Bad Intentions by Tara Wyatt

17

Olivia took a deep breath and held Lucian’s hand a bit tighter as they stepped inside the Italian restaurant her father had suggested for dinner. She bit her lip as she scanned the elegant space, looking for him, but she didn’t see him. She was so nervous that her stomach felt like a bottomless pit, the butterflies in a constant freefall. She couldn’t remember a time when she’d been this anxious about introducing her father to a guy she was seeing. Then again, she’d never been head over heels in love with any of those other guys, and they hadn’t been nearly twenty years older than her, a secret criminal, or her father’s work associate.

She’d always been close with her father. Losing her mother when she was just a little girl, barely more than a toddler, had sealed them together, and as an adult, his approval and respect were important to her. He was a big part of her life, and what he thought and felt mattered. It always would.

“I don’t think he’s here yet,” she said to Lucian, then sighed. “I feel like I’m about to jump out of my skin, I’m so nervous. Maybe I should’ve just told him about us on the phone.”

Lucian gazed down at her, reassuring warmth shining in his brown eyes. “No, this is a big deal, and he deserves to hear the news in person, from both of us. You made the right call.”

“Then why do I feel like I’m going to be sick?”

He slipped a hand under her chin, tilting her face up. “Because you love him and you care what he thinks. It’ll be okay.”

The hostess led them to their table, and after a moment, Lucian excused himself to use the men’s room. Before they’d left his place, he’d double checked that she had the small Glock he’d given her stashed in her purse, which she did. She hoped like hell she’d never have to use it, but knowing it was there—and that she knew how to use it—made her feel better, especially given that they still didn’t know where Massimo was. It wasn’t that he’d suddenly decided to leave her alone. He was hiding, and that put her on edge.

Because Lucian had told her more about who Massimo really was. She’d known that he was a hit man for the mob and could imagine what that entailed, but she hadn’t known the gory details. Until recently, anyway. He’d told her not to scare her, but to emphasize how dangerous Massimo was, and to make sure she understood the importance of not going anywhere alone, and always carrying her loaded gun.

She glanced around the restaurant again, keeping an eye out for her father while she people watched. There was a couple clearly on a first date, all nervous laughter and awkward silences. An older couple both scrolling through their phones as they waited for their food. A group of women sharing a bottle of wine and several plates of appetizers. The door opened and she looked over her shoulder, anticipating her dad, but it wasn’t him. It was a man in a suit with a distinctive neck tattoo peeking out from his collared shirt. He was led to a table on the other side of the restaurant by the hostess and she tried not to stare. It wasn’t every day that you saw a guy with a giant neck tattoo in a designer suit.

She’d been so busy watching Mr. Neck Tattoo that she hadn’t seen her father come in until he was there, at her table.

“Hey, pumpkin,” he said, pulling her in for a hug when she stood to greet him. “How are you?”

She bit her lip for a second because she had no idea how to answer that question. Things were both amazing and not great and it was all very complicated. “I’m good,” she said after a brief pause, not wanting him to suspect anything. He could be like a dog with a bone when he thought she was hiding something from him. It was a tenacity that served him well in business, but that drove her up the wall at times.

“So, where is he?” asked her father, sitting down in the chair across from her. “Still on his way?”

She poured herself a glass of the ice water from the pitcher on the table, then poured a glass for her dad. “No, he’s here. Just went to the—”

“Lucian!” said her dad, a surprised smile on his face as Lucian came back to the table. “Good to see you. I’m just having dinner with Olivia and her new boyfriend. Nice of you to come over and say hello.”

A prickling heat worked its way over Olivia’s skin, her stomach giving an uncomfortable lurch. She opened and closed her mouth, trying to figure out what to say, how to start. She’d played out this conversation in her mind dozens of times, but now that it was go time, she was frozen.

Lucian extended his hand and shook with her father, smiling. “Gavin, nice to see you too. And I’m actually here with Olivia.”

Her father’s face went completely still, as though he’d been turned to stone. And then he frowned, his features pinched. “You’re…excuse me, what?”

Lucian sank down into the chair next to Olivia and she slipped her hand into his. “Dad, I’m dating Lucian.”

Still standing, her father jammed his hands onto his hips and let out an incredulous laugh, too high-pitched and tense to have any humor to it.

“Dad, please. Sit. Let’s talk about it, okay?”

He shook his head, his eyes wide. “What’s there…” Another high-pitched laugh erupted from him and then he dropped into his chair, staring at them. She couldn’t tell if he was angry, or disappointed, or just shocked.

