by Posey Parks
The guys were in a conversation of their own as we walked out of the condo toward the elevator.
“Samantha is unpredictable. That’s one thing we can both agree on.”
“Tony, isn’t that the fucking truth.”
“She swore up and down she was holding out last night.”
My brow rose. “Did she?”
Leaning against the elevator wall, he rubbed the nape of his neck. “I don’t want to admit what happened.”
The guys' conversation ceased and their eyes fell on Jacob.
“She urged me to begin. I jacked off as she peeled off her sweatshirt and jeans. The second she was naked, Samantha pleased herself. Just when I was about to come, the phone went black.”
The elevator doors opened. Our boisterous laughter poured out into the service area.
“Yeah, my wife fucking played me.”
The guys slapped his shoulders.
“You pissed her off.” Brandon shook his head.
“Sounds like you’re the only guy on this trip not getting any pussy.” Dillon chuckled.
“Guess so,” Jacob sighed. “There was no way I could get off. Samantha probably did, though. I have pinned up aggression. That’s ok. She’ll pay.”
A housekeeper approached Jacob. “May I have your autograph?” Her jet-black ponytail danced behind her as she smiled brightly at Jacob. He barely made eye contact.
“Who am I making it out to?”
“Linda.”
He signed the pamphlet, then placed it in her hand. “Thank you, Jacob.”
He flashed that Hollywood smile. “You’re welcome.”
THE OWNER MET US AT the rear entrance of the restaurant.
“Good to see you again, Jacob. I’d like to thank you and your acquaintances for dining with us tonight.”
“Howell, good to see you too. We look forward to the wonderful meal.”
His eyes narrowed. “Hey, I’ve seen you on TV.” He pointed at Dominic. “You’re running for Governor of New Jersey.”
Dominic grinned. “I am.” He shook Howell’s hand.
Howell stepped back and widened his arms. “Welcome to Chicago.”
“Thank you fell from each of our lips.
He escorted us to a private room off the kitchen.
Jacob introduced each of us to Howell before we studied the menu. A dainty chandelier shaped like a swan hung over us.
“Brandon, are you still bitter about your star quarterback leaving your team high and dry?” Jacob snickered.
“Shut the fuck up. How many NFL Super Bowls has your precious Cowboys won in the last two decades. Huh?”
Jacob’s mouth opened.
Brandon intercepted. “I’ll tell you how many. None.”
“You and Samantha are so bitter about your beloved Patriots.”
“I’m not giving up on my team. Why because our QB left? He worked hard to help us get to the Super Bowls.”
Jacob turned his back on Brandon as Howell returned to the table.
I peeked around the spacious dining room. Metallic panels sparkled across the front of the full bar. Decretive mahogany lamps rested on slender tables throughout the room. I peered through the fancy square glass windows built into the metallic sliding doors. The restaurant was steady for a Tuesday night. A security monitor hung in the corner near the door. We each rattled off our orders, then sipped the expensive red wine Howell poured into our glasses.
The second Howell stepped away, I glanced at Jacob. “What’s with the surveillance TV.” I pointed toward the corner.
He leaned in across the table, extending his index finger, offering his comical smirk. “Al Capone dined here years back. In this very room.” Jacob winked.
“The last couple of times I was on location in Chicago, fans followed me here. Howell suggested I enter through the kitchen instead of the front door. The monitor was already here. I paid to upgrade his security system, so I’d feel more secure whenever I was intown.” He typed something on his phone, then flashed the screen around the table.
“I’ve hacked the security system so I have a visual of the outside front and rear entrances.”
“Such a fucking show off.” Sebastian shook his head beside me.
He peeked at his phone. “We have the same view.”
We stared at Sebastian’s screen.
“Fucking hackers,” I snickered.
Laughter filled the room. Dominic stalked over to the bar.
“That reminds me. I called Cruise.”
“Hey, how are the ladies doing?”
“The wives are still on the bus. The guys haven’t returned.”
