Page 43 of Giving It to the Man-Whore

“They were going to help with the repairs to the library. They said that if I helped, they’d find out why you were really here.”

Ricky smiled. “I figured as much.”

“You still went out with me?” she asked.

“Like I said, I really do like you.”

She frowned. “I’m plain.”

“I don’t think you are. Beauty is only skin deep. How about, we enjoy a delicious meal, and then I take you home?”

“You’re not going to kill me?”

“No, I’m not going to kill you. I’m not all bad.”

“The stuff I read online. You did that?”

He sighed. “I’ve done a lot of things I’m not entirely proud of. Some, more than others. I’m not a good man. That I do agree with. Let’s enjoy a meal, and then I’ll take you home, and you can decide if you want to date me again.”

“You’ll be honest with me?”

“I swear. I will answer every single question honestly. Just trust me, Prue.”

She glanced down at where his hands held her. He was so big, huge even. Even as she was afraid of him, she couldn’t help but be intrigued. “So you’re part of the mafia? Is it like it is in the movies or different?”

He leaned back, and laughed. “A little of both. Don’t ask about the men I work for. I won’t tell you anything.”

“That’s okay. I’m not really interested in knowing that side. I’ve been in Sinners’ Corner all my life. I’m happy to stay blinded to the entire world.”

“I like you like that, my dear.”

She smiled, and after that, they both had a beautiful dinner together.

****

Saint was exhausted. Other than knowing that Autumn and Big Ricky had a new identity, he wasn’t any closer to finding out why. It would seem the Lorenzo family when they needed a secret kept, they knew how to do it.

Entering his home, Saint knew instantly that he wasn’t alone.

He glanced into the sitting room, and once again Big Ricky was in his house.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“What do you want to know?” Big Ricky asked.

“I don’t have a clue what you mean.”

The other man tutted. “I’m insulted. You and I both know that tonight was a ruse. Did you find out what you were looking for?”

Saint folded his arms, and then glanced upstairs.

“She’s alive. Unlike you, I happen to keep my word.”

“I didn’t give you any word. You’re in my town, and so is a young girl. My club matters to me. The safety of my woman, and the town, means everything to me. When someone abuses my trust, I like to find out why.” He stared at the man, waiting.

Big Ricky was sitting, drinking a glass of scotch. “I don’t like that you brought Prudence into this. She’s a complete innocent.”

“Why are you asking her on a date then?” Saint asked.

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