THE BILLIONAIRE'S GIRLFRIEND

THIRTY TWO

They were able to find a bacaro that served wine and food. It was filled with several patrons occupying the round tables that sitted at least five people; they laughed over half-filled plates and mugs. The decor was done in dark tones, and a full bar housed a male bartender, who was busy serving and mixing drinks. Women in bright blue knee-length gown weaved between tables, balancing trays on one hand.

Malora and Titan finally found table at the back of the room that housed three chairs. She watched as he shifted the chair to the unoccupied table beside them so they were the only occupants of the table. She was glad to be off her feet because her ribs were starting to ache slightly, and her feet hurt now. She'd only hid her discomfort from Titan so he wouldn't insist that they go back to the hotel.

"This place looks great," she said, after they'd finally settled.

Titan raised a brow. "It's crowded."

"The more reason why it does look great."

He grunted.

Malora raised a finger to call one of the waitresses. "I can't wait to sample one of the many dishes I've heard about."

"We could have ordered anything at the hotel."

She frowned. "That would have defeated the whole purpose of visiting here. And since this vacation is for my benefit, then I insist we do it my way."

Titan was saved from answering when a waitress who was sporting a weave and bright red lipsticks got to their table. "Good evening," She said brightly. "Welcome to Leor's Bacaro. What will you be having?"

Malora wagged her brows at him before replying: "What's on the menu tonight?"

"We have the fegato alla Veneziana, Bigoli in Salsa, Risi e bisi, and Baccala mantecato." She stared at Malora expectantly.

Malora was partly surprised that she wasn't staring at Titan like females tended to do around him. In fact, it felt like he wasn't there at all. It pleased her immensely." I'll have the Risi e bisi, and that first one."

"fegato alla Veneziana?"

"Yes."

She turned to Titan. "And you sir?"

"Bring everything you mentioned." He simply stated. "And we'll have a glass of the Spritz."

"With Campari or Aperol?"

"One of each."

"Okay."

Malora watched the woman go before relaxing into her chair. "What's a Spritz?"

"Wine mixed with either sparkling water, Campari or an Aperol."

"Oh."

Carrying on a conversation with Titan was like pulling a tooth. So, Malora made herself busy by watching the people in the bacaro. There were different races of people here and each were happy in their own ways. Seeing this made her miss the times when she and Mika stayed out late at night barhopping. Even Lorena had been fun before she birthed Louis.

The reminder of her dead nephew and missing sister put a damper on her mood. Here she was, living it up with a rich man in Venice while the last of her family was somewhere out there—dead or alive.

"Is anything the matter?"

Malora raised her troubled gaze to his worried ones. "My sister. Have you gotten any word on her whereabouts?"

He shook his head. "I'm sorry."

She nodded. "it's not your fault." She was the one to blame.

"Mal," he said softly, his gaze searching hers. "It's not your fault."