Ingredients to Love Read online

  “Hey, you made it.”

  “Yes, I did,” she replied as Romando kissed her cheek and pointed to a table.

  “Some of the others have a table in the front.”

  “Okay, thanks. I’ll be over shortly,” she said and Romando gave her the once over.

  “You look incredible. Even better than in that baggy pastry chef outfit. Hope you stick around for the whole performance.”

  “I have to go to work in a couple of hours, but I’ll stay for a bit to see everyone, and to hear you play. Break a leg,” she told him and he winked.

  “Guy has it bad for you, huh?” Train asked.

  “Romando? I think he realizes we’re just friends.”

  “Maybe not, honey,” Logic said, and then C.J. interrupted to ask Train something.

  “Well, I’ll let you guys get back to work,” she said, and they told her they would see her later.

  “She looks good. Maybe a little thinner than a few months ago,” Train said to Logic.

  “If I knew she was going to be here, I would have told Royce and Brew to bring Alda by,” Logic said.

  “I know. They should all get together with Alessa if they’re worried.”

  “That will happen when Donata gets back.”

  “When is she due back?” Train asked.

  “Not sure. Alda said Donata met someone. Didn’t you see how pissed off Harley looked when that conversation happened?” Logic asked Train.

  “No, I missed that. Shit.”

  “I’m sure it probably isn’t serious. Besides, if Harley and the guys don’t make a move on Donata, then it’s their own faults if she winds up with someone else.”

  “Kind of like Roman, Cobra, Ziek, and Lenox with Alessa. They want her, but are fighting it. Oh well, not our responsibility.”

  “No, it isn’t, and we aren’t exactly perfect examples of how to pursue and snag the woman of your heart. Let’s head to the back and take care of this other crap for tomorrow,” Logic said and he and Train brought C.J. with them to the back offices.

  * * * *

  Alessa was making her way through the crowd and decided to stop at the bar to grab a drink when she heard her name and a hand landed on her hip.

  She was pleasantly surprised to see Roberto Simi there. He smiled down at her.

  “Alessa, what are you doing here?” he asked and leaned down to kiss her hello. Someone bumped into her and she grabbed onto his arms, felt the hard muscles beneath the suit jacket as he pulled her close.

  “Whoa. It’s a bit crowded in here. Stay close,” he said, pulling her to the bar and caging her in in a protective shield with her facing the bar and his large body pressed close to hers.

  She looked over her shoulder. “I’m okay.”

  “Now you are,” he said and then waved over the bartender.

  “What would you like?” he asked and she ordered a rum and coke with lots of ice. He ordered a vodka on the rocks with a twist of lemon.

  She turned slightly to look up at him.

  “So what are you doing here?

  “I asked you first,” he countered and winked. She chuckled.

  “My friend, Romando, who is a waiter at the restaurant, is in the jazz band playing tonight.”

  “Oh yeah, I remember him,” he said, then looked away. She felt like he didn’t like Romando because of the way Romando looked at her ass and made a comment at the restaurant. The thought gave her a funny sensation in her belly.

  “A few of the other employees are supposed to be here, too.” She went to look toward the seating area but it was too crowded. Then she heard him whisper close to her.

  “I think you should stay close to me, so I can protect you,” he told her. She swallowed hard and the bartender placed the two drinks down.

  “Protect me?” she asked him. He looked at her lips and then he glanced at the drink. He held her gaze and looked awfully serious. She felt a little intimidated. The man was a bit older than her, and seemed so important and powerful but in an all business way, not a made man way. She felt a wave of guilt hit her. How stupid was that? She didn’t belong to any made men. So what that she had a crush on four made men. They didn’t want her. Well, maybe wanted her in their beds, but that was about it. Her life was screwed up enough, and she was tired. Getting more and more tired every day.

  “I heard about what happened to you. About someone drugging you at a club.”

  Her eyes widened and she felt them tear up.

