Page 51 of Taming Nikki

“You’ve done a lot of stupid shit, Nikki. This one takes the cake.”

I dropped my head. Someone must’ve called him. I wouldn’t be surprised if the entire Cosa Nostra knew what happened. Leo probably put a hit out on me already.

I didn’t look up until Nino’s hands rested on my shoulders. He tipped his head toward the living room and eased me out of his room and onto the couch. He grunted as he sat beside me and smoothed his chef’s coat over his big belly.

“What’d he do?”

I shook my head. I wasn’t going to drag him into it anymore than I already had. I was starting to feel like it was the worst idea to come here. I didn’t want my stupid decisions to hurt my uncle. He grabbed the back of my neck lightly and rocked me side to side.

“Do you trust me, Nikki?”

I lifted my head with a frown. “Of course, I do.”

“Then tell me what’s wrong. I can’t help you if I don’t know the full story. All I’ve got right now is an annoyingly loud phone call from Vince about how you stole a car and probably ruined their deal. I know there’s more to it, you aren’t that reckless. Talk to me.”

His hand on my neck was reassuring as I stared at my hands. “I haven’t felt this out of control since I was a kid. I got so used to everyone pushing me aside and being on my own, it was just how it was. But when Leo ignored me and dismissed me, it hit different. I lost it. I don’t know why it upset me so much. I can’t stand him, but…”

Nino leaned until he could see my face. “But?”

“But for a minute, he was treating me like I was more than just a pawn in a deal, a useless mafia princess. I thought for a split second that finally I was being treated like a damn human.” I clenched my teeth, my hands curling into fists. “Obviously, it was a ruse. He acted that way so I’d let my guard down. He told me my job was to stay silent and do as I’m told. Fucking douchebag.”

Nino snorted, then full-blown guffawed. He slapped his knee and shook his head. I watched him, stunned. Of all the reactions, that one wasn’t what I expected.

He was holding his belly, he was laughing so hard. “Oh! Oh! Can you even imagine? You, quiet and obedient?” He laughed harder and almost folded himself in half. I fought a grin, but I couldn’t help myself.

“Shut up, I’m being serious here.”

Between bouts of laughter, he choked out, “He told you to behave, so you stole his fucking car! Can you imagine his face? He’s probably still slack jawed that you had the balls to do something like that!”

I had to look away from him. He was going to hurt himself laughing that hard. I bopped him with a couch pillow and he finally sucked in a breath. Still snickering, he wiped the tears from his eyes.

“Oh, child. I adore you. I’m going to call your Nonna and tell her the whole story. She’s probably at home right now, dealing with your papa’s meltdown. She’ll need a pick-me-up. You should’ve heard him on the phone. He sounded like he was about to have a stroke.”

I made a face. That didn’t make me feel any better. I had to go home eventually. I had deliveries tonight, and I wasn’t dressed for it. I could always send Marco and Piero to handle it, but I preferred to be there in person, just in case.

Car doors slamming outside Nino’s bedroom window caught my attention and ice slid down my spine. I shot Nino a worried look, but he just shook his head.

“Time to face the music. Don’t worry, I won’t let him hurt you. Just… don’t throw anything at him. I want to keep my life.”

I rolled my eyes and shoved his shoulder. I helped him to his feet and followed behind him downstairs into the restaurant where Leo waited.

I hadn’t felt the need to hide behind my uncle since I was a kid, but I had the urge now. Especially when Papa burst through the door, an outraged look on his face. I was facing down two angry mafia dons with no weapons, no shoes, and absolutely no leg to stand on.

Nino’s amusement died the moment Papa stormed in. His face fell flat, and it felt like he grew a few inches as he straightened and glowered at them both.

“Everyone clear out.” The restaurant wasn’t overly busy, but the few patrons who were here were all watching wide eyed. They jumped to their feet and shuffled quietly out the door. Another wave of guilt washed over me. I was causing trouble for Nino’s business, along with everything else.

Nino pointed at an empty table in the middle of the restaurant.

“Sit.” Neither of them moved and Nino’s face grew darker. “You can either fucking sit or get the hell out. You two idiots made this arrangement knowing who she is. You want to talk to her, you follow my rules. Sit!”

Leo’s face was blank, the mask of indifference in place. He sat and leaned back with his arms crossed. His gaze was locked on me and even though I wouldn’t look him in the eye, I could feel it burning on my skin. Papa took more time, once again so angry with me he was shaking. Nino raised his eyebrow and Papa finally took a seat, his jaw so tight I was surprised it wasn’t hurting him.

Nino jerked his chin at me, and I moved to the chair opposite Leo. I summoned up every ounce of courage I had and lifted my chin to look him in the eye. I fucked up, but I wasn’t going to cower in front of him. Nino dropped heavily into the seat next to me, a somewhat neutral observer. He’d done this kind of thing before. He wouldn’t step in unless he absolutely had to.

“Care to explain yourself?” Papa snarled.

“No.”

---