Page 56 of The Mafia Enforcer's Temptation
As he walks away, I let her go and she takes a big step back, turning her back to look at the display case nearest her. The aesthetic in here is modern and minimalist, but Ish still caters to those with dubious taste who come to his Tribeca store.
I really don’t care what she thinks of her engagement ring. It does the job. It announces she’s mine.
But as she glances down and rubs the giant square-cut black diamond set in platinum, I’m a little shocked she isn’t into it. The thing’s big and expensive, and she can sell it once we’re done. If she’s still breathing, that is.
Even with her dark hair tumbling over her shoulders in that sexy way that it does, Ava looks ridiculous in Skechers shoes, faded jeans that end at her ankles, and a white t-shirt with Iggy Pop on it.
I’m going to have to get her clothes, too.
But she’s not getting my credit card. I’ll buy them for her, clothes of my choosing and my decision about when they’re delivered. I’ll humiliate her with a fashion show. Make her strip bare, then crawl to me and suck my cock.
Our wedding night confessions play in my head.
Fucking Paddy, that Russian cunt from Ireland, can still wreak havoc from beyond the grave.
He must have had plans for her and her bratva. I’m thinking he befriended the cousin, and she somehow got involved.
Watching Ava as she turns to the next case and stops, gazing down at a devastatingly gorgeous, deceptively plain and smallpink diamond engagement ring, one I can instantly see her wearing as if it was made to be part of her, something in me twists.
Yeah.
Disbelief.
Because I can see it. Paddy reading her avarice. Her greed for her bratva. And maybe together, they manipulated her cousin.
Or maybe she was lonely.
Who the fuck cares?
Paddy was an opportunist.
What’s clear to me is Paddy saw the chance to get his hands on a small bratva with the cousin, and then when he met Ava, he probably thought he could get it by marrying her.
And then I killed him.
I should kill her, too.
The jeweler comes back in and hands me the small bag for Callahan. Another gift for his Lucie.
“Thanks, Ish.” I hand him a wad of cash and head out the door, letting Ava follow. I should play the part of loving husband, but I can’t be bothered. Time enough for that later.
“This ring,” she snaps, “is vile. I should have known you lack taste.”
I look her over. “Me? Look at you. Dressed like a fucking ragamuffin.”
“Like I told you, someone broke in and wrecked most of my clothes. I wasn’t making that up, ya know,” she pushes out. “They stole from me. What you see, Seamus, is what you get. The few outfits I have. Unless, of course, I can go to work and make some money to buy new clothes.”
“Where, on the street corner?”
She snorts and crosses her arms, bringing my immediate attention to her tits. “I have a job.”
“And I asked which street corner.”
“You know, I’m shocked no one’s killed you yet.”
I glare back. “Hey, you tried, right? Besides, same to you, sweet thing. Your personality’s something.”
“I’m not wearing this horrible thing.” Ava starts to tug at the ring, but I take her hand, stopping her.
