*Lucas*Kennedy did as I ordered, and we were on the street before they were able to leave their table.We raced down the road, Kennedy struggling to keep pace with her short legs, at this speed they would catch up to us. I took a hard left into a farmers market hoping to get lost in the mix of people. Slowing down trying to act nonchalant and letting Kennedy catch her breath. I went to a booth and pretended to be interested in a jar of honey. My cover was quickly blown when some woman called out my name and jumped around enthusiastically waving her arms like a lunatic."Damn you and your handsome face, it's like no woman can resist." She snatched my elbow, "come on, you can pick up crazy women later."I followed Kennedy out of the market and onto a more secluded area. It was on the way to her apartment, it was a good plan, especially if we could meet up with Titus while he was on his way. Crossing through Washington Square, Taran cut us off before we could leave the grassy area. I

*Kennedy*Lucas wasn't in the office when I showed up for work and still wasn't there when the sun hung low, welcoming evening. Grace had popped in and out all day to check up on me. Grace could talk more than anyone I knew. She had an ability to describe to exhaustion every last detail in a story. She reminded me of an old country singer from the seventies, with blonde hair that was teased so much there had to be at least six inches of extra volume, "the higher the hair, the closer to god," she'd always say. Her lips were layered with thick coats of deep red lipstick and long nails were painted a new bright color every week. She spoke about Tony as if they were married. Because of this, I was convinced that something romantic was going on between them. "Now honey," was how she started every sentence, in her deep southern accent. I had heard those two words today more times than I could count. "Lucas and Titus are always getting into fights. They are good boys, but trouble finds the

*Kennedy*"Oh my god!" I moaned in between bites, "this is the most amazing beignet I've ever had." Chef Chris really had a talent for food."I can see that. You have powdered sugar all over your mouth." Lucas flung an arm around my shoulders, sliding me to him on the bench of the dining table, bringing me in as close as possible, "Let me clean it up for you."He sucked on each lip one at a time until they felt plump, "Mmmm, like I thought, delicious." His eyelids were heavy with lust. It had been several weeks since we agreed to give this relationship a try, and even though he wanted to take it slow, he made every excuse to touch me or kiss me, but there had been nothing further than that. Sometimes when we spent nights kissing on my couch his body would jolt and muscles jerked, when we got to that point he'd stop and would just hold me. I had no idea what that was about, but I didn't mind being nestled into him either, so I never brought it up."I can't watch you two anymore, it's

*Lucas*Shit. I knew this day would come, but I wasn't expecting it so soon. I saw the devastation on her face, knowing that there was no way out of this. For the first time ever, I didn't want to be the man that I was. "Yes," I answered, hoping that my blunt honesty would win me some points.The wetness in her eyes spilled over into heavy, thick tears. "You have ruined us." "Let me explain," I attempted to sound calm, but inside her words shattered me."I'd love to hear an explanation of why you scam people out of money." She threw up her hands, anger and sadness merging into one very dangerous emotion.I wanted to go to her, hold her against me, but I knew she wouldn't let me. "My family has been a part of the Italian Mafia for generations. My grandfather immigrated the Massi family, and several other families that were a part of the Mafia from Naples, Italy. They were sent to expand their reach globally. There wasn't a big Italian presence in New Orleans. You know the histor

*Kennedy*I didn't know why I thought I could walk into work, and I'd have an average day. My bosses were a part of the Mafia. I paced in circles around the water fountain of the driveway, waiting for Lucas and Titus to return, with Samson and Linguine trailing behind me. It took hours cleaning up all the glass. Grace insisted that she would hire a cleaning crew, but I needed the distraction. I knew something had gone wrong when they didn't come back right away, the hours ticked by and they never showed, nor did Grace and I hear any news. It was now dark and still nothing, the worry ate away at me. Grace had left hours ago, but I couldn't force myself to leave without knowing that they were okay. Headlights headed down the driveway, my anxiety kicked up a notch, hoping it was them. An old ford truck pulled to a stop in front of me and Lucas stepped out. Half of me exhaled in relief, but when Titus didn't come out of the other side of the door, dread filled."Thanks, Will, and make