“Good to hear. Let me know when the wives leave.”
“Will do, Tone.”
After ending the call, I sat my phone on the cold, heavy tan lacquer table.
Dominic returned to the table sitting next to Brandon. He opened the Jim Beam. “Jim anyone?”
Dillon stretched his glass toward him.
“Tone, what about you?” Dillon glanced at me.
“No, I’ll wait until I get to the club.”
He brought his glass to his lips, gulping half the harsh contents.
Dominic peered at me from across the table. “Half a glass won’t affect you, Tony. Don’t be a fucking pussy tonight.”
I pointed in his direction. “Fucking watch it.”
His shoulders lifted as he stretched his hands. “Come on, I’m just busting your balls a little.”
“One drink. Remember, I’m watching our wives later. Thought I’d pace myself since I might have to crack a few heads tonight.”
Sebastian gripped my shoulder. “Thanks, Tony.”
“Don’t let Tony fool you he’s really there to see Nadine.” Dillon gruffly rubbed his chin.
“All that matters is I’ll be there to watch over the women.”
“I’m cool with that.” Marco raised his glass.
Howell and two waitresses appeared, placing our meals before us.
The herb butter swept up my nostrils. Leave it to Jacob to bring us to a steak restaurant. Bet he could eat steak four times a week. I suppose we ate pasta as much if not more than Jacob ate steak.
I slid a sliver of the mouthwatering medium rare meat into my mouth.
“Damn good, Jacob.”
He nodded. “I figured you guys would like Howell’s Steak house.”
I peeked into the faces of my family. Each man quietly devoured the fabulous meal.
“Can I get you guys anything else?”
Howell stood at the head of the table, clutching his wrinkled hands in front of his frail body. He reminded me of my grandfather. Tough old bastard. True killer, too.
“The steaks are delizioso,” I kissed my fingers.
“Thank you.”
“Howell, you’ve done enough. A waitress can bring another bottle of wine. I’ll stop by your office. I have something for you.” Jacob grinned.
“Jacob, if it’s what I think it is, I don’t want it.”
“Howell, you always take care of me when I’m in town. Allow me to take care of you for once,” he pleaded.
“One bottle of wine coming right up.” He turned on his heels.
“It’s hard to help people when their stuck in their ways.” Brandon scooped a forkful of mashed potatoes into his mouth.
“I know. He needs to let his son take over. Howell deserves to retire. I want to help.”
Brandon hooked his arm around his cousin’s neck. “You’re a good guy.”
Everyone smiled.
I pushed back from the table. “That’s a gracious thing to do, Jacob.”
“I’ll let you guys enjoy the wine and whiskey.” I stood.
“I’d like to case the joint first before the women arrive.”
“All right, Tone, see you later.” Marco nodded.
Dillon threw his hand in the air. I slapped his neck twice.
“Yeah, see you later, Tony.” A devilish grin crept upon Dominic’s face.
<
br /> I knew he was up to no good. Made no sense to argue.
“Brandon, Jacob, Sebastian, see you guys later. Don’t drink too much.” I squeezed Sebastian’s shoulder before exiting the room.
∞
I tapped my ear piece as I strolled past the garbage can beside the back door of the club.
“Hello.”
“Tony, it’s Jasper.”
“What’s up?”
Standing in the spot light the flood lamp provided, I peeked at the parking lot.
Monitoring the back of the building was important. Never knew when you might need to flee the scene.
“A car service picked up the wives. They should arrive at the club in fifteen minutes.”
“That was smart. They should enjoy themselves tonight. I’ll follow them back to the bus later. I’ll see you guys then. Don’t hesitate to call if a problem arises.”
“Got it, Tony.”
After a walk through, I settled in the shadows along a back wall, nursing a whiskey. I scanned the entire club from my cozy little spot. Two women sitting at a table near the bar grinned and waved. I nodded. No smile offered. It’d be in their interest to take the gracious hint. Nadine and the girls danced over the threshold in their stilettos, jeans and tight shirts.
