Page 52 of Sinful Bargains

“Yeah?” I called out.

The door creaked open, and Sal walked in. “Got a problem.” he said.

I took a long drag of my cigar before stubbing it out. “What is it?”

Sal sighed, raking a hand through his hair. “It’s not bad. Nottoo bad, at least. It’s just about the job you gave me—keeping an eye on Adriana.”

My jaw tensed. “What the fuck are you talking about? Spit it out,” I snapped.

He hesitated. “She’s safe,” he started.

I slammed my palms onto the desk and pushed myself to my feet. “You’re starting to piss me off, Sal. Get to the fucking point.”

He exhaled sharply, eyes flicking to the invoices scattered across my desk before finally meeting my stare. “She’s seeing someone.”

My pulse spiked. My fingers curled into fists. “Who?”

Sal shifted on his feet. “Arthur.”

I blinked, my mind scrambling for recognition. “Arthur?” I repeated slowly. “Coach Artie?”

Sal just nodded.

I stared at him, my pulse roaring in my ears.

You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.

The air in the room grew thick,suffocating, as I let Sal’s words sink in.Coach Artie.The last person I’d ever expected her to be with. I ran my hand over my face, trying to suppress the mountain of emotions consuming me. “Artie? You sure about this?” I muttered, barely able to believe what I was hearing.

Sal shifted uncomfortably. “Yeah, he just dropped her off. He took her for a coffee down at the diner.”

I gritted my teeth. I could already feel the anger bubbling up. She was mine to protect, and now Artie—Coach fucking Artie—was worming his way into her life. Another obstacle I was going to have to tackle.

As Sal left, I stood there, my hands gripping the edge of the desk, fury and frustration swirling within me. I wasn’t going to let anyone take her from me.

The bell above the shop door jingled as I stepped out. My mind was clouded with the image of Artie and the anger thathad settled deep in my gut knowing he was taking Adriana out for a fucking coffee. I gripped the wheel, heading towards Adriana’s place, the familiar route doing nothing to calm the fire raging in my chest.

As I approached her door, I hesitated for a moment, but knocked anyway. She opened the door, her smile warm but cautious. “Joey? Hi.”

“Can I come in?” I asked. She hesitated for just a second before stepping aside, letting me pass. The door clicked shut behind us. “Where’s Antonio?” I asked, scanning the room.

“With Enzo and Michael,” she said, her eyes studying me, as if trying to figure out why I was here.

I nodded, exhaling the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. My gaze drifted, trailing up the soft curve of her legs to the delicate pink dress hugging her waistjustright. She lookedperfect. Too perfect for a night spent with anyone besides me. “You look beautiful,” I murmured.

She glanced down, smoothing her hands over the fabric. “Thank you.”

Silence settled between us. I could dance around it, pretend this was just a friendly visit. “How was the date?” I finally asked, watching her closely.

Her eyes locked onto mine. “How’d you know about it?”

I let out a slow breath, tilting my head slightly. “It’s a small town, Adriana. People talk. And I heareverything.”

She didn’t respond right away; just stood there, rocking back on her heels, her fingers twisting at the fabric of her dress. The air settling between us was thick enough you could cut it with a knife. I took a step closer. “So? How was the date?”

“It was fine,” she finally said.

“Fine,” I repeated, letting the word hang between us.

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