He leaned forward on his elbows, pointing at Lucian, his eyes boring into Olivia. “He’s got to be twenty years older than you!” he hissed out. She could see the tendons in his neck, could see a vein pulsing on his forehead.

Okay, so he was angry. She’d gotten into enough trouble over the course of her life to know the telltale signs.

“Eighteen,” said Lucian calmly. “I know it’s a big gap.” She knew that the age difference bothered him, too, but right now she was grateful for his unfazed calm.

Her father blew out a breath and then chugged his glass of water. “A big gap. Yeah, it’s a big gap. You’re old enough to be her father!” He poured himself more water, his hand shaking a little as he held the pitcher. “This is not what I had in mind when I asked that you hire her for that interior design project. I wanted you to give her a job, not give…her…” He paled slightly and trailed off, then took a long sip of his water.

“I know that this is a big surprise, and I’m sorry,” said Olivia. “But I am dating Lucian and I’m very happy. I hope you can be happy for me. For us.”

Her father’s eyes bounced back and forth between her and Lucian, and she could sense him softening, so she leaned forward and laid her hand over his. It was so important to her that her father accepted her choice to be with Lucian.

He slumped back in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest, sliding his hand away from her. Ice shot through her and she rolled her lips inward, trying to ignore how much that stung.

“For the record, I don’t like this. He’s too old for you. Way too old.”

“But you like Lucian, don’t you, Dad? I’ve heard you talk about how much you respect him and the business he’s built. That he’s smart and hard working, and investing in his company was a good move for you. Right?” She held her breath, wanting to get them onto less contentious ground. Thank God he didn’t know the whole truth about who Lucian really was.

Just then, the server came to take their orders, and they all did a quick scan of the menu, the tension around the table thick as they ordered their meals.

Once they’d ordered, her father sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Yes. I respect Lucian, but as one businessman to another. That doesn’t mean I would’ve picked him as a romantic partner for you. Because I wouldn’t have. Ever.”

She nodded slowly, unsure what to say next. She hated fighting with her dad, hated when there was any tension at all between them.

He sighed again, looking tired. “When did this start?”

“Recently,” said Lucian. “Only very recently.”

“But I had a crush on him for years,” she blurted out, wanting to inject more truth into the conversation. Lucian’s fingers squeezed hers, and she bit back a sudden laugh. Yeah, there was no way he was going to confess to her father that he’d been lusting after her since her twenty-first birthday. “So when we started working together on the bistro…it just kind of happened.”

Her father narrowed his eyes at them. “These things don’t ‘just kind of happen,’ Olivia,” he said, making air quotes around her words. He leaned forward, dropping his voice. “Did he…” He swallowed thickly. “Did he seduce you?”

She almost laughed again, thinking about how many times she’d practically begged Lucian to fuck her over the past five years. “No. He was the perfect gentleman.” A gentleman with a filthy mouth who pulled her hair and left pink handprints on her ass, but a gentleman all the same.

“Why can’t you date someone your own age, honey?” he asked, shaking his head. “I just don’t understand.”

“We can’t help who we fall in love with,” she said with a shrug. Her father’s mouth fell open, and she realized what she’d just said.

Oops.

“You’re…you’re in love? But—but I thought this was a recent thing?” he sputtered. His face went red and she could tell he was gearing up for a tirade. She’d seen that look many times before, especially during her teenage years.

“Gavin, listen,” said Lucian, his deep voice completely calm and at ease, and just his easy confidence seemed to dissipate some of the tension hovering between the three of them. “This wasn’t something I planned or anticipated. But Olivia’s right. You can’t help who you fall in love with. And I’ve fallen in love with your daughter.”

Her father’s face darkened from red to crimson and she thought he might punch Lucian in the face. “You are eighteen years older than her!” he ground out, the muscles along his jaw jumping.

“Dad, I know it seems like a big deal, but it’s not,” she tried, smiling at him, trying to calm him down. “I don’t care about the age gap. It doesn’t bother me, and I wish you wouldn’t fixate on it. Lucian is a great guy. He’s successful and he treats me like royalty. He makes me happy, and I hope knowing I’m with someone who makes me happy is enough for you.”

Her father’s shoulders slumped and he didn’t say anything, just shaking his head.

“Why does it bother you so much?” she asked quietly. “Maybe if I understand, I can put your mind at ease.”

