Page 12 of His Broken Queen

“Is there anyone at the club we can trust to run things? Aria didn’t do everything by herself.”

“There is the accountant. She seems to know what she’s doing.”

“That shy little thing who scurries every time we enter the building?”

“She’s not that shy and can you blame her for getting out of our way?” He shrugged. “At least you don’t have to worry about her throwing herself at you every time you show up.”

“I guess it could work.” I made a note in my club file. “What’s her name?”

“Lara Cirrico. She’s Italian.”

“Have her shadow you. See if she can handle the responsibility until we can find a replacement. Tell her we’ll compensate her for her troubles.” I glanced at my watch. “Any word on Aria?”

“She’s been making noise this morning. Trying to find a new job and trashing us around town. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“If she gets too loud, make sure she’s silenced.”

“I don’t think she’ll be a problem after a few days.”

“You know your priorities?”

“Do you have to ask?” He gave me the finger. “Lu’s guard is top priority. I know that.”

“I’m sorry.” I shook my head. “Ever since Vincent took her so easily that day, I can’t forgive myself. I never should have let her go to the city without me.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“Has that son of a bitch resurfaced?” We hadn’t seen Vincent since the night I left with Luciana.

“He’s still hiding from us, but they will never admit that,” Gio said. “I’m surprised Sandro and Rocco showed up last night.”

“Sandro did it for Luciana.” I clasped my hands together. “Rocco came to protect his brother.”

“From us?”

“You don’t think so?”

“I kind of got the feeling he thought we were his brothers too.”

“No, he wants that DNA test to prove we’re not his brothers. That would make all of our lives so much easier.”

“He stepped in and helped us last night.” Gio tightened his lips. “He didn’t have to do that. Carson could have pulled you out of there without Santino around. We could be facing another headache today if not for Rocco.”

“Where’s this loyalty coming from? He was complicit on the whole marrying off Luciana plan. He had no problem spying on us. He also didn’t give us a heads up when Vincent took her.”

“Why would he?” Gio asked. “He was a Torrio then. He might be a Bilotti now.”

“It’s another complication we don’t need. It’s bad enough that my wife is related to them. Do you really think we need one more of their family members?”

“What if he’s an asset?”

“Let’s wait for the results of the test and then we’ll decide.” I checked my watch again. “I have to go.”

“Where?”

“It’s Luciana’s real birthday today.” I had plans to take her to a quiet dinner and give her a birthday gift. “Last night was overwhelming for her.”

“She had a great time.”

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