Page 51 of These Deadly Vows

I know she thinks she’s being clever. Trying to seduce me. To make me feel something for her. Getting me talking about the past, wanting my government name. Placing demands on me. Showing me her jealous streak.

I cross the bar, intent on being an asshole. Making her squirm. But she stares up at me with them gorgeous olive-colored eyes and I can’t deny her the one thing I know she wants.

My kiss.

Something that I reserved for the woman I was supposed to marry, but no amount of time or suffering will bring her back and maybe it’s time I stop punishing myself.

Adeline’s lips press to mine, all sugary and plump, with a hint of beer on her breath. Slipping her the tongue, I know she’s caught off guard by the intimate act. But she quickly reciprocates, moaning into my mouth as our tongues dance, warring for control.

Neither of us are ready to submit and are equally enjoying the battle. I sense it the second she gives up fighting for dominance. Her fist grips my tee and she surrenders to me. Our kiss turns from hard to sensual, slowing in pace. It’s hot, wet, and fucking deep.

I pull away first, still holding her face. I sweep my thumb across her lips, wiping away her smeared lipstick.

Adeline stares at me, dazed and confused. I’m about to suggest we get out of here when I spot Rollo giving me a subtle nod. Capone and I share a look.

“Stay right here. I mean it. You and Carla don’t move off these stools. We’ll be right back.”

Adeline nods, and I hope she fucking listens. Don’t like leaving her on her own. She has Carla, but she’s a fucking Bianchi and I don’t fully trust her.

Like I don’t trust Rollo. That’s the only reason I’m having Capone watch my back instead of Adeline’s. Rollo’s not an enemy, but he’s not exactly a friend either.

He runs Southside. Motherfucker is always dripping in gold and carrying a wad of cash thick enough to choke a horse. He’s flashy and shows off too much. I follow him to the back room that’s reserved for meets like this.

“Yo. What it do?” He slaps his palm against mine, flashing his grill at me.

“What’s up, man?”

“Hear you making big moves. Nabbed yourself a princess. Word is that the Triads have been recruiting, trying to expand their reach beyond Chinatown on both sides. Was wondering if you’ve heard anything on your end.”

“Nothing solid. Nothing worth repeating.” He could be blowing smoke. Feeling me out. But sounds like the Triads cut the Bianchi brothers out.

“I’ve been losing men and money.” He scrubs a hand over his bald head. “Been losing some of my best girls.” Rollo is a pimp, but he treats his stable of women decent. If they’re leaving, it’s got to be for bigger and better money.

“I’m not supplying the Triads. I hear anything I’ll send word.” We don’t ride through his hood. We share mutual respect. He stays out of Northside, and we don’t touch the South. The Triads have Chinatown and the rest eat scraps.

“Appreciate it.” He bumps my fist.

I need to get back to my wife and put as much distance between her and Carla as possible. They may be friends. I don’t doubt that. However, I know about family and where loyalties lie first. Carla will do what her family says, no questions asked.

She, like Adeline, was raised to be loyal. Family before dishonor.

It’s why Adeline didn’t turn the knife on me when I took out her father. He told her to do it and she had to obey.

I stop Capone before we go back to the women. “Take Carla home. If you’re going to fuck her, do it tonight, then never call the cunt again.”

He licks his lips. “You think her brothers would use her to do their dirty work?”

“Yeah. No cap.” If she wasn’t Adeline’s friend, I’d have Capone kill her and frame the Triads.

“I’m on it.”

“All right, let’s get them and bounce.”

Adeline and Carla are nowhere to be seen. If they took off, I’m going to kill both of them.

“I’ll check the bathroom,” Capone tells me, and I hit up the bar to ask the bartender if he’s seen my wife. I shouldn’t have left them unsupervised.

“Did you see where the two women by the pool tables went, man?”

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