  He squeezed her closer. “No, no, baby, don’t get emotional. That wasn’t my intention at all. Damn,” he said. He pressed his lips to her forehead and stroked her arms, shocking her.

  He pulled back slightly but kept his arm snug around her waist, and the other against her hip with his hand resting on the bar in front of her.

  “I just wanted you to know that you were safe with me. That no one will try anything with me around.”

  She stared into his eyes. He seemed sincere, but also so serious it made her body tighten. So badly she would have loved to let her defenses down and take a chance on dating someone. Maybe trusting them to spend time with and share her burdens and successes. Could Roberto be a good choice? Was he even the dating kind of man? She thought of Lenox, Roman, Cobra, and Ziek, and felt like an idiot. They were all wrong for her, and none of them wanted her. Well, not for more than sex, maybe.

  “I’ve rendered you speechless? You’re tough to figure out,” Roberto said and gave a soft smile. He remained holding her close and she turned in his arms to face him. He only let back slightly. The place was crowded, no room for personal space.

  “There’s nothing to figure out, Roberto. I don’t need looking after.”

  “Oh, that is not true. A woman as beautiful, sexy, and sweet as you should not be left on your own. Never mind at a bar where the jazz player you’ve come to see has a thing for you.”

  She looked back toward the bar.

  “Romando is harmless.”

  “He isn’t good enough for you, unless you prefer the more immature types of men, ones who don’t know where they’re headed in life, as opposed to those more seasoned men who know exactly where they’re headed. And know exactly what they want and when something perfect, amazing comes along, and they’re wise enough to grab it.”

  “Hmmm,” she said, and he squinted at her.

  “I believe that was the part of the conversation where you tell me you prefer the more seasoned man.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, was I supposed to be typical, as opposed to unique?”

  “Typical you are not, Alessa.” He reached up and cupped her chin. She stared up into his eyes, the man had powers that was for sure. “Watch the show with me. Lane and Parker are holding a table for us.”

  “They’re here, too?”

  “Yes, they’re very good friends and business partners.”

  “They seem a little like security. Why would a man like you need security?” she asked.

  He pressed closer, held her gaze, and stared at her lips.

  “Who said I need security? Perhaps I just prefer to have safeguards in place, just in case. After all, one can never tell if troubles nearby.”

  “Or a wolf in men’s clothing?” she countered, and he laughed. The rumbling, thick, deep sound of his laugh made her chuckle, too. She lowered her eyes, smiling and feeling giddy inside. There was something so charismatic about this man, and he got to her.

  “Come with me. I won’t accept no as an answer,” he said and then pulled her along. He brought her through the crowd. His strong arm around her mid-section, people parted for them to get by. He sure was charismatic and stood out. He was older, maybe in his forties, but perhaps someone older would be better for her to date? A man who knew what he wanted, who was established and didn’t flip flop between having a good time and growing up to achieve a career. He already was successful. She didn’t know. She was very confused about her feelings, her emotions, and it was like there was this wall up. One she just couldn’t let down,
and it had to do with not knowing what really happened that night at the club when she was drugged and afterward as Lenox, Roman, Cobra, and Ziek took care of her. Had she acted stupid? Said something inappropriate, like maybe tell them she was practically in love with them? Oh God. She swallowed hard and forced the thoughts from her head as Parker and Lane came into sight.

  There they were at a private table by the side with a great view of the stage. The band was just beginning to play their first song as Parker and Lane greeted her, looking her over in the conservative black dress she wore that hugged her shape but didn’t show off to much cleavage. She hadn’t wanted Romando to think she came here because she was interested in being more than friends. Now here she was with Roberto and his friends, and she wished she wore something very classy and sexy.

  “You look beautiful, Alessa. It’s so nice to see you again,” Parker said to her and kissed her cheek hello.

  “Oh, thank you. I was just coming by for a little while. Normally if I go out to a club, I get dressed up.” She felt like she needed to explain her outfit.

