Page 30 of The Enforcer's Revenge
“Sucks for you. I saw your Benz in the garages.” Nova smiled at her. “You’re not driving my car, princess.”
Romeo walked in behind Nova, and though Brianna had met him a few times, it was always shocking to see just how massive he was in person. Not only was he six-six, but he really was as fit as Carina said. Thick and muscular, he was one of those men who walked into a room, and it was easy to believe he was a famous fighter, but his smile was Tino’s as he said, “She is your sister. You should let her drive your car, stronzo.”
“That’s true,” Carina added as she grinned at Romeo. “Thank you, Romeo.”
“Imagine Tino behind the wheel, only more impulsive and fearless,” Nova said dryly. “With a moderate depth perception problem and massive spatial reasoning issues.”
“Fuck you with the depth perception problems,” Carina snapped and didn’t bother to deny the rest. “You’ve ridden in a car with me. You said yourself it doesn’t affect my driving.”
“Maybe not, but I’m still not risking my car getting impounded. How many tickets have you gotten?”
“Zero,” Carina said smugly.
“Is that true?” Tino barked in disbelief as he came in behind them, carrying two bags, one over each shoulder. “That can’t possibly be true. Forget Nova, I’ve ridden in a car with you, and that’s gotta be bullshit.”
“Pull my record if you don’t believe me.” Carina shrugged. “It’s shiny and clean.”
“How does that happen?” Tino held up his hands, looking mystified. “I know how you drive.”
“Really? You of all people need it explained to you?” Lola said with a mischievous smile as she winked at Carina. Then she turned to Romeo and held out her hand. “I’m Lola. It’s nice to meet you, Romeo.”
Romeo shook it. “Same. Tino has nice things to say about you. How long have you two known each other?”
“A long time.” To Lola’s credit, her smile was genuine instead of strained, considering how she and Tino became friends. “He’s always said nice things about you, too.”
Lola had this gorgeous poise about her. If she wanted to, she could light up a room, and as a dancer, Brianna had always admired that. It was more than Lola’s beauty that was startling. Graceful and feminine, Lola was easy to be around when she was turning on the charm.
Brianna knew Lola was likely falling back on old habits to try and bridge the divide between Romeo and Carlo, but it might not have worked like she planned.
Carlo used his seat on the counter to kick Romeo’s leg. “Hands off, big man. I know she’s fine, but she’s also very taken by a territorial Siciliano who doesn’t like other men touching her.”
“Figlio di puttana!”Lola threw up her hands and glared at Carlo. “What is wrong with you?”
“I’m just establishing where he and I stand.” Carlo didn’t seem to have an ounce of remorse. “When motherfuckers know where I stand, nothing bad happens.”
Romeo rolled his eyes, clearly not impressed with Carlo’s big, bad enforcer routine. “Relax, bro, I like women my own age.”
“Noble,” Lola said rather than being insulted, and then grabbed Carlo’s hand. “I need to talk to you.”
Carlo jumped off the counter to follow Lola. Then he stopped and turned around, as though he only then realized Romeo just insulted him because Carlo was a few yearsolderthan Romeo.
Before Carlo could say anything, Lola jerked his hand. “Now.”
Brianna winced as Lola dragged Carlo off.
The two of them went into the other room, but Lola’s voice still bounced off the marble tile. Brianna didn’t know what she was saying, since she was speaking Italian, really fast and angry Italian, in a way that made Romeo laugh and say to Tino, “Not so bad ass now, is he?”
“Well, you know, he is Siciliano.” Tino shrugged. “He likes it when they bite.”
“You want to help me load up the boat?” Brianna asked because she could tell Tino was tense. “I’ve got most of it packed. I just need help carrying it.”
“Sure, I’ll be your muscle any day.” Tino grinned while the rest of them listened to Lola bitch Carlo out. “You lead, baby, and I’ll follow.”
Together, Tino and Brianna started work on loading the boat. The others let them, like they knew the two of them wanted a moment. Once they got out to the docks, Tino set the cooler down and shook his head. “I’m acretino. They’ll never get along.”
“Give it a chance. Time could fix it.” Brianna set her stack of food trays on top of the cooler and leaned in to kiss Tino. “Are we definitely staying out overnight?”
“Yeah, I hope you packed for it,” Tino said with a smile. “And you know we’re getting the master bedroom after Carlo pulled this shit.”