I shook my head. My gut clenched. There might be a dumb fuck who became grabby with our wives. They’d regret that move.
A few people swayed to the beat on the dance floor. Zoey flagged a waitress over. She pointed to the oversize booth right off the mechanical bull area.
My eyes darted back to the door. Women poured inside.
Thirty minutes later, the girls relaxed and drank champaign with their meals. The boisterous music vibrated my body as I approached the bar.
“Hey.” A soft hand grabbed mine.
I peeked into the woman’s gray eyes as I snatched my hand away.
Her brow wrinkled. “Sorry, I saw you sitting alone. I thought you could use some company.” She ran her tongue over her red lips.
“No, I’m here with my wife.”
Her forehead creased.
“She’s here with her friends. I’m here to make sure my wife enjoys herself, but at a distance.” I yelled over the music.
Her friend stroked a few stray blonde strands behind her ear. “Damn, she’s lucky to have such a good man.”
I smirked. “Thanks. You ladies enjoy your night.”
I sat on the empty bar stool at the end of the bar. It was perfect. I had a better view of the wives' table.
“Bartender.” I waved him in my direction.
“How can I help you?”
I peeled five one hundred-dollar bills off the top of my bank roll and placed them on the bar. “My wife and her friends are sitting at that large table outside the bull pen. I’m taking care of their bill. This is for you.” I pointed to the money. “They will receive prompt service all night.”
His green eyes widened. “No problem...”
“Tony.”
“My name is Drew. I’ll take great care of them.”
“Good.” I sat back on the stool.
The ladies who stopped me a moment ago felt my wife was lucky, but I wasn’t sure she did. I hadn’t spoken to her all day. She was ignoring me. And I didn’t give a shit. She’d come around if she didn’t want me to take it out on Kitten.
Carmen stood, tossing her fist in the air. “I’ll go first,” she shouted.
Nadine stood. “You got this.” She clapped and whistled.
My wife’s beauty took my breath away and sent shivers down my spine. A smile took my lips.
They were truly a good fit. I didn’t mind one bit watching them enjoy themselves like sisters.
Carmen climbed onto the bull and held the reign tight. A man approached asking her a few questions, then gave her a thumbs up. The bull rocked back and forth, round and round, and Carmen jerked off the bull to the floor. She stood, jamming her fist into the air again. The crowd went wild. Nadine walked over and whispered in her ear. Carmen nodded.
Shit.
Nadine squeezed through the crowd, making her way to the bar. Staring into the bar mirror, I studied her. A guy whispered in her ear. My blood coursed through my veins. She had seconds to tell him to fuck off, or I’d rearrange his insides.
“I’m married.” I read her lips.
He leaned in again. Guess it was time to teach him a lesson.
NADINE
MOB WIFE
I COULD FEEL MY HUSBAND lurking in the shadows. That was normally how he moved.
“Your husband isn’t here with you tonight, is he? One dance, that’s all I’m asking for.”
The bartender approached. “Miss, my name is Drew and I will send over whatever you need.” Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
My brow wrinkled. Why is he nervous?
“Come on, what do you say, baby?” The guy tugged my arm.
I shoved the sharp heel of my stiletto into his foot. “Ah,” he yelped. His face turned beet red.
“Get your fucking hand off me now. When a woman says she’s married, that is a hint she isn’t interested,” I bit out through gritted teeth.
He slammed his ass in to his seat, gripping his foot.
“Drew, I need a vodka straight. Do you carry Louis XIII?”
“No, we don’t.”
I pouted. Sydney didn’t party like she used to. I wanted to surprise her. “Send your top shelf whiskey and vodka to the table.”
“Right away.” He poured Grey Goose into a glass.
“Here you are.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Drew.” Walking toward the table, a powerful arm wrapped around my waist. My body tensed.
A familiar woodsy scent swept up my nose. I relaxed against the muscled chest.
