Page 97 of Ruthless Mafia Boss 3: Vino and Claire

“Hi Claire, I’m Carmen, Dominic’s wife.”

“It’s great to meet you,” I grinned.

I couldn’t help but wonder if these men being married to Black women had anything to do with Vino falling for me, but that wasn’t it at all. I knew he was drawn to my smile and laugh; he truly loved the person I was, and I was simply the woman he wanted by his side.

The last woman pulled me into a tight embrace. “Claire, it’s wonderful to see you in person. I’m Lexis.”

“Lexis,” I repeated, wrapping my arms around her tightly.

“I’m so glad to be in your presence,” I managed to say through the tears.

“It’s going to be okay, Claire. Our men sometimes do questionable things when they’re in love. Vino loves you so much.”

I nodded, finally loosening my hold. “I’m sorry for falling apart. This whole ordeal has been extremely emotional.”

Nadine slid a box of tissues closer to me. I took several to dry my face and blow my nose.

“Take a seat,” said Sierra. “Are you hungry?”

I noticed the teapot on the stove.

“No. I haven’t been feeling my best lately. May I have a cup of tea?”

“Of course.” Sierra smiled.

I noticed that while some of the women were enjoying wine, others refrained. Maybe they had children and were nursing.

I walked over to the garbage can and tossed in my used tissues. A hand sanitizer pump caught my eye; I squeezed a bit into my hands before returning to my seat.

Sierra set a teacup filled with steaming water and a wooden box in front of me. When I opened the box, I found an assortment of flavored tea bags that reminded me of the one Vino had given me. I had to hold back my tears. Sierra also placed a tall glass of water in front of me. I dipped an orange tea bag into the piping hot water.

“We’re pretty chill in this setting. The moment a bitch crosses us, then we aren’t so nice.”

My heart lurched in my chest. Did they beat up women too?

“A stripper from Vino’s club paid me a visit today.”

Emoni sucked her teeth. “Those bitches can be money hungry.”

I pointed at her. “Girl, yes. The bitch told me I should walk away so she can continue to make Vino happy. I told her I’d use my switchblade and cut lines all over her skin.” My hand went to my mouth. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“The house has been swept for listening devices,” Emoni said.

I continued my statement. “Well, after I told her what I’d do to her, she couldn’t get out of my office fast enough.” I smirked.

“You told her right. You can’t be nice to them. I had to off a bitch all because she didn’t want to give up Marco’s money,” Emoni added.

Damn, she was gangsta.

The girls burst into laughter.

“One thing you’ll learn, women will always insert themselves in your husband’s face. They’d love to be the side bitch.” Sierra shrugged.

“You’ll get used to it.” Nadine patted my hand.

I offered a weak smile before sipping my tea.

“I should tell you we’re in the middle of a war.” Sierra’s smile didn’t quite meet her eyes. “It’s dormant for right now. Trouble can kick up at any time.”

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