He sighed. “He’s closer to my age than yours, honey. It’s weird.” He swallowed thickly and then looked around, leaning forward on his elbows. “Is there something…something you didn’t get from me? Growing up? Something I could’ve—”

She laughed softly. “I don’t have daddy issues, if that’s what you’re asking. Dad, you were—are—an amazing father. Me dating Lucian has nothing to do with you or me looking for some kind of father figure.”

He nodded slowly, his gaze swiveling back to Lucian. “I have to admit, I’m skeptical of your motives.”

“I’d be shocked if you weren’t. I can only imagine how strange this feels for you. But I’m not drawn to Liv because of her age. We just…” He shrugged.

“We just fit,” she said, finishing the thought for him.

“I see,” her father murmured, sitting back in his seat. He signaled for the waiter and ordered a double gin and tonic. God help her if he ever found out about the Kings of Hell’s Kitchen. A part of her hated that she had to keep so much from him, almost to the point where she felt like she was lying, but she also understood all of the reasons why she couldn’t share anything more with him. “I really wish you’d given me a heads up about this. I feel like I just got sideswiped.” He wiped a hand over his face, dragging it downward in a sign of resigned disappointment.

“I’m sorry, Dad. I thought it would be easier to discuss it in person and get everything out in the open.”

He pursed his lips and zeroed in on Lucian again. “You really love her?”

He nodded, a solemn expression on his face. “I do. I’d do anything for her. Anything to make her happy and take care of her.” Her insides softened, going all melty.

“And you really love him?” he asked, swiveling his head to look at her.

She grinned. “I do. Very much.” She’d had feelings for him for a long time, feelings far deeper than just a crush, but her father didn’t need to know that.

He sighed and took a long sip of the drink the waiter had just set down in front of him. She gave Lucian’s hand another squeeze under the table. He was relenting, giving in. She could see it.

“Fine. I don’t like it, but you’re a grown woman and can make your own choices. Even if those choices involve dating a man eighteen years older than you.” Then he shot Lucian a wry smile. “We still on for golf next week?” Relief coursed through her. He wasn’t happy about her relationship with Lucian, but he wasn’t going to fight about it, either.

Lucian nodded, and she felt some of the tension ease out of him as well. “We sure are.”

She sat back in her seat, finally allowing herself to relax. As Lucian and her dad discussed their tee time—yay for safe topics—she glanced around the restaurant again, feeling more settled than she had since they’d first stepped inside.

Until her eyes landed on him. The guy in the suit with the neck tattoo, who was staring right at her. The hair on the back of her neck stood up, goosebumps erupting on her arms, and she looked away, feigning interest in the conversation, which had moved on to business. After counting to ten, she glanced back at the man, who was still staring at her.

And then he grinned, showing her several gold teeth. She hadn’t realized it was possible to grin with such unabashed malice, but that’s exactly what he did. He smiled at her like he wanted to hurt her and he was going to enjoy it.

Returning her attention to the table, she pulled her phone out of her purse and sent Lucian a text, even though he was sitting right there. She didn’t want her father to know about Massimo or how dangerous he was. He’d only worry and obsess, and she wouldn’t do that to him. His head was probably spinning enough at the revelation that she and Lucian were a couple.

Olivia: Suited guy, big neck tattoo. Your two o’clock. He keeps staring at me and it’s giving me the creeps. It’s probably nothing?

Lucian’s phone buzzed and he pulled it out of his pocket, glancing down at the screen. He didn’t react as he read her message, still listening to her father’s story about a company he was considering investing in.

Lucian: It’s not nothing. That’s a Bratva tattoo. In five minutes, get up and go to the bathroom. If he follows you, I’ll follow him.

Olivia: Why would the Brava be involved in this? I thought Massimo was Italian mafia.

Lucian: I have no idea. But he’s here alone and he keeps looking over here. Sketchy fucker.

She slipped her phone back in her purse, her fingers brushing against the gun, which was loaded, as instructed.

Five minutes went by with agonizing slowness, and she forced herself to make conversation and not look back over at the man, even though she could feel his eyes on her. When Lucian nudged her leg, she knew that the five minutes had passed, and she politely excused herself and headed for the ladies’ room, forcing herself to walk at a normal pace and not look back over her shoulder.

The bathrooms were in the far back corner of the restaurant, at the end of a hallway, and there was far too much noise—the music, people talking, clattering from the kitchen—to hear if he’d followed her. With her heart throbbing, she turned down the long hallway, which was quiet and empty.

