The Mafia Boss's First Love

Chapter 06

Behind the bar counter, Samara was busy with her work—she'd been assigned to take customer orders tonight, a duty she welcomed. She'd rather avoid mingling with patrons who reminded her of Gustavo, the kind who'd only pester her.

Wiping down a row of glasses, her thoughts drifted to her earlier conversation with Taddeo. She was still confused why Elijah would offer her a promotion to join his inner circle after their hostile encounter.

"He said he wasn't done with me—could this be it? Is his offer to make me an official Senza member just a front to punish me for punching him? Good thing I turned down that fishy deal. What fool promotes someone who decked them?" She mused to herself, then froze when she noticed a man in a black suit sliding onto the stool before her.

"Give me your most expensive drink," he said with a smile, making Samara set down her glass and cloth.

"What kind of liquor are you looking for? We have whisky, cognac, tequila, vodka, wine, and champagne—all high-end. I'll need a specific brand," she replied, and the man's grin widened.

"I can't quite put my finger on why, but I think I have a vague idea," he said. Samara stared at him blankly.

"If you haven't decided yet, just call me when you know what you want, sir."

"Give me your priciest vodka," he ordered, and Samara moved to retrieve it.

She could feel his eyes on her as she worked. Something about him felt familiar, though she couldn't place where she might have seen him before.

"Have I met this man somewhere?" she whispered to herself, glancing his way—and found him beaming at her.

"He's handsome, but he gives me the creeps," she muttered under her breath as she returned to the counter with his order.

"This is Russo-Baltique Vodka. It costs $1.3 Million. Still want a sip, sir?" Samara asked, keeping a polite smile fixed on her face.

"I'm rich," he stated simply. Samara fetched a glass and poured.

"May I have your name? I'm Reeve—someone recommended this club to me."

"Sorry, but asking for my name comes with a price," Samara said with a smile, sliding the glass across the counter.

"Enjoy your million-dollar sip, sir," she added, then spotted Saul Tieves at a table in the far corner of the club, waiting for his meeting.

"Name your price—I'll pay to know who you are," Reeve called out, pulling Samara's attention back to him.

Reeve hadn't told Gustavo he was coming to see the woman his brother was obsessed with. He'd admit Samara was beautiful for a club waitress—she carried herself with a strength unlike any woman he'd met. He suspected that was exactly why Gustavo wanted her so badly. Even though he already knew her name from his brother, Reeve couldn't help feeling challenged by her.

"What did you say?"

"I said drop your price for your name. I'll pay whatever it takes," Reeve grinned—then both of them turned as someone took the stool beside him.

Samara's eyes widened slightly when she saw who it was. Behind him stood the twins, Taddeo and Casimiro.

"Henri IV Dudognon Heritage Cognac," Elijah ordered flatly, his gaze cold as it landed on Reeve, who smiled back.

"It costs double the price of the vodka he's drinking, sir," Samara noted.

"Even better," Elijah replied. Samara glanced at Taddeo, who gave her a subtle signal. With a sigh, she stepped away to fetch the order.

Reeve and Elijah were left at the counter, their eyes quickly shifting away from each other.

"I almost had her name—you picked a terrible time to order," Reeve said, taking a sip of his drink.

"As far as I know, this bar only serves alcohol—not the name of someone who works here," Elijah said coolly, drawing a short laugh from Reeve.

"Getting her name is my business, and she was about to tell me," Reeve shot back, turning to face Elijah, whose jaw tightened as he met his stare.

"Here's your order, sir—"

"—Right, miss? You were just about to tell me your name, weren't you?" Reeve interrupted, smiling at Samara. She glanced at Elijah, who was fixed on Reeve with an icy glare, then turned back to the man before her.

"My name has a price, but I won't give it to you. It's worth more than that vodka you're drinking, so stop asking—"

"—$1.5 million?" Reeve cut her off. Samara froze, staring at him in disbelief.

Is this man insane? she thought.

"$2 million," Elijah said. Samara whipped around to look at him, while even Taddeo and Casimiro stared in shock at their leader's bid.

"What's the $2 million for, sir?" Samara asked. Elijah turned his eyes to hers.

"For your name."

Samara gaped at him, stunned—she'd already told him her name once before.

"$2.5 million," Reeve countered. He and Elijah locked eyes again.

"$2.8 million," Elijah raised the stakes. Samara felt dizzy watching them.

"$3 million," Reeve shot back.

"$3.5 mill—"

"—STOP!" Samara shouted, cutting them off. "Both of you, quit bidding against each other! My head is spinning—you act like all this money is just pocket change!" She glared at them, then looked at Taddeo and gestured for him to follow her.

"Hey—you take over the counter for me!" she asked a coworker, who nodded as Samara hurried off.

Taddeo left his brother's side and caught up to Samara, who was waiting by the edge of the counter.

"What is wrong with your Il Capo? Is he actually losing his mind?" she complained. Taddeo rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

"Do you think I know? Casimiro and I were just as shocked by that bidding war. By the way—who is that guy who wants your name so badly?"

"Just some customer who must be out of his mind to throw around that kind of money for my name. Wait—what is Mr. Penelton even doing here?"

"I have no idea, but it might be because you're the first person to ever turn down his offer," Taddeo said.

"I'm not talking to him—I've already made up my mind. Besides, since he's here anyway, why doesn't he surprise Saul Tieves and Congressman Dimaano?" Samara said, moving to leave—then stopped short when she saw Elijah standing a few feet away.

"Just think about it, the offer will benefits." Taddeo said, then fell silent as he spotted Elijah walking toward them.

"Il Capo?"

"Leave, Deo," Elijah commanded. Taddeo frowned but obeyed, returning to Casimiro—only to find Reeve was gone.

"Huh? Where did that guy go?" Taddeo asked his twin.

"He left after a few sharp words with Il Capo. That man is suspicious," Casimiro noted.

"Actually, twinnie—his face looks kinda famili—"

"—But Il Capo is the one who worries me more," Casimiro cut in seriously, making Taddeo furrow his brow.

"What do you mean?"

"I think Il Capo has feelings for Silas—that's what I see," Casimiro said.

Taddeo's eyes went wide. "What?! Il Capo likes Silas?! I-In a romantic way?!" he blurted out. Casimiro didn't answer, his gaze fixed on where Elijah and Samara now stood face-to-face.