Cat and Mouse with the Italian Mafia

28.

It had been 2 months of me constantly moving every other week and staying in different hotels as I continued to play pretend on work meeting calls. Making myself work in California time in a different country was exhausting to say the least. I had already stayed in Prague, Munich, Turin and now in Denmark. My next destination was Chicago. I needed to get back into the US but do it on my own time and as discreetly as possible. I had been chatting through email with apartment listing agents about getting settled ASAP. I felt my work getting curious rapidly as I had a new background of scenery behind me often, I knew I needed more stability.

I flicked through my phone out of boredom as I was in another meeting not listening. The photo gallery went straight to a photo of Jace. I let out a deep breath as I zoomed in on his smiling face holding his toy car. I smiled to myself, turning off the screen and stepping out of the meeting as it ended. I wondered how he was, how Ares was. Ugh, no fuck him.

I had sent a text to my mom with a photo of myself smiling in Denmark in the middle of the city and she sent me a text back cussing me out in anger for literally vanishing. I laughed as I ignored her flurry of phone calls. I sent her a text back and let her know I was okay and would be back in the US soon just in Chicago for work. I knew me actually talking to her would instantly make me cry. I was just mentally drained. Coffee, I need coffee I thought.

I headed downstairs in the hotel lobby running my hands through my hair as I ordered a plain black coffee from a small shop down the street and took a seat outside. I pulled down sunglasses and rested my head in my hands closing my eyes. God, I could collapse into a nap right here.

"Ma'am, your coffee and an espresso shot from the gentleman across the pavilion." The waiter said softly setting it down. I snapped my head up instantly at him and narrowed my eyes.

"Who?" He shifted awkwardly; he didn't understand my sudden anger. "I'm sorry, but who sent the extra espresso?" I asked softer this time. He pointed behind me and I spun on queue to look. A guy dressed in all black waved at me from the distance before starting to walk briskly towards me. I looked around the pavilion in a panic making sure there we enough people around just in case something happened. He pulled the chair in front of me harshly before sitting down and staring at me intensely. His familiar blue eyes bore into mine as I tapped my fingers on the table.

"Who the fuck are you?" I said breaking the silence. "Fucking talk or I am about to punch you across the face. Who sent you?" He smiled at me before leaning forward.

"I see their interest in you... How have you been Amrita? We have all been so curious. My name is Alex." He purred at me with a wink before taking the espresso shot and pouring it into my coffee.

"Who wants to know?" I asked him cocking my head to the side.

"I am not here to hurt you or take you in anyway. I'm just here for cautionary measures." He said sighing at me. "Denmark, interesting choice." He said looking around him before pulling a cigar out. The cigar was the same on Javi would smoke. He knew I knew as he lit it. He slowly reached into his coat pocket again and pulled out a stack of euro and passed it to me. I shoved the money right back to him.

"Tell him I said I don't need the money." I whispered as the waiter stopped at the table before eying my hand on the stack of money. Alex rested his hand on mine as I glared at him.

"How is the coffee ma'am?" he asked uncomfortably.

"Delightful thank you." I said flashing him a smile as he walked away. I yanked my hand from Alex's standing up quickly and holding the cup in my hand. I took a deep breath. "To whoever sent you, let them know to my word still stands. Leave me alone psycho, my life is returning to normalcy." I said angrily before throwing the coffee into Alex's face. He tensed instantly and before he could open his eyes to wipe himself off, I made sure to disappear down the street.

______

"You have been dining alone here now for 7 days." The charming waiter said taking a seat in front of me during my usual alone dinner. I raised an eyebrow at him and studied his face. He looked so genuine. Dark brown hair, cheeky smile with deep brown eyes.

"Mmm. I like being alone. I won't be here for long anyway."

"World traveler?" he said with a small laugh.

"Nah I'm just running away from something." I said honestly but made it seem like I was joking.

"Aren't we all?" he answered looking into my eyes deeply. "I'm off the clock in 5 minutes. Care to join me for a drink?"

"As much as I appreciate the offer.." I started as his eyes widened at me mischievously.

"What? Scared?" he interrupted playfully.

"Of course not." I said dismissively waving my hand at him.

"Look, one drink. Public space. I will get you back by 10p.m. You said you are leaving anyway, so why not make end the Denmark trip a lasting memory for you on a good note. Nothing weird, I promise. I won't touch you or anything." He continued.

"I don't have the best track record with strangers." I said genuinely and he shrugged his shoulders.

"I've served you the last 5 days in a row. Plus, you know where I work, what can go wrong?" he said with a laugh.

"Fine. 1 drink." I said giving in.