Page 28 of The Burnt Heart

“Tell me one thing you like about her, apart from her gorgeous looks,” I vetted, taking another sip of my water. Ray had ceased his blatant hook ups, or at least was incredibly discreet.

“She’s funny. She’s snappy,” Ray sighed with a distinctly lovesick tone. “She won’t give me an inch and it’s getting under my skin. I could have anyone I want, and yet she won’t even let me take her out.”

“You can’t have me,” I reminded him with a smirk, and he rolled his eyes.

“Why do I spend so much time with the only two women who rebuff me so boldly?” he grumbled, taking a sip of his drink. I choked on a low laugh as a shadow cast over the table.

“Miss Orazio, Mr. Donato. What a coincidence to find you here,” drawled an unwelcome voice.

Chief Goldman loomed over us, dressed in an ill-fitting gray suit. He wasn’t alone for long. Jonah barreled through the crowd, slipping between me and the pesky police chief.

“I’m not going to do anything.” He sniffed at my guard, which made Ray splutter with laughter as he leaned back in his chair.

“Except accost us at dinner. We’re trying to celebrate our two-month anniversary.” Ray tried to grab my hand, but I snatched it back like I didn’t see the movement. He pursed his lips at having his fun spoiled.

“Is this how the police department spends its money? Over time for chasing down innocent civilians? Perhaps my foundation can assist with the reform of your department?” I tilted my head, enjoying the light flush that spread up his neck.

“I would have used more conventional means, but you seem to be an impossible woman to schedule time with,” Chief Goldman replied through gritted teeth.

“Do you want me to escort him out?” Jonah muttered into my ear, and I shook my head. We were already drawing too much attention, and I didn’t like the implications. We could use this to further clean Ray’s reputation. Having the Chief of Police share a congenial conversation would dispel the lingering rumors about our more nefarious doings. If Jonah dragged him out of here, it would do the opposite. There was a delicate power balance here.

“Surely you have enough on your plate that an innocuous meeting with me is unneeded.”

The flush rose higher as he struggled to maintain his composure.

“Cleaning up this city is not innocuous, and if your newfound desire for philanthropy has a drop of truth to it, you should be jumping at helping me.”

I bristled at his arrogant tone and the entitlement. Did he think he could shame me into helping him? He obviously didn’t understand the way things work in Greenich Bay. He might wear a badge and stand at a podium preaching peace. But it was the Orazio and Donato families that kept that tenuous peace alive. One flick of my finger and I could raze this city to the ground, but he believed he was above that. All the previous Chiefs had understood the dance they had to do with the darkness, but Chief Goldman had let his moral compass blind him. I let a cool smile slide across my face.

“You overestimated your importance, Chief. Now, if you don’t mind, I want to return to my date.”

Jonah shuffled forward, but the stubborn Chief planted his feet on the ground.

“I want your assurance that there isn’t a gang war brewing. Crimson Claw Riders have been spotted around the city consistently for months. I know you know more than you’re letting on.”

Was he truly going to cause a scene in the middle of the restaurant? Lara appeared from behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. Chief Goldman turned, a snarl ready on his lips, but it petered away when he realized it was a gorgeous woman, not another guard. Ray and Jonah both stiffened at her arrival. I looked over to see her date tossing on his jacket with a disgruntled look.

“We’ve not met officially Chief Goldman.” Lara extended her hand. “Lara Miller. I work with Adelaide at the Orazio Foundation. I overheard you’ve been trying to book a meeting with Adelaide. She’s quite busy, but if you like, I can spare some time?”

Chief Goldman struggled to reply, his gaze wandering down Lara’s tight paneled dress and strappy heels. The whites of his eyes shimmered as he took her in with quiet surprise. He looked back at Ray and me, twin stoic expressions on our faces. The precariousness of his situation seemed to dawn on him. Lara spread her arm, inviting him to follow her.

“I know a lovely little cafe around the corner. It serves wonderful pancakes,” she coaxed.

“Call me Beck,” he rasped, lingering for just a moment. His hand rose, as if to run through his graying dark hair, but he reconsidered.

“Of course, Beck. Let me help you. It would be for the best.” Lara and I exchanged a look. I appreciated her interceding, but I didn’t want her to be drawn into any of the Chief’s impassioned pleas. The Chief followed her swaying hips with a dazed look.

“Follow them,” I instructed Jonah, wanting to know what could be so important that he would seek me out in such a public place. My guard didn’t need me to ask twice, his agitation obvious as he hurried after my best friend. Perhaps there was some truth to Ray’s theory about Jonah wanting Lara after all. Ray tore his eyes away, tucking his clenched fists under the table and out of sight.

“Jonah won’t let anything happen.” I tried to comfort him. Ray stared out the glass window, tracking the rain drops that glided down. They looked like glistening diamonds, reflecting off the streetlights.

“Do you ever wonder if this is all worth it?” Ray sighed. I frowned at him, not comprehending his meaning. Was he questioning his role as heir? It was something I had never done. In my veins was an undeniable need for power. I wasn’t afraid to admit it. This was the only choice I had, but it was one I would choose myself. Ray shook his head and tossed back some of his wine.

“Don’t mind me, I’m in a strange, maudlin mood tonight.” His smile was thin.

“You won’t mind if I join you then?” Jesse loomed over us, and he was glaring at me. Hard.

My spine stiffened. What was going on today? Accosted by two people I had no interest in talking to. I suddenly wished I hadn’t sent Jonah with Lara. He would have dragged Jesse away like he’d done many times over the past two months. I’d caught glimpses of Jesse, enough to assume he was following me regularly. But Jonah had kept my exes from approaching me, and with their numbers blocked, I hadn’t had to interact with them at all.

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