Page 164 of Lethal King

“Don Kilpatrick?!”

Like an echo, a new voice appears from back in the coat check area.

We all look over at the same time.

It’s a waste of energy. Because all I see is Adriano Sabatino—that is, until he’s joined by his wife and their daughter.

Adriana.

A sliver of guilt runs through my gut as I remember the last time Adriano tried to force her on me. The poor thing was terrified. And she looks even worse off now.

These animals just don’t know when to quit.

“Adriano…” Leo grumbles under his breath.

It’s not surprising he’s upset to see the rival don. It just means more competition for him and his daughter.

Suddenly, the empty tables dotted around the dining room make a lot more sense. The Italians got wind that I was here. They set up last-minute reservations of their own.

It doesn’t matter that I announced my fake engagement to their faces. They’re all equally relentless and shameless.

Shaking my head, I down the rest of my whiskey sour and look up at the clock again. 8:55pm. It’s about time I get to my table.

A subtle smile lifts my lips as I imagine the look on the Italians' faces when they see Rozalia for the first time. If I’m right, and she’s who will be joining me, their reaction is going to be priceless.

Maybe it will even finally get them to stop pushing their daughters on me. But I doubt it.

Their ignorance on the matter is a sign of a deeper issue. They don’t trust me. And it’s showing in their inability to accept that I’ve decided to marry someone else.

It hardly matters that it’s all a lie. Even if they knew the truth—and didn’t just suspect it—their open rebellion against my wishes is a sign of disrespect.

I won’t stand for it.

You better show up, angel.

Don’t you dare disappoint me.

“Have a nice night,” I nod, standing up from my seat. Leo Camporese and his family get a stern nod. Don Sabatino gets nothing.

He doesn’t seem to like that.

I’ve hardly turned my back on them before I feel a hand on my shoulder.

“Don Kilpatrick, let me buy you dinner tonight, huh? How about—”

Adriano’s voice is like nails on a chalkboard. Somehow, he’s managed to sprint across the room and get to me before I could leave him in the dust.

Idiot.

Whipping around, I grab his wrist. “I own the place,” I sneer, ready to teach the fucker a lesson.

But then I see how terrified his poor daughter is and I instantly regret my outburst. Fuck. Both kids look like they’re about to crumble into dust.

They don’t deserve this.

“Enjoy your night,” I huff, throwing Adriano’s hand down.

This fucking world. These fucking bastards. They’re supposed to protect their innocent daughters, not whore them out to a monster like me.