Page 66 of Sinful Bargains

I smirked, leaning back against the bar. “Well,” I pretended to think it over, “depends. Does she talk about me to you?”

Angela let out a laugh, shaking her head. “You should know I don’t give away secrets.”

I tapped my fingers against the bar, eyeing her. “Come on, just a little hint?”

Angela rolled her eyes. “You really are desperate.”

I chuckled, rubbing a hand down my face. “Ohhh.” I sighed dramatically. “What am I going to do?”

“Hmph,” Angela mused, tilting her glass. “Good question. Whatareyou going to do?”

I shot her a look. “I was asking for advice.”

She smirked. “You think I’m good at advice?”

“Great point.” I laughed, shaking my head.

“But,” Angela leaned in slightly, “if it wereme, I’d ask her on a date. To start.”

I nodded slowly, rolling the thought around in my head.

“Because I can’t keep watching this cat-and-mouse game you two have going,” she added, exasperated. “It’s exhausting.”

ANTONIO

Iwas certain of one thing. I was a pawn in a game I didn’t know the rules to.

I was running around doing Vincent’s spying, convinced Joey was the problem. I let myself believe Joey was the enemy, the one tearing this family apart. But I was wrong. This was a game without instructions, but all I’d managed to piece together was that Vincent and Hector had been the ones who put Joey in prison. Renee was insane and working alongside her dad to somehow take Joey out. And I’d been roped into the entire thing.

I stood there as I swept the floor at Davidson’s, which was just more dirty work. When I heard the door chime and saw the way her face lit up, I knew exactly who had walked in before I even turned around.

Joey.She didn’t smile like that for anyone else.

He leaned against the counter like he owned the place, his eyes locked on hers. And I felt something settle inside me. Maybe this wasn’t so bad, after all. Joey had been more of a father to me than my own ever was. And I’d never seen Ma this happy before. That’s all I ever wanted for her.

“Morning, Joey!” I called from across the store.

He turned, flashing me a grin as he made his way over. Even now, it was impossible not to admire him. The gold watch, the tailored suit, the fedora tilted just right—he was cool without even trying. I still wanted to be like him. Just like him.

Which meant I had to end this thing with Vincent. Before it ended me.

Or worse—before it ended, Joey.

“How’s it going, kid?” he asked, pouring him a cup of coffee.

“It’s shit,” I muttered, sweeping the floor. “Ma’s got me doing all her dirty work just because of this suspension.”

Joey chuckled as he took a sip of his coffee. “Yeah, well, if she hears you cursing, you’ll be working for free even longer.”

“Take me with you,” I begged. “I swear I’ll behave. Just get me out of here.”

Joey looked thoughtful for a moment before shrugging. “Yeah, okay. I’ll have to ask your mom first.”

Romano Wholesale.

Not a very creative name on Joey’s part, but I’d read in the papers it was the most successful car wholesalers’ shop on the East Coast. So he must be doing something right. Joey’s office was fit for a king. A high-back, leather chair perched behind a large wooden desk with a chandelier hanging above. A small bar cart was in the corner.

Joey gestured toward the chair behind his desk. “Sit there,” he said. I sank into the chair without a second thought, glancing around the room with wide-eyed fascination. Joey walked toward the window, cracking it open and lighting a cigarette as the faint scent of smoke filled his office.

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