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I immediately shake my head. “No. No, I’m not.”
“Vin, that’s a good thing,” Carlotta interjects. “Don’t fight it. You deserve to find someone who’s going to treat you well.”
My eyes narrow and thoughts of Cynda and our failed relationship flood my head. “I don’t do relationships. You all know that. Not after her,” I add harshly. I refuse to even say her damn name aloud.
“Not everyone is like her,” Carlotta states.
“No. Relationships,” I repeat firmly.
“Maybe you should think about it,” Enzo says. The appetizers arrive and my siblings dig in, but I’ve lost my appetite. Instead, I order another glass of wine.
“There’s nothing to think about.”
“Do you have any idea what Hannah wants?” Miceli asks.
“Yeah,” I say bitterly. “She says now that we’re working together, things need to remain professional. She doesn’t want anyone to believe she’s sleeping with the boss.”
“Good for her,” Carlotta says, swiping up a piece of bruschetta. “She has morals. I like that.”
Hmm. I don’t say anything, but a part of me wishes that she didn’t. No, that’s not right. I’m glad she’s a hard worker and wants to do a good job. But, I also don’t want to give up the sex. It’s too damn good with her.
“Sounds like you’re in quite the pickle, big bro,” Angelo says, munching on some toasted ravioli. “And I don’t envy you at all. Good luck.”
“Gee, thanks, Ang.” My little brother, the player. He has no clue what it’s like to fall for a woman. To fall deeply in love and then have your heart torn out and shredded when she cheats on you. It’s why I’ve erected these walls and will hide behind them until the day I die.
I’m not sure how else to protect myself.
My mind goes to Hannah and I remember how frightened she was when Caleb Durant stopped her. “Hey, have any of you guys dealt with Caleb Durant? Enzo, I know you said he’s a wannabe, but what else do we know?”
Miceli and Enzo exchange a look that speaks volumes.
“He’s a dick,” Enzo states.
“Yeah, I had the misfortune of dealing with the man once before,” Miceli adds, chomping on a piece of bruschetta. “He’s a snake on a powertrip and can’t be trusted.”
Good to know.
“He’s the one who tried to win Hannah. Then he approached her the other day, trying to coax her into his car.”
“Eww,” Lottie says.
“That’s one way of describing him,” Enzo says. “He’s a pain in the ass and, for whatever reason, thinks he’s some kind of big shot. Trust me, he’s not.”
Between Enzo and Miceli, my brothers know the biggest players in town and we give respect where it’s due. However, Caleb Durant sounds like a slimy asshole who may need to be dealt with. Plus, I’d take great joy in knocking him down a few pegs. Because if he so much as looks at Hannah again, I’m going to beat the living shit out of him.
“There’s a meeting with the Five Families next week,” Miceli informs us. “Are you all coming?”
Even though I’d rather not, I nod my head. Maybe I can claim I have things to do with the winery that day and get out of it. Sometimes the drama between the five most powerful families in NYC is too much for me.
“Also, send me the latest reports on the winery, Vin. Business is booming and I know you’re going to make it even better over there now that you’re running things.”
His faith in me means a lot. “Well, we’re all running things and making decisions together,” I remind him modestly.
“Yeahh, but you’re handling the day to day bullshit and that means a lot. Thank you for taking the position.”
I nod, grateful for the opportunity.
As we wrap up drinks and finish off the food, Angelo gives me the side eye. “So, when do we get to meet your new woman? The mysterious Hannah.”
