“Right, of course. I’ll talk to yousoon, okay? As soon as you’re able.” Talia rubs Mindy’s shoulder, then she glances back at me before leaving.
“Your friend is weird,” I say, watching the woman leave.
“Luca, Talia is not weird. Although her behavior was a little strange, she doesn’t usually act like that.”
I’ve noticed that Mindy always sees the good in people. That’s probably why I’m so infatuated with her. She sees the good in me even through the darkness that she doesn’t realize is there.
“Hmm. Well, I’m glad we’re alone again. I love spending time with you…”
Before I can finish my sentence, Jules comes into the restaurant. I know it’s about to be some shit because I told them not to disturb me unless it was important.
Fuck! Another disruption!
“Luca, if you have business to take care of, I understand. You can take me home. There’s no need for me to go with you,” Mindy says for the hundredth time since we left the restaurant.
“I told you,Coniglia, this won’t take long. Then I will take you to the second part of our date.”
Mindy finally nods her agreement once we pull up to the club. Roman is taking care of some business, so that means I’m in charge. Although I would rather stay in the background, my brother is the only person I would step into the forefront for.
“I don’t have to go inside. I can stay in the car if you like.” Mindy looks like she’s seen a ghost as she looks at the velvet rope and long line.
I should’ve considered the possibility that she could be traumatized by being at a club. Even though it’s not the same one she was attacked in, the situation might be triggering. However, we’re here now, and I refuse to let her sit in the car like I’m ashamed of her.
“I apologize for bringing you here. I didn’t think about how it would affect you.” I run my hands through my hair and sigh.
“No, no. It’s not that.”Mindy looks away. “I just…”
“Look, you’re with me. I will take care of business as quickly as possible, then we’ll be gone.”I snap my fingers. “Just like that. Now, come on. Get your beautiful ass out of this car.”
Mindy smirks, taking my hand as I lead her inside. I’m relieved that she’s so easy going, but I do need to make sure she’s not uncomfortable while we’re here.
Once we’re inside, I step away from Mindy. I need to make sure she’s guarded at all times because my family is at war. Normally, being in Dalonzo territory, I would feel safe, but the other families are unpredictable at the moment.
“Jules,” I call.
“Yeah, boss?”
“I’m not Ro, don’t call me that shit. I need you to stay with Mindy, be entertaining.”
“I can do that.”Jules smiles.
“Don’t get too friendly or I’ll have to kill you.”
Jules smirks, but he knows I’m serious. I want Mindy to feel comfortable while I’m not around. I trust my cousin, Jules, even though he’s notorious for flirting with any and everybody. But I know he’ll keep her entertained.
I stride a few feet where I left Mindy, and call Jules over. “Baby, Jules here is going to sit with you in the lounge. There’s live music and drinks. I’ll be in the office, but at any point you need me, call.”
“Okay,” Mindy softly replies, before turning to Jules and smiling sweetly, “Nice to meet you, Jules.”
“Pleasure is mine.” Jules bows and sticks his arm out for Mindy to hold. She giggles and intertwines her arm with his.
I side-eye Jules, and the bastard shrugs like I didn’t just threaten his life. I know he can’t help himself because he’s aDalonzo. My family is known for being charming. He’d better be glad that he’s my cousin and I have shit to do, or I would beat his ass.
There are Dalonzo soldiers all over the club, so I can relax slightly. I head to Ro’s office, where Albert Clark, an old family friend who is a private detective is waiting for me. He very rarely sees anyone of us in person, so I know whatever information he has is important.
Although we do a sweep every day for bugs, the club is open to the public. We don’t usually hold meetings like this in such a public setting, but sometimes it’s necessary. However, we know to keep our conversations as coded as possible, so if anyone is listening in, they wouldn’t know what we were talking about.
“Luca, sorry about the timing. But I’m only in town for a short time,” Albert states, handing me a flash drive.
