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“Since Tino won’t be there, next time you’re there, tell the bouncers in the front, and I’ll treat you to the VIP room.”
“Thank you. That’s very generous of you.” Katie will love this. She’s been wanting to get up to the VIP room for years.
“I appreciate that,” Corrado says. “Tino left town?”
“Mmhm.”
“On business?”
“He doesn’t work for me.”
“But he’s family, no?” Corrado asks.
The man narrows his eyes. “He is. What’s it to you?”
“I would prefer you keep him out of town.”
Domenico lazily peruses my body, an inappropriate, sleazy gesture toward someone else’s wife. Since men often look at me that way, I’m used to it and I don’t fuss, but next to me, Corrado tsks. “Deliberately provoking me is a bad idea.”
“Yes,” I agree, and tug Corrado’s sleeve, trying to get him moving.
He’s a pillar. Unmoving.
The men engage in a staring contest.
This can’t be good.
16
ABOUT THE DUCK
MICHELA
Corrado’s growing interest in Tino troubles me. The reason why I avoid Tino is because I have a feeling if I tell him I won’t go out with him again, he’ll hurt me.
While I’m sure Corrado is a match for Tino, I would hate Corrado to have to fight or be caught doing something wrong because of me, even though I suspect Corrado’s done his fair share of wrongdoings way before he met me.
“Sir.” The hostess approaches Corrado and breaks the standoff between the men. “The table on the terrace is ready, unless you prefer to dine indoors.”
“Go on, baby.” Corrado nudges me toward the hostess, but he’s still engaged in a staring contest with the other man, and I have a feeling if I leave, Corrado will do something that’ll land him in a cell next to my brother. They’d get along, those two, I’m sure of it, and because of that, I remain standing.
“Michela,” he says. “The table.”
“I’d rather stay.”
Corrado breaks eye contact with the man and turns to me. “This time, you staying here will have far greater consequences for Domenico than if you follow the hostess.”
“Let him go, please. Forget Tino. They’re not worth the trouble and a life spent away from your family.” I tug harder. “Come on.”
Corrado reaches across the table for a single red daisy cut short and tucked neatly into a small vase. He plucks it and tucks it into my hair. I wish I could say I melt at the romantic gesture, but I can’t because Corrado’s demeanor is so cold, it makes me shiver. Next, he spills the water from the vase into Domenico’s lap, then slams the vase on the table.
He leans in and hisses something into Domenico’s ear, after which, Domenico’s demeanor changes. Gone is the cocky, funny guy, replaced by a scared old man who backpedals from his attitude. “Corrado, I meant no offense. It was a compliment to you when I looked at her. Tino? You want Tino? Take him. We can talk about this. We’ll work it out.”
“I’ve made my decision. The Head rests.” We walk toward the terrace.
The man comes after us, but Samuel and two other men appear, blocking his way. I keep trying to see what’s going on, but Corrado strides toward our table outside. The men’s raised voices start turning heads, but soon they quiet. I presume they escorted Domenico outside.
I put my hands on my hips. “That went well.”
