HER REVENGE

39.

As Giulia sneaked into the room, she heard a voice behind her.

....................
"Where are you coming from at this time?" Vittoria asked,

"I'm on night duty today," Giulia said,

"Night duty?" Vittoria said, her brow furrowing. "As far as I know, Antonio, Texas, Andrea, and Carmel are all on duty tonight."

"Fine, I went out," Giulia said

"Since morning?" Vittoria asked. "And you're coming in at this time, looking all sneaked in?"

Giulia's frustration boiled over. "What's it to you? There's no mission, so I can do whatever I like," she said, her voice raising.

Vittoria's eyes narrowed. "Don't get smart with me, Giulia. I am just looking out for you"

"Well, stop," Giulia said, her voice harsh.

"Okay, I'll back off," Vittoria said, holding up her hands in surrender. "But let me remind you - if you ever betray us, I won't wait for the boss to take care of you. I'll do it myself. So it's in your best interest to stay loyal."

Giulia felt a shiver run down her spine. Vittoria was scary when she was serious. "I hear you," she said, trying to keep her voice calm.

"Good," Vittoria said, a sly smile playing on her lips.

★★★

"What can I get you?" Lucia asked the customer with a smile.

"I'll have an American coffee," the customer replied, their eyes focused on the menu.

"Okay," Lucia said, writing down the order. "Anything else?"

"That'll be all," the customer said, handing over their money.

"Thanks," Lucia said, taking the cash and handing the customer their receipt. "Your coffee will be ready in a few minutes."

The customer nodded and went to find a seat, while Lucia got to work on their order.

"Hi," Luca said, walking up to Lucia with a smile.

"What can I do for you?" Lucia asked

"I'm here to resume my work," Luca said

"Well, Luca I ...mean Mr. Perez," Lucia said. "Your work here is done."

Luca's face fell. "What do you mean?" he asked

"What I'm trying to say is that your job here is done, Mr. Perez," Lucia said, "You can no longer work here with us."

"Lucia, please," Luca said. "Don't call me Mr. Perez, just call me Luca."

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that," Lucia said

"Lucia, why are you so upset?" Luca asked "We're not in a relationship, so why are you so angry with me?"

"It's not about the relationship," Lucia said, her voice trembling. "It's about the fact that you lied to me. You're a liar, and I can't trust you."

"I'm sorry," Luca said. "I never meant to hurt you. I just didn't want you to think differently of me."

"That's the problem," Lucia said, her voice growing louder.

"Lucia, please calm down," Luca said

"Don't tell me to calm down!" Lucia yelled, her voice shaking. "You should have told me when I told you I liked you that you were already in a relationship! But instead, you kept leading me on!"

"I already told you that Lillian is not my girlfriend," Luca said

"Shut up!" Lucia said, her voice rising. "You and Lillian are engaged, and you're going to get married! So, what are you telling me?"