Page 7 of Mob Star

“Shannon, get your stuff. You’re done.”

She blinks for a moment. “For tonight?”

“For good. You knew I wouldn’t allow him back. Not only did you tell him he could return, you served him. Leave. Let your da know I’ll be dropping by in the morning.”

Why would he go see her father? She has to be in her mid-twenties. She goes white as a sheet, and I take a step toward her. She looks like she’s going to faint. She’s trembling. Why’s she acting like this?

Before I can get to her, Tony calls out to me. “Come on, babe. Let’s go home. They’re just trying to flex. This isn’t about me. He just wants to look like he’s got the biggest dick in the room in front of his mobster friends.”

I walk in front of Tony and keep my voice low. “He probably does have the biggest dick. Or one of his relatives does. Shut up. Go home. Fucking delete my number from your phone. Come near me again, and I will file a grievance with the hospital.” I step even closer and whisper. “Come near me again, and I will make sure no one finds you.”

I might make a lot of money now, but I didn’t come from money. Where I grew up wasn’t rough, but I knew rough people. I have plenty of favors to call in.

I watch as he tries to pull his arm loose from one twin. Needless to say, he isn’t successful. Unlike the office party that carried on without us, no one seems interested in continuing a birthday party for someone who isn’t there.

“The Uber’s pulling up.”

I turn toward Dana, then look over at Finn. He’s watching me.

“Go ahead. I want to say thank you.”

Dana glances at Finn. “Be careful. He looks like he wants to gobble you up.”

Chapter Three

Finn

I heard what my green-eyed beauty said. I don’t know who she knows, but she sounded pretty damn convinced she could make the arsehole disappear. I watched her as I named the other three families. There wasn’t a spark of recognition. There wasn’t any when I said the leaders’ names or when she heard their voices. She’s not affiliated with the Cartel, the bratva, or the Cosa Nostra. But she is affiliated with something. If she’s a doctor or a nurse and promised to do no harm, I’m guessing she’ll do no harm. Doesn’t mean someone else won’t on her behalf.

She doesn’t watch her ex-boyfriend as my brother tosses him out. Shane gives him a strong shove, and he stumbles, then falls. He lands hard. His knees are the least of the pain he’ll wake to. The bruises we gave him won’t show because we hit him where his clothes will hide them. We also made sure we nailed him in places that didn’t hurt as badly as they will tomorrow. No one needs proof we roughed him up. Though, I bet half the people here assumed we would.

“Are you okay?” I almost put my hand on my mystery woman’s lower back. Yes, my.

“I am. I didn’t thank you last time for defending me. Now I owe you double. Thank you.”

“I can tolerate a lot, but not shite like that. I won’t have a racist thinking he’s cool to drink here, and I won’t serve someone who speaks about women like that and thinks they’d still be welcome here.”

“I—” She looks like she doesn’t know what to say next. I get the sense she feels foolish standing with me. She should have broken up with Tony after the fucker’s last confrontation with me. I told her it was bad enough I wouldn’t repeat it. After hearing what she did, I think she gets why.

“Would you like a drink?”

“A gin and ginger, please.”

I look at her for a moment, my head slightly tilted before walking behind the bar. She looks shy now.

“I know it’s not everyone’s idea of a good combo, but I like it.”

“That’s not what I was thinking. That’s my go-to. I don’t know anyone else who drinks it.”

She slides onto a stool as she watches me mix the drink. I don’t put in as much gin as I could. What I say surprises her.

“You look exhausted. You did when you came in. I’m guessing anything stronger than this will put you to sleep. I’m Finn, by the way. I didn’t hear anyone say your name.”

“I’m Althea.”

I reach across the bar. She accepts my hand. Mine is warm and calloused, while hers is smooth and cool. Mine dwarfs hers, so I’m gentle. It’s a firm handshake, but only because I can wrap my hand all the way around hers. I could crush hers. I hope it’s obvious I’m being careful not to. I don’t want to let go, and neither does she. I have to release hers first, otherwise, she’ll have to pull it free. I don’t want to, but I let go.

“Are you hungry? The kitchen’s open. You didn’t get to eat here last time. The food’s delicious. All my nana’s recipes.”

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