We arrived at a slightly upscale restaurant called Mauricio’s. I had never eaten here before, so I wasn’t sure of the floor layout just yet. Trying not to look like I was scoping the place out, I glanced around as we were led to our table.

“There are three exits, one set of glass windows at the front, and the exit is not near the bathroom,” Tony said quietly where only I could hear him.

Looking at him, I just grinned. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one taking in the floor plan. I was not a fan of wine, so when the server took our drink order I asked for a mango martini instead, while Tony requested an old fashion. Once our server left to make our drink order, I turned to him.

“Exits are the entry, one in the kitchen and one along that wall over there,” he discreetly pointed behind me at the wall.

“Was it obvious?” I questioned.

Shaking his head, he replied, “Not at all. I came down here a little after midday to get a feel for the layout. In our world it’s one of the few things we all do in a new place.”

Our server had made her way back with our drinks. I let Tony order for me. This was nice. I could see myself letting him do small things like this for me in the future.

“So Rosie, I looked over your contract. I’m ready to talk about it with you. I don’t want anything but you. If something happens to me you will also have control over my portion of the… family business in Cuba. You can keep everything else you have offered, I don’t want any of it. Deal?” Tony asked, shocking me completely.

There was no way he didn’t want anything but me. His father would never let him amend the contract that way.

“Umm. You’re sure?” I couldn’t hide the shock and confusion from my voice.

Nodding, he didn’t say a word. This was some date night.

“Alright, yeah we can change it to what you want. Let’s not talk about that right now though,” I couldn’t formulate any other words. We ate our dinner over an awkward silence.

“Dessert?” Tony asked as our server began to make her way back to the table.

“Sure, why not? I don’t mind having something sweet,” I said with a slight smile. I excused myself to the restroom as Tony ordered us a chocolate mousse to share.

Walking into the restroom, I made a direct path to the sink. I needed to gather myself. I was still in shock over Tony’s revelation earlier. No one had willingly been by my side in years. It’s why I hadn’t had a serious boyfriend since Elis. I had never even had a female friend to talk to growing up, other than Amalia. And that one hadn’t turned out well for me at all. Realizing I had been in the restroom for at least five minutes, I made my way out. I stepped out and immediately crashed into a man. Muttering sorry, I made my way around him.

“Skoro,” he responded.

Looking back, I caught a glimpse of a smile on his face. Was that Russian? It certainly wasn’t a language I knew.

Sitting back at our table, I met Tony’s stare.

“Who was that? You know I won’t share, amor,” he asked, looking in the direction the man had disappeared to.

“Jealous?” I taunted.

Shaking his head, he leaned back, “Not at all, Rosie. I know who you will be leaving with.”

Damn, why was he so hot when he got possessive? Taking a spoonful of mousse into my mouth, I moaned. This was delicious. Swallowing, Tony just looked on as I devoured mouthful after mouthful of the mousse.

Groaning when I licked the chocolate from my lips, he said, “Time to go. Now.”

The car ride home was full of tension. Since we decided not to have anyone drive us tonight, there was no foreplay to be had in the back. Glancing over, I saw that Tony was driving well over the speed limit. Someone was ready to get home I thought, smirking to myself. Pulling into the gates, I noticed that there was a car parked in the driveway. A car I didn’t recognize at all. As soon as Tony parked the car, I quickly exited. Walking inside, I heard a faint female laugh. One that I would know anywhere. Amalia had already arrived. Apparently, her father either decided to send her immediately, or she had already been on her way.

“Amalia,” I said walking into the living room we never used, the disdain evident in my voice.

“Rosalina! Oh, my favorite cousin! How have you been? My, my, my, you certainly turned out pretty,” she said.

I’m sure all the men thought she was being sweet, but I knew her condescending tone. Looking over my shoulder at Tony, she fanned herself. Rolling my eyes, I turned to leave.

Calling over my shoulder to Roman, “She doesn’t sleep anywhere near the guardhouse.”