As I walk back, I see that they have made themselves comfortable. I also notice that many of the tables around them have been vacated and no one has been seated. Only two tables are left, and they look like they are just about done.
I walk up to the table and they all stop their conversation as Bastiano turns to me.
“Ah, Sofia. I was wondering when I would get to see your beautiful face again. Is the night getting any better for you?”
I force a smile on my face as I adjust my position. My feet started hurting two hours ago, but constant movement usually keeps it at bay. Stopping and talking to Bastiano is causing the pain to seep in.
“It is. Thank you for being patient. Are you ready to order now?”
He gives me a quizzical look, then glances to Lorenzo.
“Get up.”
Lorenzo doesn’t question it. He stands immediately. I look from him to Bastiano.
“Sit, Sofia. Your feet hurt. You can sit while you take our order.”
I scoff at him.
“Absolutely not. That isn’t professional at all. I work these shifts every night. I appreciate the concern, but I will be ok.” I wave off his worry.
I see a glint of anger in his eyes.
“You stubborn woman. Take a seat. I order it.”
He uses a tone of voice I hadn’t heard yet. While I wanted to disobey, my body sits on his command without complaint. My feet throb, but I don’t tell him that. I just grit my teeth as I look at him.
“Better.” He nods to one of the men. “You first.”
I take their orders down as I feel slightly uncomfortable at the fact that Lorenzo is standing behind me. Add in the fact that I saw Mia take a double take as she checked on her last tables and I was beyond uncomfortable.
I repeat their orders then stand to leave.
“Come back and check on us after you take care of your other tables. Okay, Sofia?”
I had already turned to leave so I turn back to give Bastiano a small smile.
“Of course, sir.”
Bastiano
I shouldn’t be here, but I couldn’t help myself. I was able to stay away a week. One week. I feel weak for not being able to get her out of my mind, but I tell myself I just need to get her out of my system. Her open defiance is something that angers me, but I also find it deeply attractive. That is the only reason I cannot get her out of my head. Once I fuck her, she will lose all appeal. Then her defiance is likely to get her killed.
My heart constricts at the thought. Okay. Maybe I won’t kill her, but I will need to scare her to the point that she understands she needs to respect me. The guys are already starting to question why I am letting her get away with it now.
“Can I sit back down, Bash?”
I look to Lo. He looks amused at the fact that I made him get up.
“Yes. Grab that chair and put it here though. The poor girl is barely standing.” I point to the neighboring tables chair.
He smirks.
“Someone is going soft.” Pagolo, one of the Brooklyn center crew’s members, mutters under his breath.
Before anyone can react, I pull the gun out of my waistband and point it directly at his head.
“What was that, Pagolo?
