Chapter 13

Nina sat next to Yao at La Esperanza. They had a gorgeous view of Advent. "One day, this whole place will answer to us, you know" he said as he watched the view with her. He rested his hand on her thigh and kissed her neck gently.

"Sir, Madam." The waiter interrupted them "I've brought your Antipasti" He poured a small glass of Rose as a plate of bruschetta was brought to them. "Please, enjoy"

She nodded and took a sip of her drink before taking a bite out of her bruschetta "Delicious" She held her hand to her cheek. It was simple but, as always, decadent.

"Oh right, in about three months I'm going to go to China" she said as she took another sip.

"China? What the hell is in China?" He asked surprised.

She let her glass down gently and sighed "Madam Xi's birthday is coming up soon. I'm going to get her presents from us. She's been talking about home more recently, so I figured.. "

"Something from home would gain her favor" He finished her sentence

"Yes, but I want it to be something she actually needs or wants" she said softly "She may be an old bitch, but she is the only elder that treated me the same as she treated everyone else."

"Alright, I'll take care of your territory while you're away" He played a little with the hem of her dress before he slipped his hand underneath."

"Is everything to your liking?" The waiter asked as he approached, smiling politely.

Yao grumbled and pulled his hand away.

"Everything is delicious" she returned his smile. "You can leave us until the next course"

"Yes, madam" he walked away to give them their space.

Nina watched him leave. Something was off.

Yao looked around "It looks like Don Enzo has been doing well over the past year" he said with judgemental tone.

"Be nice, he lent me one of his men while you were away. I only had Lu, Yang and Luis for errands and protection while you were gone."

"Fine" He studied her face as she started drinking. "Let's save business for the morning...well for the afternoon" he chuckled "This dress looks amazing on you" He said as his hand ventured to her thigh again. "I missed seeing you like this"

"I doubt it" she looked over and smirked "I'm sure you missed seeing it on the floor"

He squeezed her thigh then leaned over "if we weren't in public," he growled into her neck "I'd throw you over this table"

She reached down to his thigh and traced the inside gently. His pants were already tight. "The wait will be worth it, show a little restraint."

He leaned back, enjoying her touch. His body had become sensitive after a year in isolation. "Gold, I lo-" The waiter approached again, Interrupting "Your Primi," he said as the food was strategically placed on the table.

Nina stopped. Yao was finally going to say that he loved her, a simple phrase she had waited over fifteen years to hear and the waiter interrupted. Again.

"Who told you to interrupt us?" Nina asked coldly.

"I assure you Madam, no one has given such an order" She stared him down. The man had a bad poker face with this much pressure on him.

"Then cancel our dinner. Send everything back"

The waiter froze. The kitchen staff were halfway through her main meal. The losses they would incur from having the VIP menu cancelled would hurt a lot of pockets. "Madam, please, let us not be so hasty.."

"Cancel it. Tell your boss why."

"Of course, Madam" He nodded and hurried into the back. Within five minutes, he was back. Frost was thawing around his cuffs. "We would like to offer you a complimentary tour of the kitchen." He shuddered a bit. It was code that the Don would like to speak with the guest.

Nina stood "Just me, or is Yao invited as well?"

"The gentleman may join" the waiter said, his nervousness was plastered all over his face.

Yao stood behind her and followed them to the freezer.

The waiter stepped to side right outside "This way" he let them through and Nina walked to the sealed room where Enzo sat, bundled up as usual.

"Your poor waiter is scared to death Enzo" she smiled at him.

"He's between two loaded guns. He just doesn't know which side will fire first." He chuckled. "You two need to keep it under control in my restaurant. I try to make this a high class establishment."

"The getting handsy, I understand. However, we would still be having a tender moment if we weren't interrupted that last time." She put her hands on her hips.

"I know your tender moments always end in property damage. I'd rather keep my tables in one piece." He laughed.

"He has us there, Nina." Yao rolled his eyes. He hated agreeing with Enzo, but the man was right.

"We'll be out of your hair after this next plate. I'll pay the full amount, so let the poor waiter have the second half meant for us. Ah! While I'm here, did you happen to find the items at the auction I needed?"

"A few pieces of the polished obsidian from Vesuvius, a Muse's tear, aged olive root from a hundred years old tree, and an assortment of local medicines. They are all legitimate, so I hope you have the capital to complete our little deal."

"Of course. Have them sent to Yao's home, I'll have Lu bring the money later this evening, thank you."

"A pleasure as always Nina." He tipped his hat and adjusted his scarf. "Until next time"

She took Yao's hand and smiled "well...we get to start phase 3 a little early"