Flaming ties

- again - and one of her regulars, a sweet old man named Mr. Higgins, had knocked over an entire jar of sugar. Her apron was dusted with it, sticking to her skin in the late afternoon heat.As s

f to remain calm. This wasn't the first time sh

d under her breath.

te greeting."We're here to talk about protection," he said, his voice gruff, dripping with implied threats.Eva set down the cloth, meeting his gaze with a steady look. "And I'm her

Tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a sharp black suit. His presence commanded atte

Mor

He turned his gaze to Eva, and for a moment, his eyes softened with curiosity. "Is there a problem, Miss...?""Eva," she replied, a hint of challenge in her voice. "No problem. Your friend here was just about to order a coffee or leave. I run a respectable business, and I don't appreciate threats."Luca's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "Is that so?" He stepped closer to the counter, his eyes never leaving hers. "You've got a lot of nerve, talking to him like that.""I have more than nerve," Eva shot back, her heart racing but her voice steady. "I have a business to run, and I don't have time for bullies."Luca chuckled, a deep, unexp