Page 7 of Vows of Blood

“I work here,” I say reasonably. He can’t just tell me to leave.

The guard glances toward Luca, who gives him a subtle nod to continue throwing me out. “Not tonight.”

No, no. He can’t do this to me.

Faces swim behind him as I struggle to comprehend what’s happening. I recognize one of Luca’s brothers, and my humiliation deepens.

“I was assigned to the bar section by my manager. If there’s been a change, he can tell me himself.” I hesitate, meeting the guard’s eyes. “There won’t be any trouble, I swear. Please.”

When he shakes his head, my eyes clash with Luca’s, and he finally realizes why I’m here.

Luca’s eyes travel to my uniform, to the apron around my waist, and confusion flickers across his face. Then something worse. Pity. And it cuts, because sympathy from him is the last thing I want.

The guard’s serious expression, though, doesn’t falter. “Mr. Calvano would prefer⁠—”

Panic builds inside me. Next semester’s tuition is due. Losing this job would topple my carefully stacked house of cards instantly.

“I don’t care what Mr. Calvano would prefer.” The words come out sharper than I intend. “I need this job. I haven’t done anything wrong, so unless you plan on picking me up and carrying me out that door, kicking and screaming, I’m staying and finishing my shift.”

The light vanishes from the guard’s eyes. His hand comes up to grip my elbow, calling my bluff. I’m betting on him wanting to do this discreetly, but maybe these people don’t care if he manhandles me out the door.

“Don’t make this difficult,” he warns through gritted teeth, but instead of convincing me to go along willingly, his touch makes my whole body go rigid. “You don’t want to cause a scene.”

Luca’s fiancé continues her conversation, polite smile fixed in place, but her shoulders turn, just a fraction, aware something is happening.

“You mean you don’t want me to cause a scene.” I yank my arm back, rubbing my elbow as I glare up at him. “Get your hands off me.”

The guard, frustrated now, and used to getting his way, reaches for me again, and I flinch back, but suddenly, he’s not there anymore.

Luca is standing just a few feet away, regarding me with cool indifference, but ropes of tendons stand out in his neck, and his teeth are clenched hard.

He’s not as calm and collected as he’s letting on.

“I said speak to her.” He growls, darkness flashing in his eyes as he glares at his guard. “I didn’t say put your fucking hands on her.”

The man’s face turns pale, looking around him for support. Or an escape route. “Sir, I⁠—”

He doesn’t get the chance to finish his explanation.

“Walk away. Now.” Luca’s demeanor remains composed, acting like there’s nothing to see here for the benefit of his guests, but his guard knows better, retreating hastily without another word.

The crowd around us falls oddly quiet, conversations faltering as people turn to stare, but thankfully, Luca’s fiancé saunters over, long red hair swaying with each step, and a bright smile on her pretty face.

“Luca, darling. Could you order me a drink?” She gives me a lingering look and a small smile, her striking green eyes curious rather than unfriendly, before accepting the champagne from Luca’s outstretched hand. “Let the woman work, Luca. I’m sure they’re going to need all the help they can get tonight.”

She turns one hand palm up and glances around at the busy room and the packed bar. With a melodic laugh and the immediate tension diffused, she turns to engage the people nearby in conversation, raising a glass in cheers. She’s the perfect host, and they’re quickly distracted, drawn in by her enigmatic smile.

With his fiancé providing the perfect distraction, Luca turns, nothing but irritation in his once warm brown eyes.

“Sienna,” he growls, my name on his lips sounding like a curse. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Nice.

It’s clear from his genuine surprise he doesn’t just mean tonight. He means in life. This isn’t what he expected of me.

Well, that makes two of us.

“I–”