My Mafia Guardian Angel

Chapter 3

Antony was seething in his office. Maurice had given the apartment upstairs to some random woman and her bastard kid. He didn't frankly care what circumstances led to them coming into this bar. He was going to evict them effective immediately. He doubted Maurice was charging rent as he had not seen any increase in revenue for the business. If he was charging her rent, he was pocketing it, and Antony had another issue to deal with.

The timid knock rapped on the door, and he flung the door open. He looked out and then down at the petite woman. He guessed she couldn't be much more than 5'5". Her black hair hung loose past her waist and had a slight wave to the ends. She had the perfect hourglass figure, and he bet he could wrap his hands around her waist and touch his fingers. When her emerald eyes met his his breath caught. f**k the woman was beautiful. Her plump lips were partially parted as she tried to swallow. She appeared tongue tied.

When she licked her lips, he had the urge to lean down and taste her. The thought made him mentally shake himself. "Come in," He said gruffly and indicated to the chair for her to sit in. He sat behind his desk and leaned back. Schooling his features, he waited for her to settle in the chair. He knew Manny was watching her with interest and it kind of bothered him.

Her legs were crossed at the ankles, and she played with her fingers in her lap as she waited for Antony to speak. "it has come to my attention. You were given a place to live above this bar without my knowledge."

"Yes, sir. I was just informed of that on my way to your office." She lifted her head to meet his gaze as she spoke. Antony could tell she was being truthful with him. She had no idea Maurice had given her a place without permission.

Antony studied her a little more. Under the light in the office, he noticed slight but faded bruising around her eyes and on her chin. For the bruising to still be there, he imagined she had a broken eye socket or cheek bone. He could see angrier bruises that were taking longer to heal, peaking out from the sleeves of her shirt.

"I have also been informed you are on the run," Antony continued. He was keeping his voice as calm as possible. He did not want to give her any cards to play against him.

"Yes, Sir." She responded but did not explain any further.

"Who?"

"Sir?" She tilted her head in confusion.

"Who are you running from?"

"Oh, my ex-husband." She sighed. "Well, my soon to be ex-husband."

"He gave you the bruises?" Antony indicated at her face and arms

"Yes, Sir."

"What is your name?" Antony leaned forward.

She hesitated before saying, "Echo Newton."

Antony raised an eyebrow before asking, "Is that your real name or the one that Maurice helped you get?"

Echo's flushed face answered for her, but she did answer, "The one that Maurice helped me get."

"Your real name?" Antony waited a little longer.

"Sir, with all due respect, before I answer that, what are your intentions with my name? I ask because I have a child to protect, and I do not need you to find my ex-husband and tell him where we are. Nor do I need him to find our trail and harm you or your loved ones because you knew too much information."

Antony and Manny both chuckled to Echo's surprise. "I am not worried about anyone in the United States of America. Nor do I tattle tale, but to ease your pretty little mind, I will hold off on finding out your name for now."

Echo sighed in relief. "What is your contract with Maurice?"

Echo furrowed her eyebrows, "We don't have a contract. I work here most days. He offered the apartment free of rent. I just had to ensure to pay utilities and not enter the bar on a Thursday."

Antony snorted, "So Maurice thought he needed to hide you. I wonder why that is." He sat quietly thinking over what he has learned. "What is the age of the child?"

"10 Sir," Echo immediately answered.

10 is much too young to be seeing abuse in a home. He should know. Why have a child if you are just going to beat the mother? "Did he hurt the child?"

"Not yet," was all Echo responded.

Antony tilted his head, but she did not add any additional information. Eventually, he sighed and pulled his cell phone out. He texted something, then set it down on the desk.

A knock soon rapped at the door, and Antony called out, "Enter!"

A shaking and pale Maurice opened the door and slowly stepped inside. "Yes, Sir?"

"Sit," Antony's dominering voice rumbled.

Maurice hurried to take the chair next to Echo.

"I have decided to honor the original agreement for your stay upstairs." Antony's decision surprised all the individuals in the room, including himself. "That being said, any problems that come to my doorstep will be the responsibility of Maurice and Echo to handle. I will not get my hands dirty for this since I did not sign up for it."

Maurice and Echo looked at each other in bewilderment. "Maurice, do not, I repeat, do not ever do something like this again."

"Yes, Sir," Maurice stuttered.

"Maurice, you can leave. I want a final word with Echo." Antony dismissed Maurice.

Maurice hurried out of the office, and Echo's stomach sunk. What more could this man want from her?

"When is your next day off?" Antony asked.

"Tomorrow."

"And after that?" He prodded.

"Sunday." Echo's confusion was evident. Why did Antony want to know her schedule?

"Good. I am taking you to dinner on Sunday." Antony announced.

Echo raised an eyebrow, "I am sorry, I appreciate you allowing me to stay in your apartment. But I am not looking for a dinner date."

Antony was taken aback. He was not used to women denying him anything.

He narrowed his eyes at her. "I think you will join me."

"Why, Sir? I have a child to think of, am not officially divorced, and am not interested in relationships. Why would I want a dinner date with a man who literally commanded it over asking?" Echo was getting a little irritated. Her ex-husband may have been abusive, but she always fought back. She still had her dignity. "I do not know what kind of women you are used to, but you could learn some manners when it comes to how to treat a lady," With her final words Echo stood and stomped out of his office. Antony slumped back in shock at her audacity. Manny had to hide the chuckle that bubbled up in him to avoid pissing his boss off.