Page 99 of The Viper

“No, please, continue.” He gestures with a wave of his hand.

“It’s hard enough for me to think that there could possibly be someone else, but to force me to actually say it, that’s just plain cruel.” I wring my hands together, feeling self-conscious and like a total loser.

“No, there isn’t anyone else. I have no interest in anyone but you, Rosa.”

I lift my head to look at him, my own satisfaction radiating through me. I pull my shoulders back and raise my chin with arrogance. “Don’t you forget it, buddy. I’m the only woman you need.” I point to him in a playful warning way.

Dominic runs his hand through his hair as he watches me leave his office. I hear him groan as I purposely sway my hips.

What a morning! Now to find Varo and Orzo so I can get to work.

Varo parks the car outside the café. The café itself is having all the windows replaced. “I wonder what’s going on,” I say once I’m out of the car. Orzo follows me inside. “You need to stay outside.”

“Sorry, ma’am, I’m under Mr. Sacco’s instructions to stay in here with you.”

I crinkle my forehead as I stare at him. I’m going to have to take this up with Dominic, because Evelyn is going to lose her shit if she knows I have a body guard staying with me when I’m on shift. “Can you please call me Rose? And sit over there.” I point to our least busy table.

“I go where you go, ma’am.”

This is going to get old really quickly. I’m already frustrated with Orzo following me and it’s been less than an hour. Let’s not even mention the whole ma’am thing. “Hey,” I say to Finn, who’s at the counter taking orders. He smiles at me, flashes a quick glance at Orzo then back to me. “This is Orzo,” I’m forced to say. “He’s um-”

“I’m Mrs. Sacco’s security,” Orzo says in a hard no-nonsense tone.

“Mrs. Sacco?” both Finn and I say.

“It’s Rose,” I say under my breath to Orzo. Man, I really need to talk to Dominic, this is a bit too much. I understand the security, but they can stay outside. “What’s going on?” I ask Finn and point to the workmen replacing the glass frontage.

“No idea, but Evelyn said she wants to see you when you get here.”

Shit, what have I done? My stomach twists and my heart pounds with anticipation. Did I do something wrong? Did I mistakenly charge someone too much? Shit, has there been a complaint made about me? Or maybe Adrian’s done something. That fucker is a snake in the grass. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s done something to screw me over. I know I should preach to forgive him, but fuck that shit. I hope Dominic finds Adrian and fucking hurts him.

I walk to the back where Evelyn’s office is and knock once. My hands are shaking and there’s a massive lump sitting at the base of my throat. “Come in,” she calls.

I look to Orzo and silently plead for him to stay out here. He stands to the side, his chest out, his shoulders back. “Thank you.” I open the door and smile. “Hi, Evelyn,” my shaky voice gives away how I’m feeling.

“Good, you’re here.” She points to the seat opposite hers. “Sit.”

“Did I do something wrong?” I sit on my hands to stop them from shaking.

“No, not at all. Why would you think that?”

“Finn said you wanted to see me. And I just thought I was in trouble.”

Evelyn laughs as she shakes her head. “You’re not in trouble, actually quite the opposite.”

My lips part as I stare at her. “What’s going on out there?”

“Well, I’m glad you asked. The windows are all being replaced, and in about an hour we’ll have a new security system installed.”

“What was wrong with the old windows?”

“They weren’t bulletproof.” Huh? “And I need to teach you the business.”

“Why?”

“The café has been sold.”

I sit staring at her for a moment before it dawns on me. “Seriously,” I grumble as I sink down in the seat. “Is the new owner Dominic Sacco?”

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