  Roberto still held her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips and kissed them. “You look stunning, Alessa. Now, what’s this about work afterward?” he asked as they sat down. Roberto was on one side of her and Parker on the other, and Lane next to Roberto.

  “I need to head to the bakery in midtown. I work overnight there until ten tomorrow morning.”

  “What?” Roberto asked, eyes squinting at her. Her cheeks felt heated and she looked toward the stage where the band was playing.

  “I took it on a few months ago to make some extra money and to perfect some of my baking skills for quickness. The bakery offers several of my desserts only Sunday mornings. They sell out every time,” she added, feeling proud, but not so much by the way Roberto, Parker, and Lane looked at her with concern.

  “I don’t mean to get too personal, but are you okay financially? Maybe struggling a little?”

  “Oh no, I’m okay. I mean I have college loans, but who doesn’t?” she replied and then focused on the band playing. She felt Robert’s hand squeezed her hand, and then place it on his thigh. She could feel the muscles underneath the material of his dress pants. She glanced up at him and he was staring at her.

  “I thought you came here to listen to the band?” she asked him, sensing the man’s interest in her.

  “Something more interesting, intriguing, has caught my attention. Alessa, I want to learn more about you. I want to spend time with you. When are you not working?”

  She snorted lightly. “When I’m in bed sleeping,” she replied and chuckled.

  He reached over and stroked her jaw, and whispered close to her, “That could work, but it would be rushing things.” Her entire body heated up. He was good, and she was affected by him and the full attention he gave her.

  “Yes, that would be rushing things, and perhaps that experience of yours might be jumping the gun,” she replied and turned away.

  His arm slid over the back of her chair and he took her hand again and held it on his leg.

  “I’ve insulted you somehow.”

  “No,” she replied, not looking at him. She could feel him staring at her, his full attention on her face, her lips.

  “Lunch? Dinner? Breakfast if it works out best, I don’t care which one but tomorrow, maybe we could get together?”

  “I have plans in the afternoon, once I catch a few hours’ sleep.”

  “A few hours? With how much you work, you should stay in bed all day. Perhaps I could pick you up to take you to dinner, or bring dinner to you?”

  “You sure aren’t giving me much of a choice here.”

  “I told you, Alessa, I’m a seasoned man, and one who knows what he wants, sees it, and goes after it.”

  She stared at his lips, then into his eyes. The slight shading of whiskers, the dark black hair, and distinguished nose, his characteristics denoting his class, superior in all aspects.

  “Yes, well, I may not be as seasoned, however, I don’t want to be your next adventure, Roberto.”

  He narrowed his eyes at her. “Calvin hurt you that badly?” he asked and her lips parted, and she looked away.

  “No, tell me now, what did he do? I know you said he cheated on you, was there more?”

  Tears filled her eyes and she took a deep breath and gained back composure.

  “You don’t need to know details. A man of experience knows that some men use different means to intimidate and control a woman. That harsh words alone can be enhanced by strikes of many kinds. I’m sorry, Roberto, but I really don’t think I’m ready to date, or to face the challenges of a relationship of any kind, and certainly not a one night stand. If you don’t mind, I came here to listen to the band.” She looked away and then felt his hand squeeze hers and then caress it up and down his leg. The arm around her shoulders pulled her closer and he stroked her bare skin on her arm.

  “Why do I get the feeling that there’s more to your response, your resistance, than just Calvin? Like perhaps maybe your fears, this wall you have up is because of the lack of control you felt being drugged? That the thoughts of what could have happened now make you feel vulnerable and on the defensive.”

  She turned to look up at him. He released her hand and stroked her cheek.

  “Sweet, sweet Alessa. Don’t automatically make me an enemy because I am a man who is attracted to you. I’m in no hurry. I’ll wait until you’re more comfortable with me. Call me a fool for pursuing a woman who has sworn off all men, but then again, I’ve been known to venture on the wild side.” He pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth, and she closed her eyes, shocked at his words, his moves, and her inability to decipher if he were real or full of it. The turmoil she felt was a constant emotion she now had to deal with on a regular basis. She was numb to emotions, to her gut instincts, to knowing to trust or not to trust, so it was easier to not trust.

