Page 61 of Hers to Control

“Get out, right now.”

Time to make myself sparse. While I doubt Gianna would care that I listened in on this conversation, I’m also not about to take a chance.

Eric

My phone vibrates with a number I don’t recognize. Given the need for burner phones in our organization, this is nothing unusual, so I answer. It’s Mateo, one of our capos.

“Gianna told me to call you if anyone shows up at the restaurant.”

“Who is it?”

“Well, that’s the thing. A couple of Angelo’s men are here.”

I furrow my brows. Riccardo Angelo isn’t someone we’re at odds with, but we also don’t share a great deal of business. Still, they’re Italians, and it’s not entirely strange for them to venture into our territory to socialize.

“It’s fine. Serve them, and I’ll be by in a bit to check in on things.”

After Mateo ends the call, I immediately dial Gianna’s number. With a bit of luck, there’s still time before anything goes down at the apartments—assuming something will happen at all. No doubt, Gianna wants me to monitor things at Mateo’s family restaurant in the meantime. Still, I might as well check in and get orders, and perhaps hear how Mia is doing. If I’m being honest, that second part might be what’s motivating me.

Now that I think of it, I’m annoyed that I didn’t give Mia one of the burner phones we always have on hand, so I can call her directly.

“Gianna,” I greet my cousin when she answers, “I just got a call from Mateo. Angelo’s men are there.”

“Actually, Riccardo Angelo stopped by, so I’m in a meeting right now. Why don’t you go and have some lunch?” Gianna’s voice comes through the line, steady and composed as always.

“I understand,” I reply. “I’ll head over there now and see what I can find out.”

Riccardo Angelo’s unexpected visit to the villa raises questions, and I make my way to the restaurant. It’s true that we’re not at odds with Angelo, but his sudden appearance in our territory is cause for concern, especially since there is no such thing as just dropping in on each other in our world.

Arriving at the restaurant, I’m greeted by the familiar hustle and bustle of the lunchtime rush. I exchange nods with Mateo’s wife, Maria, as I make my way to the kitchen, where the capo is currently working the pots.

“Anything happen?” I ask, cutting straight to the chase.

He shakes his head. “Nope. They’re seated in the back, keeping to themselves.”

“Okay. I’ll go say hello.”

As I step out of the kitchen, I scan the restaurant, my eyes landing on the table where Angelo’s men are sitting. With measured steps, I approach their table. I got a bad feeling about this, but I’m also not dumb enough to piss off Angelo’s men. Not if all they’re doing is getting a bite to eat while their boss meets with Gianna.

“Buon giorno,” I greet them, forcing a smile as I come to a stop beside their table.

Their eyes flicker up at my approach, their expressions guarded but polite. I’ve got a reputation after all.

“Buon giorno,” one of them replies, his tone neutral.

“I hope you’re enjoying your meal,” I continue, keeping my tone casual as I try to gage their intentions.

The men exchange glances before one of them nods in acknowledgment. “Si, grazie,” he replies, his response curt but polite.

I nod. “Good. Enjoy your meal then.” Me greeting them should be enough to send the intended message. They can come here, but we’re keeping an eye on them.

“Watch them and text me when they leave,” I instruct Mateo, before heading out. I want to see Mia and I want to hear what Angelo wants from Gianna.

When I make it to my car, a message dings on my phone. It’s from Mateo.

‘They left right after you headed out.’

Huh.

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