Affliction by S. W. Frank

before inquiring, “Who the heck is this guy Tiff?”
    Giuseppe answered in English for her. “If you do not know who I am, then it is an example of your ignorance.” He turned to Tiffany after the rude statement. “Venite, I will escort you home ora.”
    “Uh, Mr. Dichenzo, I’m having a private conversation with my sister. No disrespect intended but we don’t need a ride, we drove here and we can drive back.”
    Giuseppe scowled. Americanos were dense. Did she not realize the risk of being out on the street?
    Did she not think of enemies who might kill them in broad daylight to hurt her fiancé or the Giacanti’s? 
    Giuseppe reached for Tiffany’s wrist and her sister pulled out mace. “Don’t you put your hands on my sister!” she warned while brandishing the canister near his face.
    A male hand roughly confiscated the item. Giuseppe frowned at her audacity. “Never do that again. You may be shot bella.”
    Tiffany was on her feet. The petite firecracker went off. “Are you crazy , what’s wrong with you threatening her?”
    Alfonzo stepped through the semi-circle of suits. The thin smile on his face was set for mediation. “Hola Tiffany, how are you love?”
    She pointed to Giuseppe. “He barged over here threaten ing us. Is he crazy?”
    “My brother becomes overzealous. He’s concerned for you ladies,” Alfonzo stated while putting his hand on Giuseppe’s shoulder to keep him immobile –damn hothead. “In this area there’s been a string of robberies. Tourists are targeted. We can suggest a safer place to dine which isn’t as public, right grande fratello?”
    “Ah, she should know better!”
    Tiffany gave h im the evil eye. “And you need to learn manners.”
    “Yes, he does,” Alfonzo replied . “But until that happens which might be never…I agree with my brother…time to leave.”
    Giuseppe eyed Tiffany’s sister. His temper cooled. Kefilwe had said, he must learn to respect women; otherwise he would never experience love. He wondered if Shanda was abruptly taken to punish him for his behavior.
    The sisters exchanged looks. They were in no position to oppose bu t they hesitated in a stand of temporary defiance. Alfonzo headed to the limo, leaving them to ponder the decision with his less than patient brother.
    Giuseppe gestured toward the awaiting car. “ We cannot wait all day.”
    Tiffany scowled in frustration. “What about our car?”
    “Ah, do not worry . The car will be safe.”
    “But, it’s a rental,” her sister Nicole interjected, “And in my name!”
    Giuseppe asked for the key, and when she handed it over he tossed it to a lackey to secure. Then he gestured to the street where the limo sat idling. “After you, donne.”
    The women’s high heels clicked-clacked across the sidewalk and Giuseppe smiled. “Grazie, I thank you for your co mpliance.”
    Giuseppe followed the women, checking out the redhead’s silhouette. He liked what he saw, the frontal portion and the rear.
    "Oooh, what in the world have you gotten me into Tiffany?" The redhead whispered.
    Tiffany was livid. "I'm wondering that myself!"
    During the limo ride, Alfonzo reclined his head as Giuseppe needled the ladies. Tiffany’s sister seemed upset. Her feline eyes sparkled venomously. Alfonzo grinned. Oh, that one was not having any of his brother’s shit and he enjoyed the tit for tat conversation .
    "We can have dinner and then compromise on what we eat for dessert ," Giuseppe said with a lascivious smile as the car pulled in front of Tiffany’s home.
    The door was held open and Tiffany scurried out. You’d think her skirt was on fire the way she hustled to that door. But, her sister Nicole, took her sweet time, she wanted to show the loud-mouth Giuseppe she wasn’t intimidated.
    With her feet on the ground she glared at Giuseppe with disgust as he leaned out the limo like a thirsty dude trying to get digits from a chica en la calle.
    “C omments like that those are a complete turn-off.