Page 41 of Ruthless Mafia Boss 3: Vino and Claire

We entered the empty clinic.

She stopped, eyes wide. “Are you trying to kill me?”

I pressed my lips into a thin line. “No, Claire. We’re here to get tested for STDs.”

She stepped back. “Why? We use protection.”

I glanced at Dr. Venezuela. “Could you give us a moment?”

“Come back when you’re ready,” he said with a smile.

I nodded.

I gently held Claire’s arms. “Claire, like I told you earlier, you’re my woman.”

She stared through me again.

“I was serious when I said you’re my soon to be wife. I don’t want a barrier between us when we have sex.”

“Vino, I don’t have unprotected sex. I don’t plan on getting married. I plan to be alone,” she said, closing her eyes briefly.

“My ex-boyfriend claimed he only wanted to be with me. I gave myself to him on prom night. Everything was fine until it wasn’t. In short, he gave me chlamydia. He lied to me.”

I already knew about the STD because I had her medical records hacked.

I leaned in, voice steady. “It’s clear there’s more to the story. Listen, since we haven’t known each other long, let’s make a deal. We agree to only have sex with each other, and anytime we’re apart, we’ll have Dr. Venezuela. run a new test. Every single time.”

Her eyes met mine, hesitation flickering. “Vino, that sounds expensive.”

I cupped her face, my thumb tracing her cheek. “Don’t worry about the cost. I don’t want you worrying about anything anymore. I will show you I’m not him.”

She exhaled, shaking her head. “This is crazy, Vino.”

I rested my forehead against hers. “I know. Just give me the chance to prove how good we can be together.”

Her lips curved into a fleeting smile, like she was considering it, like I was breaking through her armor.

“I’m only agreeing to this because we can get tested often,” she muttered.

Inside, my rage burned. If I wasn’t already in a war, I’d hunt that bastard down. He had broken her so badly she’d given up on love. Honestly, I didn’t blame her.

I forced a smirk. “Come on, soon-to-be wife. Let’s take the tests so we can get to the club.”

She scoffed, but smirked right back. “I’m looking forward to my jerk chicken and cocktails.”

I squeezed her hand. “Understood, gorgeous.”

Tonight, I’d get Claire drunk not to have my way with her, but to finally uncover the past that still haunted her.

VINO

Claire approached the bouncer stationed at the back entrance. “Neil, nice to see you,” she said. The club’s music thumped loudly around us. She leaned forward and gave him a peck on the cheek. I felt my jaw tighten and my hand vibrate at my side, fighting the impulse to pull her away. If I hadn’t known Neil, I might have snapped.

“Good to see you, Claire. Your order should be waiting for you at the bar.”

She clapped her hands with excitement.

He met my gaze. “Hello Vino. We’re happy to have you as always. Xavier already called ahead. Your table in VIP is ready.”

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