I shook his hand as I clasped his arm. “Just so we’re clear, Claire is mine and gets special treatment anytime she’s here.”

His eyes widened.

“Vino,” Claire hissed.

“Call Xavier and he’ll handle the bill,” I stated.

“Understood. Enjoy your night.”

I nodded as I placed my hand on the small of Claire’s back.

Renato and Amadeo took the lead. Four of my men pulled up the rear. We looked like an unstoppable force. Claire hadn’t looked around her to notice the magnitude of my situation. Of course, she had no idea there was a situation.

“Why did you have to tell him that?” She asked.

I leaned into her ear. “He probably thought he had a chance with you. Now he knows he doesn’t.”

Claire smacked her lips. “You can’t cock block every guy, Vino.”

I chuckled.

Claire shrieked. “Hey y’all,” her Southern drawl unmistakable.

She ran with open arms, embracing the group of people. They hugged like they hadn’t just worked together all day.

I braced a hand on Claire’s hip, pulling her beside me. My eyes moved over Claire’s friends’ faces. “I’m Vino.”

“We know who you are.” One of the women slid her tongue across her lips.

“Yeah, you’re that hot model.” Another woman bit down on her lower lip.

Claire quickly went through everyone’s names as she introduced them to me. Among the group, I spotted Teff, who was Cylinder’s cousin. Cylinder was a bodyguard for Nick Pitucco, a close friend of mine and a mafia boss. It was reassuring to have someone working with Claire who could manage a firearm if things took a turn for the worse.

“Drinks and food are on me,” I yelled over the music.

They clapped, cheered, and thanked me.

“Enjoy yourselves. I’m here to relax. You won’t even know I’m here.” I smirked.

“That’s impossible,” Roleta said, biting her lip again.

It seemed Claire’s employees were very horny.

I whispered in Claire’s ear. “If you want to come upstairs to V.I.P. There will be a table waiting for you with bottle service. Enjoy yourself, gorgeous.” I pressed my lips to her temple before stepping away.

More squealing followed as I turned and retreated upstairs.

I could feel their eyes on me as my men and I ascended the black and gold staircase.

This club had a nice vibe. I could see why Claire was drawn to it. The entire club was black and gold. The black floors were trimmed in gold. On the first floor, the chairs and sofas were gold or black. The tables were black. In V.I.P. the floors were black and all the furniture was gold.

I unbuttoned my navy suit jacket, revealing the one Glock in my black shoulder holster on the left side. Keeping my weapon on my left side allowed me to keep Claire from noticing it. There would be no hiding who I was anymore. Not after tonight.

I peeked at the reserved sign on the table as I slid into the booth. From my inner jacket pocket, I retrieved a cigar and a pair of dark sunglasses. After putting on the sunglasses, I handed the cigar to Xavier. He snipped the end with a cutter and placed it back in my hand.

I positioned the cigar between my lips as Xavier held up a lighter. I leaned in to light it, taking a puff that sent a cloud of smoke drifting up to the dim ceiling lights.

To the right, tables and the dance floor were filled with New Yorkers enjoying their Friday night. The music pulsed through my body. “Xavier, I’ll have the steak and broccoli,” I said.