Saving the Don

☆ 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓 ☆

Daliah's POV

The familiar chime of the cafe's entrance bell marked my arrival at work. It was a moment of normalcy away from the turmoil of my life.

I glanced around, noting the usual morning bustle. My shift was about to start, and I was ready to lose myself in the predictable rhythm of serving coffee and pastries.

As I walked to the back to store my bag and grab my apron, a familiar figure caught my eye.

Enzo.

He was seated at one of the corner tables, his presence unexpected and slightly unnerving. He hadn't noticed me yet.

After last night, I was uncertain and wary of him again, and naturally so.

That list.

It could mean anything. Dimitri isn't an uncommon name, after all. But after being involved in the world of mafias and crime bosses, you couldn't help but be cautious of the smallest coincidences.

Otherwise, you might very well die to pay for it.

My initial plan was to stay quiet and subtly avoid him as I thought about what to do.

Well, that's gonna go great.

I spotted Dylan behind the counter, expertly crafting a latte.

I hurried over to him, lowering my voice as I leaned in. "Dylan, why is Enzo here? I thought he was staying at your place."

Dylan looked up, "Yeah, about that. Assuming that he's temporarily handicapped, Enzo would have a tough time getting around on his own. My place isn't exactly fracture-friendly, so I thought it'd be easier if he stayed here for a bit. Plus, this way I can show off my godlike barista skills!"

I sighed, glancing back at Enzo, who seemed to be observing the cafe's activity with mild interest. "I just hope he's comfortable here."

Before Dylan could respond, Lisa sauntered over, her gaze locked on Enzo. "Who's the hottie in the corner?" she asked, her tone dripping with curiosity and something more.

"Just a friend." I replied curtly, forcing a smile.

A sly smile played at her lips before she strutted over to Enzo, her demeanor shifting to overt flirtation. I watched, a mix of annoyance and amusement bubbling up inside me.

"Hey there, handsome." Lisa cooed, leaning over Enzo's table. "Need anything? A coffee, perhaps? Or some company?"

Enzo barely glanced at her. "No, I'm fine. Thanks."

Lisa pouted, clearly not used to being brushed off so easily.

Surprisingly, she actually took the hint and lingered just a moment longer before huffing and walking away, muttering something under her breath.

I shook my head, grabbing a tray and starting my shift.

The morning passed in a blur of orders and conversations, the cafe's atmosphere buzzing with energy.

Every now and then, I caught Enzo's gaze, his eyes following me with a mixture of curiosity and something I couldn't exactly put my finger on.

I couldn't help but notice that his shadowy figure seemed out of place here, a stark contrast to the cozy, everyday ambiance of the cafe. Yet also somewhat awe inspiring, like something you automatically want to look at.

Aiden, the manager, approached me as I was refilling the pastry display. His presence always made me uneasy, though I couldn't quite pinpoint why. Today, his behavior seemed even more off.