Page 97 of Third Degree

“Ah.” She nodded, understanding him, and then looked behind him.

I loved the way she jumped at seeing her friends. I would celebrate whatever holiday she wanted just to see her this happy.

“You look so hot!” Maeve exclaimed, wrapping Gianna up in a hug. I slid in behind her, giving her friends a hug too.

“It’s nice to see you all again.” Chels was the first one to return the hug without being awkward.

“Happy birthday!” Tatum screamed, and I only nodded, looking around to make sure that everything was going smoothly for the night.

The waitress approached, and I confidently placed an order for several bottles to grace our table. More members of the Gambini family made their way over, each a cousin, uncle, or trusted associate. Gianna took it upon herself to announce to everyone that it was my birthday, not shying away from the powerful men. She had been around this life for a while, so she held no fear of the types of people who were joining us.

While her friends, apart from Tatum, exchanged cautious glances, they couldn’t match the fearlessness displayed by those familiar with the Gambini name. Her friends had learned about the family through Tatum’s harrowing experience of being kidnapped by an ex-lover, and I had given my consent for Julian to be informed, even though he didn’t exactly seek permission.

We had gotten a few drinks, and the girls were now a little tipsy, dancing with each other in the free space in front of the couches and table.

I looked over at Julian, who was intently watching his wife.

Clearing my throat, I said, “I need to check with Romeo to see how the numbers are looking. I have to make sure I have something to share tomorrow at the daily meeting.”

Romeo was the new general manager I hired. He was not associated with the Gambini family but had worked with Julian on a few projects, so he was familiar with how we did business together.

“I have my guard on her, but I need you to do me a favor and keep an eye on her too. It shouldn’t take me long.”

“Okay, Papa. Chill,” Julian retorted. I narrowed my eyes at my son. “You got her. It’s all settled. I am protective, but even I understand that you can celebrate your birthday for one night. What can happen?”

As I walked over to tell Gianna where I was going, she nodded me off quickly with a faint kiss. Not nearly enough for what I needed right now. What I was desperate to have was just a quiet evening at home with my wife, but here I was dealing with this club.

Julian was right, though. It was one night. What could happen?

31

Gianna

Elio was grumpy from the moment we walked into the club. Usually, it was me who was uptight, but man, he was kind of getting on my nerves with how jumpy he was.

When he told me that he needed to go over to the office and do some paperwork before he could join us, I was three shots deep, and for me, that was a lot. I didn’t tend to drink much, so I was very tipsy. Tipsy Gianna also happened to be the person who suddenly had no inhibitions.

I was dancing in front of the table with Maeve, Chels, and Tatum. We moved sensually to the beat of the latest club electronic pop, but because we were so high up or this was soundproof, it was hard to hear the music.

Plus, a lot of the family members had decided to take up residence in the VIP section. They were scaring my friends, so I needed to get down there.

“We need to sneak out to the dancefloor,” I whispered to Chels. She was my go-to party adventure friend.

“I’m game.” She started to grab my hand, but I pulled her back.

“Julian’s got too many bodyguards, and they will just annoy us, so we have to ditch them.”

She had a mischievous look in her eyes like she was formulating a plan. “Fuck yes. Who are you, and what did you do to my friend?!” she exclaimed.

“Tequila.” We fell into a fit of laughter.

“Okay, but seriously, if you say you’re going to the bathroom with me, then we will be okay to sneak out. Let Tatum and Maeve hang out up here.”

She nodded and then told Tatum she was headed to the restroom. Because the restrooms were just behind us, we’d been granted the freedom to come and go. Chelsea had already broken her alcohol seal, so we’d been peeing a hundred times already.

Just like I expected, no one suspected Chelsea, nor were they under instructions to follow her, so I quickly snuck out behind her. We headed to where the bathrooms were.

“Score,” I whispered when I saw a pair of back stairs that led straight to the dancefloor.

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