Page 3 of His Broken Queen

“Stella is my friend and Romero and Gio are my family.”

“Hmm…” She pressed her full red lips together, gazing around the club. “I guess Romero likes to keep things tight.”

“He’s selective about the company he keeps.” I looked around. “He must be pleased with you. This place is a huge success.” I hated to compliment her, but I couldn’t deny how well Cantinos was doing.

“Yeah.” She ran her fingers through her silky hair, tossing it in my direction. “I need topersuadehim to pay me more. Don’t you think so?”

“How are you going to do that?” I asked. “Persuade him?”

“I have my ways.” She smiled. “I’m sure you do as well.”

“Yes, but my ways are a lot different from yours.”You do realize I’m his wife.

“Maybe.” She shrugged. “You never know.”

“The only reason you’re here is because you make my husband money.”

“Did he tell you that?”

“I know him better than anyone, and as long as you serve a purpose he’ll keep you around.” I really didn’t like this woman. “Unless you upset me.”

“Oh, I serve many purposes.”

Before we could finish this conversation, there was a commotion on the other side of the dance floor. Romero’s guards moved to stand next to me as people took out their phones and snapped pictures. I stood on my toes to see over the crowd of people.

“No way,” Aria said. “Do you know how good this is for business tonight?”

“What is it?” I tried to figure out what all the fuss was about.

“It looks like you do have family after all.” She pointed as Rocco and Sandro walked toward us. “Aren’t they your cousins?”

“Ah, yeah, but I don’t know why they would be here?”

Both men looked attractive in their designer suits and expensive shoes. Their guards stayed two paces behind them, but the security presence was obvious. People stopped dancing as the two made their way to the private area. There were several celebrities in the club tonight, but no one made an uproar over them. For such a legitimate club, the mafia royalty couldn’t be denied.

I hadn’t spoken to Rocco since that night Romero rescued me from my uncle and Vincent. I kept in touch with Sandro through text, but I didn’t mention the party because I was certain Romero wouldn’t want him here.

Did my family have to pick my birthday to send a message?

“Hey, Lu.” Sandro moved toward me, but the guards stepped in front of me. “Whoa.” Sandro held up his hands. “We’re not here to cause trouble.”

“It’s okay,” I said to Salvi. “They’re my cousins.”

“We know who they are, Lu, but we have to protect you,” Salvi said. “That’s our job.”

“You want to protect her from us?” Sandro asked. “We’re not going to hurt her.”

Sandro wouldn’t hurt me, but I wasn’t sure about Rocco. He might not physically hurt me the way Vincent would, but he could go after my husband.

“Happy Birthday, Luciana.” Rocco ignored the two large guys standing in front of me and gave me a hug. “I hope you’re having a good time.”

“I, I am.” I took a deep breath before spotting Romero heading our way. “I didn’t expect to see you here. I don’t want any trouble.”

“Neither do we.” Sandro stood next to Rocco. “We’re not here to ruin your party.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Romero forced his guards away with his imposing form so he and Gio could stand on either side of me. “I want my wife’s night to be perfect.”

They only way it could be perfect is if no one gets shot.

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