“Good thing you handled that asshole. I didn’t want to cause a scene.”
“I told you we’d be fine. Are you the reason sweat dripped from the bartender’s forehead?”
“Maybe. I told him to take care of you ladies tonight.”
He gripped my waist tighter. “I get you’re upset that I flew to Chicago to watch over you. My wife,” he growled against my temple.
“This weekend you’ll pay for ignoring me.”
My body shook under his touch. “You didn’t have to come here.”
“I did. You know that, Nadine.”
I caressed his big, strong hand. Tony’s cock stabbed my spine.
“Shit, he wants me badly.”
“Always.” His lips melted against my temple. “I’m staying downtown. Come by later.”
I pinched my eyes shut. My pussy felt heavy and wet. The gravitational pull to his dick was winning.
“No,” I groaned.
“You don’t believe your own words.”
My hips swayed to the beat on their own accord. Of course, I didn’t mean the bullshit that fell from my lips. There was a pain. An insatiable hunger in my soul for this man. I needed Tony all the time. “Baby...”
“Oh, now I’m your baby again.”
“Tony, you know you are.”
“Yesterday you said we couldn’t see each other for the rest of the week. Nadine, this shit’s crazy. Look at me.”
My hand gripped his. “No, Tony, I need to resist you.”
“I’m bitter as fuck Nadine.”
“I love you.”
“You know I could kidnap you at the end of the night and make you stay with me.”
“No.” I slammed my eyelids shut and leaned my head upward. “Shut up and kiss me goodbye.”
“This is fucking stupid.”
Tony didn’t make a move. It felt like a full minute passed, then his lips crashed upon mine. His tongue slid past my lips. I moaned around our tongues. Pulling back, I staggered to the left and right before opening my eyes. He held me a moment longer. I released his large hands from my waist and walked toward the girls, sipping the vodka and never looking back.
CHAPTER NINE
CARMEN
M
OB WIFE
NADINE WAS INDIFFERENT when she returned to the table. Where had she gone after she left the bar? It was like the crowd swallowed her.
I wrapped my arm around her neck as she sat at my side. “Where were you?”
“At the bar.”
I sniffed her hair, then her blouse.
“Were you fucking Tony?” I whispered loudly in her ear.
She shushed me, staring at me with wide eyes. “What? Of course not.”
“You fucking liar. It was your idea to dodge our bodyguards today.”
She crossed her arms as she sipped her drink. “Who is my husband and what does he do for a living?”
I stared at her like a deer in headlights.
“He is ‘THE’ bodyguard. Protector of the Magarellis. Are we not the Magarellis?” She quirked a brow.
Swooping up the champagne glass, I shook my head. “Are the rest of our husbands here?”
“I didn’t ask. He asked me to come over.”
Luckily, the girls were in their own conversations and didn’t hear what Nadine and I discussed. Only the mob wives knew about Tony guarding us.
“Are you going, Samantha?”
She stared at the bull. “No.”
Nadine shot to her feet, gulped down the remaining contents in her glass. “I’m next.”
The second the song ended; Nadine padded barefoot onto the mat.
We stood, cheering.
“You got it, girl,” I roared.
“Beat Carmen’s record,” Samantha yelled.
“I hope you’re next, Sam.”
“Nope, I want to go last. Sydney’s next.”
A new song blared throughout the club. Nadine lifted her hand in the air, gripping the reign.
“Go,” the guy shouted.
The bull whipped her petite frame back and forth. Nadine slid down the side of the bull, hanging on for dear life. Her hand slipped, and she fell to the floor.
We clapped so hard my hands stung. “Way to go, Nadine.”
She climbed into her stilettos and strutted over to our table. Nadine prepared a fresh drink. “You were great out there, Nadine,” Sam shouted.
A smile kicked up at one end of her pretty pouty lips. The lips that were probably all over her husband a moment ago. I thought about calling her out, but I decided against that idea.