Page 1 of His Broken Queen

Chapter 1

Luciana

The crowded club filled to capacity. The music blared out of the speakers as attractive men and sexy women sweat all over one another. The bar was five deep, but that didn’t deter thirsty club-goers from waiting for an overpriced drink. Customers tossed hundred-dollar bills in the tip jars as others threw down their credit cards to pay off their expensive tabs.

Anyone who was anyone in the privileged club-scene was here. In the past few months, Cantino’s had become theitplace. If you weren’t posting on social media that you were inside these walls, you might as well not post anything at all. People waited hours for a chance to get in. The VIP lists were filled four weeks out. And if it happened to be a night like tonight, when both Romero and Gio were here, word of mouth spread fast. Women would stand outside with their phones ready to record just to get a glimpse of the dangerous and powerful brothers.

As my husband spoke to an associate across the room, several women doubled back, pretending to take selfies, but they weren’t fooling anyone. They were trying to get a picture of him to post on their feeds. I’d read some of their captions. Almost all of them hoped they would become his side-piece.

With one sexy glance from him in my direction, he had dashed about twenty of those women’s hopes and dreams. Gio would have to pick up the slack. I endured the social media comments and nasty glances from the desperate women because I knew where Romero slept every night.

Two months ago, I escaped my brutal family. Romero rescued me from their twisted world. Some might say I jumped out of the frying pan and into the flame. But if my husband was the flame, I’d gladly burn.

The private area behind the dance floor, known as theBilottiroom, buzzed with excitement. Several of Romero’s business associates joined us. Gio sat at a table in the corner with his flavor of the week, prominently situated on his lap. Stella and her husband, Mike, sat at a table in the corner, enjoying the vibe of the hottest club in the city. Most of the guys from the house were here too, keeping a watchful eye on us as we celebrated.

“There’s the birthday girl.” Romero engulfed me in his hold. “Are you having fun?”

“This is all so amazing.” I draped my arms over his shoulders. “I’ve never had a birthday party before.”

“You should be celebrated every day.” When he pressed his lips to mine, his solid body rubbed against me. “Where’s your champagne?”

“It’s coming.”

“Where’s Aria?” He gazed round the room. “I told her the champagne should flow all night. Your glass should never be empty.”

“I can wait.”

“You shouldn’t have to wait.” He pulled me closer to him and swayed me to the music. “I’m the owner and you’re the guest of honor. We don’t wait.”

I glided my lips along his jaw, breathing in his spicy scent. He was as sexy as ever tonight. Romero knew how to wear a suit, but he especially knew how to wear one without a tie.

“Are you trying to distract me?” He took my chin between his fingers and lifted my face to meet his. “It’s working.”

“Good.” When I licked my lips, he wasted no time slipping his tongue inside my mouth and kissing me as if no one else was in the room.

I gripped his biceps for stability, as I allowed myself to get lost in his possessive touch.

“Mmm…” I steadied myself against him. “As much as I love this party, I’m ready to go home.”

“We haven’t had the cake yet, and I might have another surprise for you.” He glanced at his watch before whispering into my ear. “There will be plenty of time for me to fuck you later.”

I gazed into his eyes, trying to think of a snappy comeback, but I couldn’t argue with his statement. I was too mesmerized by the thought of him doing all sorts of wicked things to me.

“I know what you’re thinking.” He smirked, “Trust me, baby, I’ve been thinking about it since you came out of the bedroom wearing this alluring dress. I can’t wait to get you out of it.”

“Well, only because you said there would be cake that I’ll be patient.” I trailed my lips along his jaw. “But cake will only get you so far.”

“You keep enticing me and we’ll skip the cake.” He grabbed my backside as he lowered his lips to mine. “I wouldn’t plan on walking much tomorrow if I were you.”

“Is that a promise?” I bit my lip.

“More like a threat.” He winked.

“What are you two discussing?” Stella asked as she and Mike approached us. “Do I want to know?”

“Probably not.” Romero hugged her. “We’re so glad you both could make it tonight.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it.” Stella took my hand. “You look incredible.”

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