. It reallycouldresult in a sexual harassment lawsuit, which means Uncle Fausto would rain down hell on your head, to say nothing of Papa.”

“I’m not going to touch her,” I lied. “Really – I just think she’s an amazing cook.”

“With large breasts and a pretty face,” he said dourly.

“You forgot her amazing ass,” I joked.

“Valentino – ” he warned.

“I won’t lay a finger on her. When does she start work?”

“Next week – which means we won’t get sued for at least a week and a half.” Niccolo scrunched up his face. “If you’re not going to touch her, then I want you to swear to it.”

I started backing my way out of the room. “So, I gotta go do this thing – ”

“Valentino,” he snapped.

“There’s more of her food in the fridge if you want it,” I said as I opened the door. “But you’ll have to hurry ‘cause I think I might go eat the rest of it.”

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