Page 27 of Toxic Devotion

While the hostess led the consigliere to a table, Marco quickly finished his conversation and made his way across the restaurant, throwing a glance Rome’s way to ensure the man kept Neil who was seated at the opposite end of the restaurant far away from them.

“Luca,” he said as he sat down across from the man who was looking at the menu.

“I’ve heard great things about your restaurant,” Luca said and slowly raised his gaze to meet Marco’s eyes. “I do hope they’re true.”

He fought his instincts to cross his arms and raised his chin instead.

“What does Romero want?”

Luca’s lips twitched. “Straight to it, then?”

Marco stood and gestured for Luca to follow. They needed to have this conversation in a place where people couldn’t overhear them. He led Luca toward his office, his heart skipping a beatwhen Amelia ran into them in the hallway, Dante on her hip. They had stopped by today to have lunch with him and Neil, but he’d thought she was still back in the restaurant with Neil. From the piece of fruit in Dante’s hand, he could guess that they’d gone to see Emilio.

“Luca,” Amilia exclaimed, stepping closer to place a kiss to his cheek.

“Amelia, you’re shining,” Luca said, grinning widely at her.

“Oh, you,” Amelia said, batting her lashes at Luca who winked at her.

“Hello little one,” Luca said to Dante, though he had the good sense to not touch him.

Amelia turned to Marco and with a smile, she said, “Emilio is bringing us more fruit at the table but let me know if you need anything.”

She knew exactly who and what Luca was and despite her innocent demeanor, she was telling Marco she would be ready if he needed her or the men.

He gave her a nod and she turned with a finger wave at Luca.

“She gets more gorgeous every time I see her,” Luca said, gaze tracking her down the hallway.

“Touch my sister and I’ll happily start a war with Romero over killing you,” Marco growled.

Luca put his hands up, a cocky smile on his face.

“No worries, Serrano. She’s not the woman I want.”

“God help that woman,” Marco drawled.

Luca shook his head. “No, God helpme.”

Marco let out a huff and started down the hallway, heading into his office. He opened the door and stepped inside, walking to his desk. He sat down in his chair and waited for Luca to take a seat as well.

“Why are you here?”

“Straight to it, then?” Luca smirked at him for a second, then schooled his expression and leaned back in his chair. “We’re looking to expand shipment routes.”

Marco arched a suspicious brow at him. “Which shipment routes?”

“Cuba.”

All he could do was stare at Luca for a long moment, then a burst of laughter escaped him.

“If he wants to take over his nephew’s shipment route, he’ll have to do it himself. I’m not getting involved with their family business.”

Luca’s shrug didn’t make him feel any better.

“I told him you wouldn’t care to get involved.”

“Seems like he should’ve listened.”