Page 43 of They All Own Me

"Yeah." I push a mushroom around my plate. "It's funny, isn't it? Three supposedly dangerous criminals are showing more interest in my well-being than my own husband has in years."

"There's nothing supposedly about it," Isaac says with a wink. "But being dangerous doesn't mean we can't have manners."

"Speaking of manners," Dom interjects, "what book did you pick up? Better not have been my first edition Hemingway with wet hands from the pool."

I gasp in mock offense. "Please, I'm not a complete heathen. It was actually a collection of Pablo Neruda's poetry. Didn't peg you guys for poetry lovers."

"There's a lot you don't know about us," Connor says, his voice dropping lower. The way he says it makes my skin tingle.

"Well," I say, trying to keep my voice steady, "I look forward to finding out more. Unless you plan on blindfolding me every time you discuss business."

Dom chuckles. "Careful what you wish for, princess."

"What about you guys?" I ask, genuinely curious. "How was your day?"

"Productive," Dominic says, cutting into his chicken. "Took care of some business. Some killing involved, you know the usual."

The casual way he mentions murder makes me pause mid-bite. I study their faces - none of them seem affected by this revelation. It's like they're discussing picking up dry cleaning.

"Was it just one?" I ask before I can stop myself.

Isaac barks out a laugh. "She's got jokes."

"Not joking. I mean, if you're going to go through all the trouble of killing someone, might as well make it a two-for-one deal. Efficient use of time and resources."

Dominic's fork clatters against his plate. "You're something else, you know that?"

"So I've been told. Usually not as a compliment though."

I lean forward, wine glass dangling from my fingers. "So, about this business you took care of... what exactly did he do to deserve it?"

Dominic's dark eyes lock onto mine. "You sure you want those details?"

Heat spreads through my chest that has nothing to do with the wine. "I'm not made of glass. Ten years of playing the delicate politician's wife hasn't completely broken me."

"First guy was leaking information," Isaac says, watching my reaction carefully. "He needed a lesson in keeping his trap shut."

"And?" I press, taking another sip.

"His demise wasn't too enthralling. Mediocre at best."

"Well, what about the other guy?" I ask.

Connor exchanges glances with Dominic. "You really want to know don't you?"

"Would I be asking if I didn't?" The edge in my voice surprises even me. "Tell me how you do it?"

"Tatum." Dominic's voice carries a warning. "This isn't a movie. It wasn't clean or quick."

"Good." The word slips out before I can stop it. Three pairs of eyes snap to my face. "I mean... if someone betrays you, they deserve what comes next, right?"

Isaac leans back in his chair. "Most people would be running for the hills by now."

"I'm not most people." I drain my glass.

"You really want to know?" Dom asks.

I settle back in my chair, plate pushed aside. "Yep, so enlighten me."

---