Page 55 of Tainted Princess

“That,” I said, gesturing to Francesca, still holding a fist full of baggies. “Is my wife.”

“No shit?” Rock looked at me, a shit-eating grin spread over his face, and I scowled at him. “Well, won’t this be fuckin’ entertaining?” Clapping me on the back, he laughed, headed for the back room. He’d meet me in the basement ofDeuces Wildlater to start questioning our guest.

“Rock,” I called, causing him to turn back. “I think that guy needs a different kind of interrogation.” Rock’s knowing look had me confident we were both on the same page.

There would be no police called tonight.

I moved toward Francesca, not missing the way Vinnie tensed as I approached. “We will talk about what just happened in a bit, but for now, I need you to come with me.” I reached out and hated the way she flinched slightly when I extended my hand. But I held steady, waiting for her to choose. After a moment’s hesitation, Francesca placed her hand in mine, her skin warm against my own, and something in me reacted to having her trust me enough for even that small concession.

Stuffing the baggies in her hand into her jeans pocket, Francesca gave me a resolute nod and I headed back to my table, pulling her behind me through the crowd. When we reached the booth, Trinity was back, pouring yet another glass for Jerry as he once again stared straight down her shirt.

When he noticed us standing there, his smile turned leering, running his gaze over my wife like he had a right to.

“Enzo,” he said, leaning back against the back of the booth. “If I knew you delivered, I would have placed my request earlier in the night.”

Francesca squeezed my hand gently but otherwise made no indication she was bothered by Jerry’s comment.

I sure as fuck was, though.

Glaring at Jerry, I released Francesca’s hand and gestured at her to enter the booth, then slid in beside her. She sat primly, one leg crossed over the other under the table, hands folded in her lap, and her pleasant mask in place, but I could still see the fight in her eyes. Her pupils were wide, and she focused on Jerry like he was gonna be her next victim.

Stretching my arms out across the back of the booth, I gave him one of my most dangerous smiles.

“Jerry,” I said slowly, drawing his attention back to me and off Francesca’s tits. “Allow me to introduce you to Francesca Argenti.” I paused, waiting for him to register what exactly was happening, and was rewarded when the color drained from his ruddy cheeks.

“My wife.”