“I gather Dantes is on that list?”
Barney cleared his throat. “I believe you top the list, sir.”
“Got it.”
“It’s a shame, really. She’s the nicest of our waitresses. If it were up to me…”
Rafe lifted an eyebrow. “I don’t suppose we can forget this incident took place?”
“I’d love to,” Barney replied. “But there were too many witnesses and not all of our help is as kindhearted as Larkin. Word will get out if I do that and then both of us will be out of a job.”
“Understood. I guess it would have helped if she’d allowed me to take the blame.”
“You have no idea” came the heartfelt comment. “But Larkin’s just not made that way.”
“A rare quality.”
“Yes, it is.” Barney lifted an eyebrow. “If there’s anything else you or anyone in your family needs…?”
“I’ll let you know.”
The two men shook hands and Barney disappeared in the direction of the kitchen, no doubt to fire Larkin. Rafe frowned. Maybe he should intercede. Or better yet, maybe he could arrange for a new job. Dantes was a big firm with plenty of branches. Surely he could find an opening for her somewhere. Hell, he was president of Dantes Courier Service. He could invent a job if one didn’t already exist. The thought of Larkin’s sunny smile welcoming him to work each day struck him as appealing in the extreme.
Draco approached. “So? Have you given my idea any thought?”
Rafe stared blankly. “What idea?”
“Weren’t you listening to me?”
“It usually works best if I don’t. Most of the time your suggestions only lead one place.”
Draco grinned. “Trouble?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“Well, this one won’t. All you have to do is find your Inferno bride and everyone will leave you alone.”
Rafe shook his head. “Apparently you’re not great at listening, either. After that disaster of a marriage to Leigh, I’m never going to marry again.”
“Who said anything about marriage?”
Rafe narrowed his eyes. “Explain.”
“You know, for such a smart, analytical-type guy, there are times when you can be amazingly obtuse.” Draco spoke slowly and distinctly. “Find a woman. Claim it’s The Inferno. Maintain the illusion for a few months. Act the part of two people crazy in love.”
Rafe’s mouth twisted. “I don’t do crazy in love.”
“If you want everyone to leave you alone, you will. After a short engagement, have her dump you. Make it worth her while to go a long way away and stay there.”
“You’ve come up with some boneheaded ideas in your time. But this one has to be the most ludicrous—” Rafe broke off and turned to stare in the direction of the kitchen. “Huh.”
Draco chuckled. “You were saying?”
“I think I have an idea.”
“You’re welcome.”
Rafe shot his brother a warning look. “If you say one word about this to anyone—”
“Are you kidding? Nonna and Primo would kill me, not to mention our parents.”
“You?”
Draco stabbed his finger against Rafe’s chest. “They wouldn’t believe for one minute you were clever enough to come up with a plan like this.”
“I’m not sure clever is the right word. Conniving, maybe?”
“Diabolically brilliant.”
“Right. Keep telling yourself that. Maybe one of us will believe you. In the meantime, I have an Inferno bride to win.”
Rafe headed for the kitchen. He arrived just in time to see Larkin refusing the wad of money Barney was attempting to press into her hand. “I’ll be fine, Mr. Barney.”
“You know you need it for rent.” He stuffed the cash into the pocket of her vest and gave her a hug. “We’re going to miss you, kiddo.”
One by one the waitstaff followed suit. Then Larkin turned toward the exit and Rafe caught the glitter of tears swimming in her eyes. For some reason a fierce, protective wave swept through him.
“Larkin,” he said. “If I could speak to you for a minute.”
Her head jerked around, surprise registering in her gaze. “Certainly, Mr. Dante.”