Page 7 of His Broken Queen

“Have fun.” I smiled as they made their way to the dance floor. I caught Salvi’s attention and pointed at Lu so he knew to keep an eye on her while I was away.

He nodded and followed her to the dance floor.

“Gio, can you join me?”I’m going to need a witness.“Let’s go to the office.”

“Sure.” My brother followed me as I guided Aria out of the club and to the back office.

“Is this that important that you’re going to take me away from the busiest time of the night?” She tried to keep up with me in her ridiculously high heels. “Couldn’t this have waited?”

“Some things can’t wait.” I opened the office door and turned on the light. “But trust me, I’ve waited long enough for this.”

Gio followed us in and closed the door, causing Aria to jump as it shut.

“Why so jumpy?” I asked. “Do we make you nervous?”

“Not at all.” She stared into my eyes, trying to stay in control, but I’d be putting an end to that really soon. “What’s so important?”

“I’ve kept you around here all these months because you’ve made me a fuck-ton of money.” I circled her. “Of course, I’ve paid you more than you’re worth too.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” she said. “I work my ass off for you.”

“That might be true, but you have a knack for irritating me.” I leaned against my desk. “I can tolerate your incessant flirting, and your inappropriate comments about my brother and I because you make us money, but I have my limits.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She rolled her eyes. “We haven’t interacted that much tonight. I’ve been too busy making sure your wife’s birthday is perfect, remember?”

“Uh oh.” Gio smirked. “You really can’t read the room, Aria.”

“What does that mean?” She fingered the strap of her dress.

“We were talking about my limits.” When I moved close to her, she stumbled back, slamming into Gio’s chest. “You’re right, I wanted my wife’s birthday to be perfect, but you couldn’t seem to give her that.”

“What are you talking about?” She tried to break out from between me and Gio, but we boxed her in. “Her glass was always full, dinner was spectacular, and that overpriced cake you ordered is on its way out.” She fidgeted with her hands. “You even invited her cousins to make up for her lack of guests.”

“What did you just say?” I placed my hand on top of hers to get her to stop squirming.

“Nothing, I just meant that it didn’t seem like she had any friends or family here.” She shook her head. “I didn’t mean any disrespect. If I hurt her feelings, I’ll apologize.”

“You said that to Lu?” Gio glanced at me.

“I could tell Lu was uncomfortable around you and I figured you said something to upset her. I thought you might have made an inappropriate comment about me and you.” I squeezed her hand. “Do you remember when we first met?”

“Yes.”

“I told you not to disrespect my wife.” I let go of her hand and gripped her arm. “I’ve put up with all of your other shit, but I won’t allow you to hurt Luciana.”

“I didn’t mean to.” She struggled against me.

“Not ever!” When I yelled, she flinched. “You’re done here.”

“What?” She pushed against me until I released her. “You can’t fire me.”

“I think he just did.” Gio took her arm. “I’ll help you get your things and I’ll escort you out.”

“You can’t do this,” she shouted.

“I can do whatever the fuck I want to do in this town.” I reached into my pocket and took out my wallet. “I don’t like you, but I’m going to let you walk out of here.” I took out a wad of cash and dropped it at her feet. “Consider that severance pay.”

“Screw you.” She yanked out of Gio’s hold and got in my face. “I’m going to make you pay for this.”

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