Page 134 of Dangerous Contract: Part 1

“Definitely,” Toya agreed. “I’m starving.”

Monique nodded and started the car. Meka chose the restaurant, one she’d wanted to visit for a while. The food was delish. And though Monique wanted to order drinks like Toya and Meka did, she had to decline. She was the designated driver, after all. That didn’t stop Toya from ordering her something.

“Come on, Monique,” Toya urged when Monique hesitated. “Orazio wanted us to have fun, remember?”

“One drink,” Meka encouraged. “It’s pretty and tastes like candy. Plus, it has a low alcohol content. You’ll be fine.”

“Alright,” Monique relented, accepting the drink and taking a sip of the pink liquid.

It tasted like bubble gum.Yum!The three friends laughed and chatted over a light meal, sharing stories about their past escapades and teasing one another. This was what Trevor hadn’t wanted her to have.

He’d complained whenever her friends invited her out for brunch or a movie, claiming unmarried friends were a bad influence on married women. He’d even gotten her mom and dad to call and lecture her on hanging with Meka and Toya.

Monique sighed, unable to believe she’d really allowed them to dictate her life like that. What the hell had been wrong with her? Why the hell had she tried so hard to be the perfect daughter, the perfect wife, to such imperfect people?

Her phone rang, pulling her away from those negative thoughts. She sat her drink down with a clink and searched her purse for her phone.

“Don’t rush,” Toya told her. “Orazio knows how to call back.”

Monique laughed. She found her phone and answered it quickly. “Hello.”

A sigh drifted across the line. “I miss you all-fucking-ready,” Orazio’s deep voice washed over her.

“I miss you too,” she said, rising to her feet.

“Look at this chick,” Toya teased. “Gone outside and talk nasty to your boo.”

Monique stuck her tongue out at Toya before heading toward the exit.

“Are you having fun?” Orazio asked.

“I am. I promise we haven’t spent too much.”

“Don’t look at the price tags. Enjoy your day, love.”

“I will. How’s... work?”

“Quiet, for now. I’m getting ready to visit a client and take him to a meeting.”

“Do you know when you’ll be done?” she asked.

“I don’t. But as soon as I’m done, I’ll call you again. Are you in the casino?”

“No. We went out for lunch. Well, it’s past lunchtime. So, pre-dinner.”

“Did you take a guard?”

“No. We weren’t about to bother your guards.”

“Where are you? I can send someone...”

“Orazio, don’t worry. We’re going right back to the casino after we leave here.”

“I’m not worried. I just want someone I trust with you when I’m not with you. The world is a dangerous place. People are crazy.”

“I know. I watch the news. We’re heading back after we finish eating.”

“Drive safely.”

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