  He pulled back and they both faced the stage where the band played and where she caught sight of Romando looking pissed off, and realized that if something came out of this chance meeting tonight with Roberto, at least Romando would know she wasn’t interested in him.

  * * * *

  “What are you doing?” Train asked Logic.

  “Just messing with Cobra. Maybe putting a match under his ass along with his brother and cousins,” Logic said as he took pictures of Alessa with the three men and then forwarded them to Cobra. He chuckled.

  Train shook his head. “They’re leaving now.”

  “I know.”

  “What if she’s going home with them?”

  “No, not Alessa. Besides, she left a backpack up front with Pacer. Pacer said she told him there were clothes in it for her to change for work.”

  “Work? It’s nearly midnight.”

  “Supposedly she does some sort of work at the bakery in midtown. I don’t know.”

  “Maybe Alda should call Alessa tomorrow and find out how she is and what’s going on.”

  “You’re worried?”

  “I guess my concern is the fact that she hasn’t hung out since that night she was drugged, she’s always busy working, and she just looks a little thinner.”

  “I noticed that, too,” Logic said.

  What Logic hadn’t expected was the immediate phone call from Cobra. He smirked at Train.

  “Cobra calling.”

  Train shook his head. “He’s going to kick your ass.”

  “Let him try. I’ll take him on in the ring.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Hello?”

  “Where is she now?” Cobra asked.

  “Why hello, Cobra. Who do you mean?”

  “Where the fuck is Alessa now? Is she still at the club?”

  “No, you just missed her. She headed out with those three men.”

  “Fuck,” Cobra exclaimed. “Where are they going? Any clue?”

  “What’s going on? You sound way more pissed than I thought. What is it?”


  “The guys she with, one of them is trouble.”

  “You know one of the guys?” Logic squinted as Train listened, and now he looked concerned.

  “Something that happened a few years back. The guy is a business man.”

  “Any connections to families?”

  “None, Logic, but he plays by different rules. How does she know him?”

  “I don’t know and I didn’t ask. I actually just sent you the pictures to let you know what you were missing. She hasn’t been out at all and tonight she came here to hear a friend play in the jazz band and then this guy comes up to her at the bar and she seems to know him.”

  “And?”

  “And…she sat with him and the other two guys at a table for a couple of hours, and he was very…attentive.”

  “Attentive? Like flirting, or hand up her fucking skirt?” Cobra snapped at him.

  “Flirting, I guess. I wasn’t out here long. Just caught sight of them for a few minutes and as they left. What’s this all about, Cobra? She isn’t your woman, or your brother and cousins.”

  “She’s Gisella, Alda, and the other’s friend, and she’s sweet, inexperienced, and this guy is a fucking devil in disguise. I don’t trust him. Believe me when I say she needs to stay clear of the man.”

  “Well then, you guys should talk to her,” Logic said.

  “I’ll take care of it. Hopefully by the morning it isn’t too late.” Cobra ended the call before Logic could tell him that Alessa was going to work not to bed with the business guy.

  “He’s pissed? Who is the guy?”

  “Don’t know but it has something to do with an incident in the past.”

  “Oh, that doesn’t sound good.”

  “No, it doesn’t and he’s concerned for Alessa. Have Alda call her tomorrow. See what’s really going on.”

  “Definitely.”

  * * * *

  “I insist on driving you,” Roberto told Alessa as she grabbed her bag from the front of the club by the bouncers’ station. The two big guys gave her kisses good night and he felt jealous. Roberto was shocked at the turn of events, and this sudden interest he now had for Alessa. Like it was more than just to ruffle feathers and piss off his enemies. He liked her. She seemed controllable, submissive, but also smart, strong, and gorgeous.