Page 35 of Labria

“We had some interactions before he died.”

“You’re in deep now. Once you’re in, you can’t get out.”

“I don’t find that comforting.” I shook my head from side to side.

We were interrupted when the waitress came over to our table with Zio’s glass of wine and my water and lemonade. Good thing I wasn’t dying of thirst because it took her a long time to just bring the drinks. When I food finally gets here, I’m sure I won’t be hungry anymore. I was trying to chill because the restaurant was packed.

Zio was silent and waited for the server to walk away.

“Labria.”

Why was he saying my name when he was looking me dead in my grill? I didn’t know.

“Maurizio.” I lobbed his government name at him like a tennis ball.

“I want to tell you something, but I don’t want to offend you.” He leaned into the table and I wanted to lean back, but I had to stand my ground. He wasn’t going to intimidate me with his dashing good looks and smoldering eyes.

“Offend me? How?” I finally got the words out.

“There was a conversation about you a short time ago that I recall clearly.”

“About me?”

“Yes. I’ll explain it as best as I can.”

“I think that would be a good idea.” I needed to know who had my name in their mouth.

“I was at dinner with Lordes and a few others and I asked about you.”

“About me? Why?”

“I thought that maybe you were an escort. I was fool enough to ask Lordes how I could go about retaining your services.”

I couldn’t help myself. I laughed out loud. “Is that right?”

“My new cousin got heated with me. I thought he was going to try to kick my ass.”

“Huh, well. You did call his girlfriend a hooker.”

“True, but I meant no offense.”

“That’s pretty offensive.”

“You are so beautiful. I never thought you were his realsignora(lady). I mean, have you looked in the mirror? You’re fucking supermodel gorgeous. You move like royalty.”

“Thank you, but—”

“I wanted to apologize to you for thinking that men paid you for your time. I’m a complete idiot.Per favore, perdonami(please forgive me.)”

“I accept your apology.”

“Capisci1’italiano(Do you understand Italian)?”

“Sì, ma è un segreto(Yes, but it’s a secret).

Zio cracked a crooked smile. “Adoro i segreti(I love secrets).”

“I bet you do.”

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