Page 89 of Seeking Vengeance

I balk, his words going completely over my head.

“I’m sorry.” He reaches across the table to touch my hand. “Do you not speak Italian?”

“No.” I wince, physically pained at the thought of disappointing him—a stranger—someone I shouldn’t care about. And yet, I do. I want his approval more than anything. “I enjoy listening to your beautiful language, though, so please don’t stop on my account.”

“Matthew will have to teach you.”

I glance to the man in question, my heart warming with the ease of the smile staring back at me.

“I agree.” There’s a teasing hum to his tone. “All I need is for her to commit to the long process.”

He’s not talking about a commitment to a language. His intent is on a pledge of another kind, and right now, I’m mindless to think of one reason to deny him.

“We can talk about this later.” I force my attention back to Lorenzo. “Is it my turn to learn more about you? Matthew told me you’re his mentor.”

“He did, did he?”

“You know it’s true,” Matthew mutters. “Stop fishing for compliments, old man.”

Lorenzo laughs, carefree and bold. “Okay, okay. I know it’s true. I taught Matthew everything I know about business.”

“And arrogance. You taught him that, too.” Bishop shoots me a glower, as if pissed I’m taking over the conversation.

“I assume you were there for that lesson, too.” I quirk a brow at him.

Matthew snickers. “Without a doubt.”

“So you’re in the club business?” I ask Lorenzo.

There’s an awkward pause as the fatherly figure holds his smile, his focus moving to Matthew. Nobody speaks. Or acknowledges the question as the two stare at each other.

I’ve said something wrong.

Bishop shifts in his seat, placing his arm against the hedge to watch the bike riders as they pass.

My question has made things awkward. And with the necessity for guards and a private seating area, I should’ve been less forthright in asking for information.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to be—”

“Don’t apologize.” Lorenzo returns his gaze to mine. “Yes,bella,I own clubs. Many clubs. I only hesitate to discuss the topic because it’s become somewhat of a point of contention lately. Especially with Matthew.”

The awkwardness continues, prickling my skin.

Bishop glowers at the passing bike riders while the gorgeous man beside me turns impassive, his expression not giving a hint of emotion.

Footsteps approach behind me as the quiet stretches, the chatter from pedestrians filling the awkward void.

“Who ordered the latte?” The waitress stops beside our table with a tray filled with food and drinks, her smile beaming into the discomfort.

“That would be me.” I focus on the cream tablecloth, wishing I hadn’t siphoned the enthusiasm from our heartwarming arrival.

“Don’t worry.” Matthew leans into me, whispering in my hair. “We’ve been destined to have this unwanted conversation for a while.” He inches away to refocus on Lorenzo. “I guess it’s time we discussed your retirement.”

“It’s been time for months.” Lorenzo juts his chin. “Have either of you considered my offer?”

Matthew doesn’t move. Not even a flinch.

Bishop continues to stare at the bike track, or maybe even farther to the street traffic.

---