Page 70 of Sinful Bargains

“Well, tell me about her.” Rosa grinned.

“Oh,” I grinned like a child on Christmas, “she’s strong. Resilient. Beautiful. She’s perfect, Rosa.”

Rosa tilted her head, thinking for a moment before her face lit up. “Oh, I know just the thing!” She patted my arm beforeshuffling off towards the back of the store. A moment later, she returned, holding a delicate lotus plant in both hands.

I raised a brow. “A lotus?”

She nodded, smiling. “The lotus is a symbol of rebirth and growth. It rises from the mud, untouched by the dirt, blooming into something beautiful. Just like your special someone.”

I looked down at the flower, the weight of her words settling deep in my chest. Rebirth. Growth. Adriana had been through hell, but she was still standing. Still fighting.

Yeah. This was the one.

Just as I stepped back into the beautiful spring air, the sun beating down on me, Renee came whipping into the parking lot like a bat out of hell, tires screeching as she jerked her car into park.

I exhaled, feeling the irritation flood my senses, but forced myself to remain calm as I placed the lotus carefully on the passenger seat and slid into the driver’s side. I had barely reached for the gear shift when I saw her in my rearview mirror—standing directly behind my car, arms crossed, making damn sure I wasn’t going anywhere.

I tossed my head back against the seat and let out a long, slow groan. She really knew how to ruin anything good for me.

Pushing the door open, I climbed out and stalked toward her. “You’re not very bright standing behind my car, Renee. What, are you asking to get run over?”

She let out a sharp, humorless hiss. “You wouldn’t dare.”

She was right—I wouldn’t. But still.

I pulled a cigarette from my pocket, lighting it up. “Are you gonna move anytime soon, or are you just trying to put on a show for the whole damn town?” I asked, taking a slow drag.

Renee’s eyes burned into me as she crossed her arms tighter, hip cocked, lips pressed into a tight line. “In a hurry to take my replacement on a date? You couldn’t wait to get rid of me, could you?”

I stared at her, saying nothing. It wasn’t her business what I did. I let the silence stretch between us, inhaling deeply before blowing the smoke out slowly.

“You don’t have anything to say for yourself?” she scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief.

No. I didn’t.

I had always wanted my spot as boss of the family. Christopher was about to make me underboss before I got locked away for a decade, and then Vincent succeeded me. Renee didn’t just hate me. She hated that I wouldn’t bend for her. That she couldn’t own me, control me, or manipulate me into submission. If she couldn’t have me, she damn sure wasn’t gonna stand by and watch me give myself to someone else.

Well, maybe she ought to close her fucking eyes—because I was about to give Adriana a hell of a lot more than a lotus plant and a pearl necklace.

I was so deep in my own head that I barely noticed Renee yelling. It was almost impressive, the way I had mastered dissociation in this life. I only snapped back when I felt her fists pounding against my chest. I let her get it out of her system, then calmly flicked my cigarette onto the pavement, stepped back, and slid into the driver’s seat.

“You will fucking pay for this!” she shrieked, her voice shaking with fury as I threw the car into reverse.

She slammed her palms against the hood as I pulled away, her rage disappearing in my rearview mirror.

But I didn’t look back.

I would pay for pissing her and Vincent off. But please let it be after tonight.

ADRIANA

Joey stepped through the door, his tailored suit hugging his frame like it was made for him—and I was sure it was. In one hand, he carried a white lotus plant, its delicate petals untouched, and in the other, a small velvet box.

His eyes softened the moment they found me, and I knew I wasn’t doing a thing to hide the longing in my own gaze. He always looked good, but knowing he wore this suit for me made him look even better—irresistible, even.

“You look perfect,” he murmured. His eyes lingered on mine, and my heart flipped in response.

“Thank you,” I said, my cheeks flushing under his steady gaze. “You look handsome. You might put the rest of the world to shame tonight.”

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