Page 33 of His to Protect

“Oh, no, that’s not necessary. I need to pick up some groceries and I’ll just grab an Uber. Thank you, though. Today was good.”

I smile, glad to hear she’s happy. Hannah being happy makes me happy. “See you tomorrow then.” Even though it’s going to eventually kill me.

“See you tomorrow,” she says. “And thank you, Vin. I really like it here.”

“I’m glad.”

Hannah tosses me an adorable wave and I watch her walk away, until she disappears from view. I think I may have just drooled and I swipe a hand over the corner of my mouth.

“Miceli? Sorry.”

“Wow,” Miceli says. “I never thought I’d see the day.”

“What’re you talking about?” I ask, instantly growing cranky because I know he’s about to say something to annoy me. I can tell by his teasing tone.

“Was that your new assistant you offered to give a ride home to?” He bursts out laughing and I mentally curse him. “Who did you hire?”

I drop my head and pinch the bridge of my nose. “I could use a drink. Any interest in joining me?”

“Sure,” he says, still chuckling. “Let me tell Alessia and I’ll meet you over at Adaggio’s. I want to hear all about this mystery woman.”

Rolling my eyes, I disconnect the call and sigh. Enzo already knows about Hannah so I may as well tell Miceli, too. However, when I arrive at Adaggio’s it’s not just Miceli waiting for me. All of my brothers and Carlotta are there.

“What the hell, Miceli? I didn’t know this was going to be a family affair.” I pull a chair out and plunk down in the seat with a pouty face.

“Look, we can help,” Enzo says.

I grab a passing waiter and order a glass of red wine. I have a feeling they’re all about to gang up on me and I’m going to need some alcohol to deal with the situation.

“First off, we’re all aware of Hannah,” Angelo states.

“How? I only told Enzo.” I send my younger brother a glare.

“And me,” Carlotta reminds me pleasantly. “He asked me to pick out a dress for her and I hand delivered it. Hannah is a doll. She’s so pretty and pleasant and young. Younger than me.”

When Lottie winks at me, I close my hands into fists, telling myself not to strangle her. My sister has never been one to keep a secret and she probably blabbed about Hannah to Ang and Miceli.

“How’s she working out as your new assistant?” Enzo asks, a wicked gleam in his eyes.

“Are you mixing business with pleasure?” Angelo teases, waggling his eyebrows.

“You guys are all a bunch of fuckers,” I grumble and take a long sip of the wine the waiter just set down in front of me. After they order some appetizers to split, the interrogation starts up again.

“How old is Hannah exactly?” Angelo asks.

“She’s twenty-two,” I admit. There’s no point in lying; my family will find out the truth. They’re like a bunch of private investigators when they want to figure something out.

“Yep, younger than me,” Lottie says.

I roll my eyes. “But she’s more mature than you,” I fire back.

“Oh, I doubt that.” She sends me a smirk and then plucks the cherry from her amaretto sour.

As much as I love my little sister, good luck to whoever she winds up with. Some man is going to have a damn handful to deal with one of these days.

“Okay, I want details,” Miceli announces. “What the hell did I miss? How did you meet this woman?”

I glance over at Enzo. “There was a private auction and Enzo had an invite which he gave to me. He thought I might be able to meet someone there.” I keep my story PG-rated since Lottie is here. She doesn’t need to know my only intention was to find a woman to hook up with. As worldly as she tries to be, Carlotta is an innocent with very limited experience when it comes to men and relationships. I suppose having four older brothers involved in the mafia is a little intimidating and keeps most potential suitors far away.

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