Page 13 of Carnal

Dante pushes me farther back and then steps next to Rubio. He asks, "What's going on?"

"Seems like Biagio can't keep his hands off Pina," Rubio snarls.

"Gentlemen, is there a problem?" Sergio questions. He's the head bouncer who makes sure the rules get enforced. He also reports any club issues to the heads of the families.

The tension doesn't cease. Dante and Biagio lock eyes, each challenging the other.

"Answer me," Sergio snaps.

Biagio finally breaks. He sniffs hard and turns toward Sergio. "No, man. We're just having a friendly conversation, aren't we?" He arches his eyebrows at Dante.

Sergio steps closer. "Do I need to suspend you?"

Gianni interjects, "No. We're good. Like he said, we're just having a friendly conversation."

"Sure you are," Sergio says.

"All good," Biagio repeats, then pats him on the back.

"Suites only tonight. If I catch any of you outside, you're out of here. Don’t test me," Sergio warns.

"Fine. See you later," Biagio states, then checks me out again.

Gianni puts his hand on Dante's shoulder and mumbles, "Easy."

Sergio uses his walkie-talkie and orders, "Escort Mr. Abruzzo and his guests to his VIP suite."

"Yes, sir," comes through the speaker.

Dante spins. "You all right?"

"Yes. I'm leaving. Can you get me my jacket?" I ask and hand him my ticket.

He studies me. "You sure?"

"Yep. Jacket, please?" I smile, just wanting to get out of here.

Dante squeezes my arm and goes to the front of the line. He quickly returns with my jacket and walks me outside, adding, "Pina, this is why I don't like you coming here."

"Don't start. It's a one-off thing, and I'm fine," I insist.

My driver pulls up to the curb. Dante sighs loudly then opens the door.

"Thanks. See you Monday," I say, then slide onto the seat.

When he shuts the door, I close my eyes and lean back against the headrest. The SUV begins to move, and I wait until my heartbeat is normal again.

I open my eyes, and the driver turns toward my home. I put the divider glass down and instruct, "I'm going to my other place on Riverside."

"Yes, ma'am," he says, then gets in the left-hand lane to circle back.

Several more minutes of debate fill my head, but my phone vibrates. I glance at the screen.

Tristano:Dante just told me what happened. Are you okay?

Me:Yes, I'm fine.

Tristano:I'm done here. Address?

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