Rob came Through the kitchen door about 10 minutes later, whisper-yelling his insults at me.

"Why were you acting like a fucking fool out there? Are you so brain dead you can't take a damn order without stuttering?! I just can't believe-"

"Order up," Donny cut him off before he could continue.

I got off my stool in the kitchen and picked up the plates, loading them onto a tray, then I put the tray on my shoulders and walked back out to the front.

Donny left the kitchen to go smoke in the alleyway like he always did on his breaks.

Rob stepped in front of me before I could open the kitchen door.

"You little fucking slut. Walking around in this little skirt in front of Mr. Mariano. You were practically throwing yourself at him before. Don't be such whore and do your damn job. Don't embarrass me out there!"

I rolled my eyes and walked past him towards the door.

I pushed it open but Rob shoved past me to get out of the door first. I got to the door but then I tripped from him shoving me.

The food went flying and scattered all over the floor. My cheek hit the marble with a loud thud and my wrists hurt. I heard the plates all break.

Fuck that couldn't have gone worse if I tried. I laid on the floor for less than a second before I felt strong hands lifting me up by my shoulders like I was a small child.

Rob started screaming at me.

"You stupid fucking bitch! You're fired, you little slut! You can't do anything right!"

Rob raised his hand as if he was about to hit me. I gasped and closed my eyes, bracing for the impact. After a few long seconds, it didn't come and I opened my eyes. One of the men that were sitting at the table had Rob's arm in his grip.

I started crying, overwhelmed by the whole situation. If I lost this job, I'd be screwed. I'd have to drop out of NYU for sure.

Through my tears, I saw Mr. Marino nodded at the guy holding Rob's arm and wrist, and he snapped Rob's arm all the way back while he whined at the pain. Then as quick as I blinked, I heard a crack and Rob was screaming in pain.

A hand swiped my cheek and I jumped away from it in fear. I looked up at the strong hands that picked me up. It was Mr. Marino.

Oh shit. If Rob didn't fire me tonight, he definitely would.

"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to. It was an accident," I sobbed out. I was a blubbering mess.

He pulled me closer to him and looked me up and down like he was assessing me for injury. Then he pulled me all the way flush against him and wrapped his arms around me, stroking my hair.

"Shhh, it's okay Lilly. Are you okay? Are you hurt dear," he whispered into my hair.

I hiccuped a "yes", but he didn't let me go.

"Don't worry, dear. You're not fired. It was an accident, one that wasn't your fault."

I nodded but I was still scared I was going to get fired or something worse.

Rob got quiet when Mr. Marino hugged me in his arms and comforted me like a scared child. I kept my face down in his chest, too embarrassed to look up. His large hands stroked my hair with surprising gentleness.

"Rob, you're fired. You are dirty, rude to your staff, and since you've started working in my restaurant, the business has gone down significantly. And not to mention you don't know how to respect a lady."

I didn't have to look up to know Rob was definitely red. in the face with steam blowing out of his ears. I'd giggle at that if I wasn't so nervous I was next.

But silence only followed, I guess Rob knew better than to dog a deeper whole by saying anything back. I snuggled deeper into his chest, scared for what Rob might blame me for.

The striking never stopped and I heard Rob start to walk away, to clear out his office in the back.

"No no, don't bother clearing out your stuff. I'll have one of my men do that for you. Stefano and Donny why don't you both go for a walk with Rob here. I don't want to scare the pretty lady any more than she already is. So take him for a long walk. The trunk is already empty, so make good use of it."

"Yes, boss," Donny responded and grabbed Rob by his elbow firmly. Rob hissed at the pain of his now probably broken arm.

"Please, I'm sorry." I heard Rob start begging.

I didn't dare look up at him. I didn't want to take my face out from where it was buried in his broad hard chest. He smelt so good, like expensive cologne. He was oddly so warm, opposed to his cold exterior.

I heard the bell of the restaurant ding and figured that was them leaving. I wondered what was about to happen on the walk they left for. They definitely weren't going to pick some flowers to make matching bouquets.

"You can come out now, Bella, he won't bother you again. I promise." he continued talking in his soft yet rough voice.

I peeked up at him shyly.

"I'm sorry I dropped the food, sir," I rambled.

"It is just food, and it was Rob's fault anyway. And you don't need to call me that Lilly. You may call me by my first name. Or Enzo if you'd like, my few friends call me that."

His smile was genuinely kind. I blushed at him telling me to call him by his nickname that only those close to him called him. It made me feel special even though it was probably just pity for the way I just wailed like a baby in front of him.

