Delectable Benefits

Five

The woman on the television screen suddenly spoke, "Nick, your girlfriend has some spunk. Although too much of that courage is going to get her killed."

Anya gasped and she looked at the screen. "She can see us," he said dryly.

"The apartment is wired? Do I also have this in my apartment?" She asked as she searched for the cameras.

"No, but since you pulled that stunt against that powerful man, I guess you can't move into your apartment. But you will have to stay here with me," he said and looked down at her.

She looked at him as though he suddenly grew horns. "Why should I?" She asked.

"Because it's not safe. The senator was armed when he came here. I don't think it will be safe for you to be alone at a time like this."

His sister sniffed, "I can't believe it, my brother is all grown up. I'm so proud."

"Alex," he groaned.

"I don't need to be here, I can't impose on you all the time," Anya protested.

"You'd better listen to him, Anya. I don't think he's likely to see reason. St. Anthony men are just like that, overbearing and protective." His sister said with a mutter.

Chadwick entered the apartment sniffing the air, "I smell something awesome!"

Nick glowered at Chadwick, "You should have never left her alone. The Senator pulled a gun at her!"

Brandon looked at them alarmed, "Was it captured on camera?"

"Luckily the house is wired all over," Nick said.

"Well, you're here," Chadwick pointed out, "It's not as though you can leave her for longer than five minutes alone." He went to the stove and breathed in their dinner. "Seriously, Anya, you should open your own restaurant. You put your father's restaurants to shame."

Anya winced at that, "I want to explore my other talents, I am sure God gave me more talents other than in the kitchen."

"Chadwick, what are you talking about?" Alex said.

Chadwick poured himself a bowl of the stew once Anya told him to turn it off. "Your brother must have forgotten his manners again. This is Anya, she's the one who baked those eclairs and cream puffs. She's also the heart and soul of Santinis."

Anya could feel herself turning red. "Santini has one child and she's a bitch. You got yourself hooked to a viper, dear brother?"

Nick shook his head, "Nope, this one is the Santini Treasure. The one you know is a twin. This one is kept hidden."

Since they were in clear view, Alex zoomed the camera in on her, "Well I'll be... This one is prettier, homier and much better. Sorry about that, I had an unpleasant run in with your sister. You do have interesting eyes."

Anya clasped her hands together and uncomfortable shifted her feet. "It's all right, I do get that a lot."

"Chadwick, stop being a pig, I swear you won't be able to fit in your tuxedo if you keep eating like that. Lauren will throw a fit," Alex threatened.

With his mouth full, Chadwick looked at them, "She's never thrown a fit."

Anya jumped back to avoid the spray. "Chadwick you're disgusting. Please do set the table," Nick snapped.

"You should taste her cooking, it's heavenly," Chadwick said, his eyes fluttering.

"I think he's about to go on a rapture," Nick said.