Chapter 14
FOURTEEN
A s the meal is served, the air is filled with the delightful aromas of fresh herbs and spices. A beautifully cooked piece of pink salmon sits atop a bed of yellow rice, alongside steamed broccoli. Sin takes his seat at the head of the table. I discreetly offer a piece of fish to Axle, but Sin catches my gesture—he seems to see everything. I drizzle lemon juice from a small mesh pouch onto my fish and rice, and as soon as I take a bite, I can't help but moan with delight.
My eyes turn to Sin, who is observing me intently. "My compliments to the chef," I say, "this salmon is exquisite. I'm pleased it wasn't ruined by over-seasoning or anything."
He doesn't catch on; instead, he nods. "Our chef is one of the best in New York.
"Zeik," Sin says, and he stops shoveling food into his mouth. He looks like a frat boy. "How's the club going?"
"It's good; exchanging the house liquors for only top shelf and beyond has weeded out the bad crowd. We've only had executives and our normal clientele. Occasional stragglers stroll in but leave quickly when they see we aren't a dollar beer spot."
“Good,” Sin replies, swirling a glass of bourbon. “Good call, Zeik.”
"That was my idea," Bria says under her breath.
Sin nods, waiting for him to continue. Zeik looks over at me, hesitating. "Umm," he sighs, "so we're doing this? Talking about all of our illegal business in front of this stranger."
Sin lets out a long sigh. "She's not a stranger; she's not even just a guest in my home like you are right now. You are in her dining room." Zeik only nods, sinking into his chair. Maxwell and Rollins, who have been as quiet as mice, grunt in approval of Sin's words.
I remain stiff, grateful for the safety, yet the poisonous words from his mouth frighten me. “Sorry, Magnolia," Zeik acknowledges with a nod.
"It's okay," I reply quietly.
"It's not," Sin replies, voice sharp. "She will be treated with as much respect as any Donati family member."
Zeik takes a sip of his water. “Noted.” He looks my way, tipping his head and looking more sincere than he has the entire dinner. “My apologies, Magnolia. Won’t happen again.”
Either the Donati family name carries enough respect to change his entire demeanor, or he’s aware that Sin is a dangerous man that isn’t to be messed with.
A lull happens as we eat, I try to enjoy my dinner, but I'm so distracted by everything around me.
Bria’s voice comes out quiet, timid. “I have an idea for the Rusco’s.” Every head whips in her direction .
Sin’s fist slams down onto the table, rattling the plates. “For fuck’s sake, Bria! You cannot interfere!” Sensitive subject, I assume.
She stands, tossing the napkin that was on her lap onto the table before storming out of the room. I push my seat back to go after her, but Sin stops me. "Please, do not follow my immature little sister."
“You won’t even hear her out,” I whine, trying to keep my voice level. I have no idea what's going on, but this is obviously important to Bria.
He inhales, leaning his head back slightly. “She is not allowed to go within one inch of the Rusco family; she knows this. They’re my fucking problem.”
“You’re going to ruin your relationship with your sister,” I sigh.
He ignores me. “Rollins, in a month I will need you to accompany me to Naples.”
Whether he's noticed my change in attitude, I don't know, but his being so harsh to Bria has made my anger awaken. "Oh!" I sing in delight. "What a beautiful trip. I would adore seeing the ruins of Pompeii."
“You’re welcome to join me,” he adds before quickly returning to Zeik. “Back to business.”
Zeik pulls out a slip of paper from his shorts and unfolds it. “Delgasso's account has been cleared, but Saxon is late.”
“Late?” Sin asks, his voice dangerously treading on anger. “Wasn’t he late last month?”
Zeik quickly nods, sinking into his seat a little.
Sin closes his eyes, placing his palms on the table, towering over everything. “What does the Donati name mean? What does it command?”
“Respect.” Zeik nods.
“Does it command a layaway system?”
“No, it does not. His business was shut dow?—”
Sin laughs, dark and low. “Does that sound like my fucking problem?”
Zeik whispers, “I’ll have it handled.”
Rollins places his napkin on the table. “Want me to take care of it?”
Sin shakes his head, “Since Zeik has such a heart for the man, let him.”
“What is it that has been cleared... Delgasso?” I ask.
Zeik doesn't hesitate now. "Sin loans money to people; not a small sum, always large amounts. Millions." He smiles. "We expect a return on investment. If the accounts are cleared in the timeframe we discussed, then all is well, but if not..." he trails off.
“They’re done.” Sin finishes, slicing a pointed finger across his neck.
I tilt my head, looking Sin over. With the quietest, calmest voice I can muster I say, “So you ruin them?”
“Dinner is over,” Sin sneers.
Zeik groans, “What about dessert?”
“Go. Everyone. Now.”
I scoot back, but Sin's hands curl over the back of my chair, holding me in place. “Not you.”
Once everyone leaves, I cross my arms against my chest in defiance. “What is your fucking problem?!” he shouts. Axle jumps up, sitting at attention by my side, his angry gaze directed at Sin. “For fucks sake Axle, you’re my dog!” he mutters.
“You’re my problem, Sin.” I stand, fix my dress, and head for the door. Before exiting, I turn my head towards him. “Are you ready to have a real conversation?”