"Thank you for being so generous, sir I mean Enzo. I promise it won't happen again. I take this job very seriously. I love working here, it's practically my home. You are a very kind person, thank you so much "

" Your welcome, Lilly. But I am not a 'kind' man, I'm not even a nice man. I'd never hurt you though, but I don't want you to get the wrong idea about me. I like you, Lilly, and see that you are a sweet girl who does not deserve a boss like Rob. I'm sorry I didn't come sooner, Bella. Don't worry though, he will learn some manners by the end of the night. The only way he'll be coming back here to harass you ever again is if he is crawling through that door."

I shuddered at his declaration for more than one reason.

Number one- he likes me... Um okay wow. Number two- he pretty much insinuated Donny and one of his guys are breaking Rob's legs right now.

Number three- he called me beautiful in Italian, oh my god.

Number 4- he said he likes me.

My stomach was full of butterflies and my ears were hot.

His beautiful face was looking down at me like I was an open book. Like he could read every thought I ever had. I blushed for what felt like the millionth time since I met him.

It's been less than an hour that I've known this man and he is already deep under my skin. I didn't want him to say goodbye to him yet. There was so much I didn't know about him yet, so much to learn. So much to like.

I wondered if he felt the same, or maybe he was just a ruthless flirt and was playing me like a fucking violin. If he was, he was extraordinarily good at it. I flinched at the thought of being so naive to not see that he wouldn't want anything from me more than a quick fuck. I looked down at my feet ashamed.

"Don't worry though, if he does come back I'll make sure to fix that. I'll keep you safe, love. Give me your phone."

It was a command rather than requested.

Before my brain could argue with my stupid heart, I handed him my phone. I gave it to him without hesitation, which was utterly embarrassing. I definitely looked way too eager to have his number, desperate even.

He was so threatening even though he just told me he'd protect me. I didn't think he would hurt me, but my instincts told me he could if he wanted to. And he wouldn't lose sleep over it if he did.

So, I wouldn't call him, even if Rob came back and tried to start something. Plus I didn't have to worry about him calling me since I didn't give him my number.

He typed into my phone quickly and I heard a whoosh, followed by a ding.

Fuck.

He sent himself a text from my phone. Now he had my number too.

"I saved my number in your contacts, Bella, if you need anything you call me. Okay, Lilly? Anything. If you have a problem with any of the people here, you call me as soon as it happens and I'll sort it out. I don't care what time it is or what day. I got you."

His words were so genuine, so sweet like he actually cared about me. He acted as if he would stop everything to come save me if I needed saving. My cheeks heated and my hands felt clammy.

"Okay, Enzo, thank you" I answered meekly.

He lifted his hand to my face and stroked my cheek, still wet from the tears earlier. I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch. His hands were so big compared to my face, but so comforting.

When I opened my eyes I realized what I did and grew embarrassed quickly. I looked back down at my feet, but he stroked my cheek again, so tenderly.

I looked up and he was smiling with a smile that looked like it had more reason than I could think of.

"You don't have to thank me, Lilly. I'd do it for anyone...well actually that's a lie. But, as I said, I like you, Lilly. You have something about you that is so innocent, so sweet, I'm drawn to you. It makes me want to protect you."

"I'm capable of protecting myself, I assure you. You've never seen me throw a punch. There are quite a few men as big as you who are awfully afraid of crossing me," I half-joked, slowly gaining back some of my confidence. It was pretty true though.

After I punched that guy and knocked him out cold on the floor in the middle of the restaurant, I heard several whispers.

He cracked a smile with teeth and chuckled.

"Oh, I'm sure you are more than capable of handling your own problems. You seem very fierce despite your innocence. I wouldn't mess with you if I saw you on the street," he teased me.

I narrowed my eyes at him and his grin grew wicked. He barked out another laugh and swiped a hand through his hair.

"You're something else, Bella. I really do think you can protect yourself. You are a smart, strong woman. But, I just want to protect you anyway."

I beamed at his compliment and mumbled a thank you.

"Okay, fine. I will call if there are any problems."

"Promise, Bella?"

"Yeah, yeah. Big strong man protect me please," I giggled. I faked looking faint and threw my hand over my forehead.

He pulled me against him tightly, before I even registered he was doing it.

"I'm serious Lilly. Call me if you have a problem. Even if it has nothing restaurant-related. In fact, especially if it is not restaurant-related," he demanded in a low stern voice.

He didn't look mad, just serious. But it made a chill travel down my spine.

"Yes, I promise si-Enzo."

He didn't let me go, though. My heart started racing. Donny told me to be respectful and warned me to watch my attitude. Fuck.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by the joke," I began to panic a little.

"Don't be sorry. I like that you can be relaxed around me, even if it was only for a few precious moments. I'm sorry I make you so nervous. I don't want to scare you, Lilly. I don't want you to be scared of me. I'm just worried about you. I feel so protective of you, I don't know why."

I nodded with my mouth hanging open. I didn't know how to respond to his endearing confession.