Page 69 of Saving Grace

“I’m not his mistress.” I responded with slight attitude in my voice. He didn’t know the full story.

“Sorry," he threw his hands up in defense, “whatever you are, I know you shouldn’t be here.”

“You sound sympathetic. Are you? And no I shouldn't be.”

“Yes, so the question becomes why are you?”

“It’s complicated.” I winked

He leaned in, smiling with just the bottom of his teeth peeking from between his pink lips. “I told you I could help you with that.”

“You’re asking for trouble and I have a feeling you have an ulterior motive.”

That caused him to outright laugh. “Am I that easy to read?”

I shook my head. “Pretty much, everybody including you, ignored me when I first walked in. Then as the night went by I saw you watching me, I wondered why, then I just summed it up to you thinking I’m cute, but then you approached me. But you were looking at her.” I leaned in and whispered. “You fucking his wife?”

“Wow,” he laughed again, his entire body shaking. “You’re observant and very direct. And no, I'm not fucking his wife, but I was engaged to her, before he came along.”

I leaned my head to the side, “So you lost your girl to the mob boss and you want to try and use me to get revenge.” I chuckled softly, “It doesn’t seem like you value your life.”

“Oh I do, but I know Roman killing me would make things complicated.” he winked, “he’s not the only one with connections and power.”

I rolled my eyes.

“If you say so,” we fell into a comfortable silence for a few seconds until the waiter came and sat two glasses of champagne in front of us. I picked up the flute and drained it, Gionni raised his. I didn’t have to look back to know who he was taunting

I shook my head and smiled. “You’re poking at a deranged bear.”

“I know,” he smirked, “just play along while you tell me about your son.”

That was a safe subject, we spoke about AJ until the urge to use the bathroom came.

“Excuse me,” I stood and swayed, I guess the champagne had more effect on me than I realized.

Gionni stood, coming to my side he wrapped thick fingers around my arm.

Chivalry isn’t dead after all.

“Let me help you,” he led me to the bathroom, guiding me towards the hallway with his arm around my waist. He stopped us in front of the door.

“I think I’ve worn out my welcome, so I’ll bid you adieu for now.” He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a card. “If you ever need anything, anything at all, give me a call.” He smiled devilishly.

Whoever this man was really wanted trouble. It wouldn’t hurt to have a friend like him though. One that wasn’t kin to, or on Atticus’ payroll.

Taking his card from his hand I slid it into my bra.

“Goodnight Gionni.” I nodded before turning. I reached for the handle to open the bathroom door. I was lurched forward from behind, missing it, I righted myself and turned in time to see Gionni’s head bounce off a wall in slow motion.

It was surreal and sobered my half-drunk ass right up.

“What the fuck are you doing Atticus?” I yelled grabbing his arm as he went to slam Gionni’s head again.

He snatched away.

“Don’t fucking touch me.” He let Gionni fall to the carpeted floor. He didn’t look like he could or would get back up and Atticus seemed to want to make sure he didn’t. He drew his foot back and viciously kicked him. I grabbed his arm. He snatched away and swung towards me.

“You really take me as a joke.”

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