Page 44 of Mob Queen

I turn to the restaurant, and see Chloe huddled against the back wall. “Chloe.” I walk toward her. Chloe has her hands over her head and her eyes squeezed shut. “Chloe,” I repeat as I kneel beside her. I reach out to place my hand on her knee. She startles and releases a whimper as she opens her eyes. “It’s okay.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t do this.” Tears are streaming down her cheeks.

“Are you hurt?”

“N-no,” she stutters. “But I can’t do this. I know who you are and you scare me. I’m terrified of coming in and having to face you, but now this...” She sweeps her hand across the front of the restaurant. “I quit.”

I should be more sympathetic, but compassion and me don’t go hand-in-hand. “Okay.” I push up off the floor and look to G. “Pay Chloe three months’ severance and find a replacement.” I look to her. “Remember you’ve signed an NDA.”

Her nod turns into a shake. “I promise you I won’t say a word.”

I narrow my eyes and grind my jaw. “Make sure of that.”

Chloe visibly gulps. “I promise.”

G nods and heads toward Chloe. He holds his hand out to her and helps Chloe up off the floor. “Can you get yourself home?”

Chloe can’t meet my eyes, she’s too nervous to speak. Which is good for me, because that means she’s terrified and I know she won’t say a single word to anyone. Although, other than this minor hiccup, she knows nothing of my business.

“I can drive myself,” Chloe says in a small voice.

“I’ll have your severance deposited into your account,” G says.

“O-okay,” she mumbles. With downcast eyes, she ducks out through the shit covered kitchen and disappears.

The only other person left is the head chef. G exchanges some instructions with the chef before he too exits. “Where’s Dario?” Rome makes a beeline for the front, and I follow close behind.

“You have to stay here.” Rome pulls me back and charges ahead. G pushes past me and is right behind Rome.

“I’m not a fucking wallflower.”

G turns and points at me. “No, you’re not. But whoever did this knew you would be here, and it’s likely they trashed Moonlight to draw you. This isn’t about sheltering you; it’s about protecting the Don Frankie DeLuca.” G stands firm, refusing to allow me to move past him. “Now, stay the fuck here and let Rome and me handle this. I’ll come and get you once we know it’s safe out there.” He obviously glances at a chair, then back to me. “Sit your ass down, Frank.”

I click my tongue and release a frustrated exhale. “Fine.” I hate how they think I’m some precious flower who can’t take care of herself. But I also know I’m the head of the family, and obviously there’s a war. G will protect me with his life, as will my brother.

Ten minutes pass before Rome walks back into Moonlight. “Dario is hurt. He took a bullet to his shoulder.”

I spring to my feet, but Rome wraps his hand around my upper arm and pulls me back. “Where’s G?”

“He’s outside, arranging another car for us. He’s also called a doctor for Dario.”

“How bad is he hurt?”

“The bullet went through, but he’s bleeding badly.” Rome lifts his hand and touches his right shoulder. “He’ll be okay.”

I chew on the inside of my cheek as I play this entire scenario out. The cow shit must’ve been a ruse to get me down here so they could open fire on me. I can’t imagine Miller wanting me gone so badly that he’d hire his own heavies to do this. But it’s not exactly like I know him. Maybe Jeremy does have it in him. Either way, I’ll find out. And if he did send someone after me, I’ll eliminate him.

“What’s wrong?” Rome’s question drags me out of my heavy mindset.

“Thinking.”

“About?”

“Jeremy Miller.”

Rome slowly closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. “We’re dealing with this shit, and you’re thinking about the fucking politician?”

I smack Rome in the arm. “I was thinking that if he’s responsible for this, I’ll end him.” Rome narrows his eyes at me. “What?”