Page 42 of Ruthless Consequences

“Where are you going?”

Sebastiano was around the same height as Michele but built more like a bull. And the only reason I didn’t tell himnone of your fucking businesswas because the place was packed with business.

He noticed the look on my face. “I’m hungry,” he said, covering. “Thought maybe you could bring me something back.”

“Order it,” I said. “Or ask Norah.”

In general, everyone loved Norah. She was sweet. And between us, we helped Michele with the accounting part of the business. Carine demanded that in her absence, I be put in charge. Together, Michele and I mostly did it. But business had started to boom suddenly. Life-long customers and new transplants were all wanting a piece of Valentino’s. We needed an extra person to help. A life-long customer suggested Norah since she came from a long line of certified public accountants. Including her. That was how she and Sebastiano had met.

Norah was sweet to everyone but me. She was polite but tight. I blamed her husband for it. And she should have too.

After leaving my apron on the peg, I hustled out the door and back into the sunshine.

THIRTEEN

LUCILA

PRESENT DAY

Ava stoodwhere she had been. Mooch had gone from sitting to a down position. He watched as people walked around him, no one wanting to get too close. They had no clue that the most dangerous thing about him was his nose.

“Want to take a walk?” she asked.

“Sure.” I nodded.

“I could use something to eat.”

“Mamma’s?”

“Yeah. That works.”

Mamma’s was a pizza place that had outside seating. It was limited, though, because it was off a busy street. Hopefully we could grab a table.

“Mooch is coming with us,” she said.

“Yeah.” I straightened my bangs. They felt messy. Like my life. “I figured. That’s why I suggested Mamma’s.”

We were quiet for a minute or two as we walked. Everyone moved out of our way because of Mooch. He reminded me of his person in that way.

“I saw Carine.”

“Ah,” I breathed out, some of the pieces clicking. “She usually enjoys when her grand-dog comes to visit.”

“He had to poop. I offered.”

“How nice of you.”

“It really was,” she said, laughing. “It’s enorm—”

I held a hand up. “Don’t need a visual.”

“I’m not saying this to piss you off or anything, but—you seriously need to get laid. You have an attitude that needs to be pounded out. Think of it like taking stress out on dough. Or extremely tough meat.” Her eyes narrowed. “Or is this about that thing you’re not telling me? I know you’re not telling me something. You’ve been keeping a secret since—”

“Who says I’m not getting any?” I said to change the subject. My sister always thought I had a secret, and she was right. I did. But I refused to speak on it. It was mine. At least, for now.

“The name you refuse to speak, that’s who. He would know. And the guy, or guys, would be dead.”

“He has no say over my life anymore,” I snapped. “Did you come here to talk about him? Or to tell me about the shit you’ve gotten into now?”

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