Page 55 of To Have and To Hold

The bad was here too.

Not shootings on the street. Although that was possible. I personally had two guns, and two knives concealed beneath my clothing. I wasn’t the only one. The holsters and bulges were easy to spot when you knew what to look for.

Some of the bad was benign, such as the kid who pickpocketed an elderly man walking the opposite direction. The street venders who doubled their prices for tourists. The levels increased, such as the woman we just passed. The misery in her expression as the man at her side grasped her arm and hurried her along was a warning of worse to come. If not for Isabella, I would have intervened.

Scanning my surroundings was something I constantly did. It wasn’t a conscious effort but the way I’d been taught to survive. Isabella, on the other hand, lived a life of protection, bodyguards, Mafia soldiers, and her family. They watched for the darkness, allowing her to bask in the light.

“Oh,” she exclaimed. “There’s the Little Italy sign.”

I squeezed her hand. “Our restaurant is just up ahead.”

She peered upward. “It’s such a beautiful evening; are we going to sit outside?” Almost every restaurant along India Street had outdoor dining.

I wouldn’t scare her by telling her that we wouldn’t because of the dangers lurking about. Instead, I smiled and said, “This is one of my favorite restaurants, and they have my favorite table waiting.”

“You have a favorite table?”

“I do.”

“How many women have you brought here?”

My lips landed on the top of her head, kissing her hair. “The only woman who matters is the one with me right now. The last time I was here, I was with Nick and two cartel chiefs.”

“Sounds romantic,” she quipped.

“It can be.”

Stepping through the glass doors, I let go of Isabella’s hand and placed my hand in the small of her back. Once inside, the delicious aroma of garlic awakened my hunger. We came to a stop in front of the hostess stand.

Evelyn, the hostess, opened her eyes wide with recognition. “Mr. Ruiz. Welcome back.” She smiled at Isabella. “Is this your first visit with us?”

“It is. Yes.”

Evelyn’s gaze was back to me. “We have your table waiting.” She picked up three leather-bound folders and said, “Follow me please.”

We passed by tables filled with customers on our way to the back of the large room. My table was a semi-circular booth on the back wall. From my seat, I could see the front door and the door to the kitchen. No one would have the opportunity to sneak up on me.

Evelyn laid the menus on the table.

Isabella scooted in and I followed.

Evelyn picked up the top leather-bound folder. “Here is our drink menu. We’ve added a few cocktails since your last visit.”

I took the menu. “Thank you.”

“Antonio will be your waiter. He’ll be over shortly.”

“Thank you,” Isabella said.

When Evelyn walked away, Isabella leaned closer. “She was flirting with you.”

Her observation caught me off guard. “She wasn’t. That’s how she acts around all the customers.”

She laughed. “For an observant man, you can be unaware.”

Under the table, I laid my hand on Isabella’s thigh. “I’m not unaware. I just have eyes for one woman.”

A beautiful rosy hue filled her cheeks. “Is this real, Em?”

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