Chapter 5

I manage to keep the tears at bay and I close my eyes, needing to control my mildly erratic breathing and calm my nerves, still leaning against the wall. 

I hear the door open and hear two people come out. I soon hear them approaching me and my eyes shoot open fearing the worst. I'm relieved when I see Carlo and Cole coming towards me. I close my eyes as quickly as I open them and pray that they leave me alone. 

My prayers are ignored when then reach me and Carlo speaks. 

"What's wrong, cara?" his voice soft and docile as though I'm a wild animal. 

I calm my breathing down enough to answer. 

"I'm fine." my voice betrays me, coming out shaking. I'm clearly not ok. 

"Oh Cassie. You know you can talk to me about anything, right?" concern and guilt? dripping from his voice. 

Yeah, right. What am I supposed to say?

'Oh by the way, I'm running from one of your worst rivals because I have something they want that I won't give them, and it could destroy them all, and expose all mafia's alike'?

This is quite literally the one thing I can't talk to him about. Especially with someone as paranoid as Cole around. He'll think I'm some sort of 'spy', try and torture information out of me, only to run out of patience with me and kill me. 

"Cassie?" Cole questions, breaking me out of my thoughts. 

"Hmm? Oh. Yes of course I know that. But I assure you, Mr Santini, I'm ok." I answer Carlo, completely ignoring the God standing beside me. 

"Are you sure, cara?" Carol carefully questions, clearly unconvinced by my sudden outburst. 

No. I'm not sure. 

"Yes. You have nothing to worry about, Mr Santini." I reply, plastering my fake smile back on my face. 

"If you insist, Cassie. And how many times must I tell you, dear? Carlo is fine. 'Mr Santini' makes me feel like an old man." he chuckles. 

I laugh softly at his comment. 

"Well. I think I'm gonna head off to lun-" 

"Why don't you join us?" Carlo asks, cutting me off.

Ugh. I kinda just wanted some me-time to gather my thoughts. 

"Oh, no. It's ok. Really. I would want to intrude on an-"

"Nonsense. How does Mexican food sound? My treat." his kind, enthusiastic grin make me cave. 

"Ok. As long as you're ok with it." I direct at Cole who is on his phone.

I roll my eyes when he ignores me. I turn to him, crossing my arms and clearing my throat. He looks up at me with furrowed brows. 

"Huh?" he asks, dumbfounded. 

I shoot him a 'really?' look and he rolls his eyes at me. 

"Are you ok with me coming with you and Mr- Carlo for lunch?" I question overly dramatic.

"Credo." [I guess.] he flatly answers. 

"Grande. Let's go" [Great.] Carlo announces and he leads the way. 

Cole sneaks up behind me and firmly but gently grips my waist. 

"Don't think I'm finished with you yet." he whispers in my ear.

He lets go and follows Carlo. I stand there confused, anxious and stunned by his comment. He takes a glance back at me to see me standing there. 

"Comin'?" he asks, a smirk plastered on his face. 

Boy, this is gonna be a long lunch break.

*

After a quick drive, we arrive at 'Mexican Delights'. Once we're seated we look at the menu and my eyes widen when I see the prices. 

"Mr- I mean, Carlo. I honestly cannot expect you to pay this much for me. These prices are ridiculously high." I state; I cannot feel like I'm indebted to him.

"It's not a problem at all! I'm a multi-millionaire with money coming out of my ears. Don't worry about the prices, cara. Honestly." he replies, completely unfazed by the price. 

"I-"

I'm cut off by a tall, slim, drop-dead gorgeous red head as she reaches our table. 

"Hey there. What can I get for you today?" She asks, ignoring us and speaking to Cole seductively.

I roll my eyes at her behaviour and look back at the menu.

"4 beef tacos, 4 quesadillas, a bowl of guacamole and one huevos rancheros." Carlo says, clearly pissed at the horny bitch trying to feel up Cole. 

She rolls her eyes and turns to Carlo. 

"Sure. Any drinks?" she replies monotone. 

"One water and lime, one coke-"

"I want a whiskey." Cole interrupts Carlo. 

"Mio Dio. Prendi quella dannata coca, Cole." [my God. Have the damn coke Cole.] Carlo grits, having enough of being delayed. 

"Bene." [Fine.] Cole says, rolling his eye. 

"Do not roll your eyes at me, boy." Carlo sternly says. 

"Si, zio." [Yes, uncle.] he replies sarcastically.

"One coke, one water and lime and..." he trails off looking at me. 

"A coke as well please." I say dryly to waitress. 

"Comin' right up." she fakes a smile, turns to wink at Cole, and leaves. 

"Whore." I mutter, but Carlo hears and chuckles. 

"Yes. Yes she is."

Maybe lunch won't be so bad after all...