Lissy Romano

110| That's my job.

Lissy Romano

"Why are they all looking at me?" I whispered nervously, glancing at Blake, who was walking closest to me.

"Because you've got a dog in your arms, and this is a 'no dogs allowed' restaurant," Blake said, amused.

"Goodness, I thought I had something on my face or maybe my dress was dirty. But if they don't like Jax... they can leave." I shrugged, brushing off the stares as we made our way toward the table.

Hazel was busy walking beside Federico, trying to convince him to buy her a new phone since her parents refused. Typical Hazel.

I stepped closer to my godfather, grabbing his arm for reassurance. All those eyes on me made my skin crawl.

"They're staring at me—make them stop," I murmured, my voice barely audible.

The shift in Federico's demeanor was instant. His face hardened, a storm of protectiveness flashing in his expression. He held me closer and without hesitation turned us in a different direction, heading somewhere private.

Hazel and Blake trailed behind, and Jax pressed his little nose into my shoulder. My sweet boy, always sensing my discomfort.

Federico pushed through a set of doors without so much as a knock. I realized too late that we'd walked straight into the restaurant owner's office.

A man sat behind the desk, puffing on a cigar, while a younger guy sprawled lazily on the couch, legs spread wide like he owned the place.

"Federico Romano, what an honor to have you in my establishment," the owner said, grinning dopily. His glassy eyes and odd mannerisms gave away the fact that he was high on something.

"Get everyone the fuck out of the restaurant. My goddaughter doesn't feel comfortable," Federico commanded, his voice a sharp blade of authority.

The owner blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting this level of confrontation.

"Don Federico, she has a dog in her arms. Of course people are looking at her. Get rid of the dog and feel as comfortable as you want," the guy on the couch said lazily, pulling out a bag of white powder like he was making a show of it.

I instinctively held Jax closer, shielding him from their gaze. No one was going to make me feel guilty for having my dog with me.

Federico's grip on my arm tightened. His voice dropped an octave, colder than I'd ever heard it. "Put that shit away. Not in front of my goddaughter, Rush."

Rush. What kind of name was that? A nickname, surely. No sane parent would name their child Rush. It sounded like a bad joke, and quite frankly, it suited him.

"What's your name, pretty girl?" Rush asked, smirking.

Rule number two: Don't talk to strangers (especially men).

"Fuck off," I snapped, glaring at him.

Rush's smirk deepened. "Feisty, huh? I like the feisty ones. More fun."

"Shut your fucking mouth, Rush," Blake spat, stepping forward with surprising aggression.

Federico looked at Blake, his expression shifting to one of pride. Clearly, he approved. Rush, on the other hand, leaned back into the couch, suddenly far less cocky.