“Hello, Ms. Walsh,” came a heavily accented Russian voice from about ten feet behind her. A chill ran up her spine and she stuffed her hand in her purse, closing her fingers around her gun. “You will be coming with me.”

She turned slowly, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Adrenaline and fear.

“Who are you?” she asked, trying to keep the tremble out of her voice.

He didn’t answer her. Instead, he just stalked toward her, a grim expression on his face. Her breathing hitched and she held the gun tighter, ready to pull it out and tell him not to come any closer. When he was about ten feet away, she started to pull it out, her pulse hammering in her temples, making her vision shaky.

And then suddenly, Lucian was there, wrenching the man’s arm behind him, his gun pressed to the man’s temple as he slammed him into the wall. The suited man was big, but Lucian was bigger and faster.

“Who the fuck are you and why are you following her?”

The man didn’t say anything, and Lucian twisted his arm at an excruciating angle. Olivia winced, her stomach heaving at the sickening crunch. The man bit his lip, muffling a scream of pain.

“Answer me. Now.” Lucian twisted his arm even more, and a wet popping sound filled the air. This time the man did scream, and Lucian slipped an arm around his neck and dragged him into the men’s room, the door swinging shut behind them.

Olivia stood, frozen on the spot, her fingers still curled around her gun. If it sounded as though Lucian were in trouble, she’d withdraw it and go in there, no matter how scared she was.

She held her breath, listening, trying to hear something, anything over her racing pulse and the noise of the restaurant. She took a tentative step toward the door, jumping back when she heard a sound somewhere between a snap and a pop. What the hell was that? She held her breath. She didn’t move as she prayed, her eyes locked on the door. Waiting. Watching. Needing Lucian to be okay far more than she needed to breathe right now.

The door swung open and she pulled her gun from her purse, training it on the empty space. And then Lucian emerged, the flecks of blood unmistakable on his face. Relief and gratitude burst through her, making her muscles feel weak. With a trembling hand, she dropped the gun back into her purse.

“Good girl,” said Lucian, tipping his head at her bag. “We need to go. Now. Tell your father you’re sick and I’m taking you home.”

“Did you…just…” She gestured at the door.

He nodded. “I shot him. He was here to take you. Sent by Massimo. I got that much out of him before he refused to talk anymore.”

“I didn’t hear a gunshot.”

“You weren’t supposed to. That’s what suppressors are for.”

Moving quickly, he opened a supply closet and affixed an out of order sign to the men’s room door. Then, he took her hand and started leading her back to their table, but she tugged him to a stop.

“Wait. Baby, wait.” Reaching into her purse again, she pulled out a little package of makeup wipes. “You have blood on you.”

Pulling one of the damp cloths free, she quickly wiped it over his face and hands, getting rid of all of the little specks of blood dotting his skin. His eyes met hers as she cleaned him up, and despite all of the sex they’d had over the past two weeks, this felt like the most intimate moment of their relationship.

“Thank you,” she said softly, wiping at his throat, her eyes starting to sting. Emotions pulled at her, threatening to overwhelm her. Lucian had just killed a man to keep her safe from that psycho Massimo.

Oh, holy shit.

“Don’t need to thank me,” he murmured. “I’d do anything to keep you safe.”

She pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. “I love you.”

“Love you, Liv.”

Once he was clean, she ducked into the ladies’ room and flushed the stained wipe down the toilet. God, it felt like a miracle that no one else had come down this hallway.

“How are you…shit, how are we…” she asked quietly, anxiety starting to course through her. He was going to be arrested for murder. There had to be security cameras, witnesses, something. And someone would find that body, and then…Her mind spun, spiraling into full-on panic in record time.

He pulled out his phone, speed dialing someone. “Luca. I need a clean up crew at Classico’s on West 56^th.” There was a pause. “Yeah. One in the men’s room. Bratva, apparently working with Massimo.” Another pause. “He was here for Liv.” Another pause and then Lucian disconnected the call.

“How is this going to stay quiet?” she asked, her voice trembling as she fought back the panic threatening to overwhelm her.

“I have connections in the NYPD. It’s okay. Hey,” he said, pulling her against him for a moment. “This’ll get swept under the rug. Don’t worry, sweetheart. It’s okay.”

She blinked slowly, trying to process everything that had just happened. “I don’t understand. That man was Bratva. Why was he working with Massimo?”

He shook his head, a grim expression on his face. “I don’t know. But I intend to find out.”