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My mouth closes, and I stare between the two of them. Not seeing any way out of the situation, I purse my lips and nod. “I would be delighted.”
I glance over at Cassius, who gives me a nod of approval. My heart races in my chest. This doesn’t feel safe, but if I can just get through this without raising suspicion, then I can leave for good. It was a terrible idea for me to come here, whether it’s a high-paying job or not, and I hate myself for putting my daughters at risk.
It will never happen again.
“Let’s go.” Isabella steps right up to me and links her arm around mine as if we’re best friends. It makes me feel a bit awkward, but I don’t dare snatch my arm away.
I can’t afford to make any mistakes, even if it does feel like I’m walking into the lion’s den.
She guides me outside, and I’m a bit surprised we don’t walk to the garage. “You don’t mind walking, do you?” Isabella cocks her head at me. “It’s just such a beautiful day. I’d hate to waste it.”
There’s something underlying about her tone that I just can’t pinpoint. “No, I don’t mind.”
“Good. You’re so agreeable. No wonder my brothers like you.”
Brothers? Like me?
So, that’s who this girl is. She’s their sister, which would explain why Cassius had forced me to come. But her words… She doesn’t have a clue that she couldn’t be further from the truth.
A part of me is happy that we’re walking outside. They can’t do anything to me with all of these people around…out in public.
The walk to the restaurant doesn’t last long. It’s this little hole-in-the-wall place, not where I expected us to go. The outside looks like it’s falling apart, but the inside…smells amazing.
“You always come here.” Cassius lets out a breath, gaze set on his sister. “That little Italian boy doesn’t have a clue who you are.”
“That’s not true.” Isabella punches her brother in the arm.
“If his father knew who we were, he’d shoot us.”
My heart drops. He can’t be serious, can he?
Isabella just smiles. “It’s a good thing then that he doesn’t.”
If I thought I was uncomfortable before…my legs are really shaking now.
For a second, when I turn to look at Isabella, I just see a teenage girl vying for the affections of a boy it’s clear she can’t have. Now that I’m looking at her, I can see the resemblance between her and her brothers. She’s beautiful in an almost ethereal kind of way.
“Take a seat, Annalise,” Cassius commands, his voice smooth and effortlessly charming. I glance around the room, struggling to focus on choosing a table when all I can think about is how wrong this situation feels.
“Uh, by the window?” I suggest, hoping that the view might provide some much-needed distraction from the tension coiling within me. Cassius nods and guides us to the table with practiced ease, his every movement radiating confidence and control.
As we sit down and Cassius and Isabella begin to make small talk, I can’t shake the nagging feeling that I’m being watched, that my every move is being scrutinized. I try to ignore it.
There aren’t too many other people in the restaurant, but that’s not surprising given the time and the fact that it’s a weekday. Most people are probably working, which is what I wish I was doing.
“Annalise, do you like pasta?” Isabella asks, her eyes wide with curiosity as she studies me.
“Uh, yes,” I reply, forcing a smile. “It’s one of my favorites.”
“Good! You should try the spaghetti here. It’s amazing!” She grins.
Feeling his gaze, I turn to look at Cassius. For a moment, I feel as if I’m drowning in those blue depths, the intensity of his stare threatening to unravel me.
“Okay,” I say softly, forcing my eyes away from him and down to the menu. “Spaghetti it is.”
Isabella puts her hand in the air, beckoning over the only waiter in the restaurant. He’s a younger man, face and hair clean-cut. When he smiles, you can see his dimples. His skin is almost tan, and his eyes immediately fall to Isabella.
This must be the boy she likes.
