Page 56 of Vinny

Their next song was a slow ballad, showcasing her harp skills. As the haunting melody floated over the quiet bar, Vinny felt it in his soul. He closed his eyes for a moment, going back in time. A time of sand and dust. A time of war and destruction. He saw the woman playing her instrument, her sound much different from what was playing now, but her passion the same. Then, suddenly, the vision of her broken body and bloody harp filled eyes and he jerked them open, searching for the scene in front of him.

But all he saw were his friends, their eyes on him—the brothers-in-arms knowing exactly where his mind had taken him. His gaze moved to the stage, seeing Annalissa there. Calm. Serene. Letting the music flow from her fingertips to his heart. Soothing his soul.

Sucking in a deep breath, he slowed his breathing, his eyes never leaving her. She was looking at him, a questioning expression on her face. Giving her a smile and a wink, he leaned back in his seat to enjoy the rest of the performance.

As the musicians stepped off of the stage, they were flooded with admirers. Les eagerly encouraged the women who had moved forward, but to Vinny’s ire there were men moving toward Annalissa. With his height, he could see her anxious expression and began nudging people out of the way to get to her.

As her eyes met his, her smile lit up her face.Beautiful. Putting his large hands around her small waist, he lifted her easily from the stage and set her on the floor directly in front of him. Their gazes held as he leaned down to touch his forehead to hers.

“Baby, that was amazing. I could listen to you forever.”

“I hope so,” she whispered against his lips.

Before he could kiss her, she was shoved from the crowd behind and his arms instinctively wrapped around her, protecting her as he growled. “Let’s get you back to the table before we’re crushed.”

“Vinny, wait,” she protested. “I can’t leave Easnadh up there.”

He lifted her back up on the stage and watched over her as she quickly secured her harp. Carrying it with her,she allowed him to take the case and then offer his hand to assist her down. Moving to their large table, the group slid chairs around to accommodate her and her instrument.

The group enthusiastically congratulated her on her performance and then settled in to enjoy each other’s company. Vinny, with his arm around her, could not remember feeling so content. As his eyes moved from her beautiful face to some of the women hanging around the bar that used to be the type he banged, he gave himself a mental kick in the ass.

“Hey Lissa,” Lester called from behind. “We just wanted to say goodbye and thank you for playing with the guys tonight.”

Annalissa and Vinny turned at the same time, seeing Lester with his arm around a pretty red-head and Vinny saw the way they looked at each other.Thank God he has a girlfriend.

Annalissa stood, hugging first the girl and then Les. Vinny accommodated by shaking Les’ hand as well.

“You got any more concerts planned?” Les asked. “I like to mark ‘em on my calendar so I know when you might play with us.”

Just as Annalissa was about to answer, Vinny interrupted, “She’ll let you know if she’s available.”

Les held Vinny’s stare for a moment before nodding and walking away with his girlfriend.

Annalissa turned, sharply saying, “That was rude. Why did you answer him that way?”

The men at the table shared a knowing glance and looked at their friend with sympathy. He was right tosuspect everyone that inquired about her travels, but they knew she was not going to like it.

“Don’t be getting your panties in a bunch, babe,” he quipped. “No reason for anyone to know when and where you travel.”

“My panties in a bu?—”

A kiss interrupted her mini-tirade. Hot, wet, and completely served its purpose. When he raised his head up, her eyes were hooded and her lips were kiss-swollen. Vinny shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his dick swelling at a painful angle in his jeans. She glanced down and grinned.

“Serves you right,” she muttered with a smile.

The evening continued with good friends enjoying each other’s company. As the group began to disperse for the night, Annalissa realized how long it had been since she had had so much fun with a group of friends. Not since her college days, when her father’s reach did not interfere with some of her nights out with friends, had she been so relaxed. Shane, Matt, BJ and their wives had left, all needing to get back to their babysitters, leaving just Tony’s crew. Jobe and his date left soon after, she looking bored and he looking like he wished he were somewhere else with someone else.

Vinny moved to the bar to settle the tab when he was accosted by two women. He could not remember their names, but remembered them vaguely as a past trio-fuck.Goddammit! The thought of who he used to be before Annalissa made him ashamed, and the fear that she would see them made him turn to throw downhis credit card on the bar. “Settle up quickly, please,” he barked to the bartender.

The two women slid up to either side of him, hawk-like expressions on their faces. “It’s been a dull crowd, Vinny,” one purred, circling his bicep with her fingers, nails like talons. He glanced down at her long, dyed-blonde hair and a body that he used to go for—all tits and ass. And most of that showing in a too-low top and too-short skirt.

“You up for another romp, handsome? Like last time, we can all have a good time,” the other said, a carbon copy of the first.

“Not interested ladies?—”

“He’s off the market,” came a voice from behind. Soft, but strong. He closed his eyes for a moment, a smile touching his lips.It hit him as sure as a punch to the gut.She doesn’t see the screw-up I was, even with all this staring her in the face. What the hell did I do to deserve something this good? No pouting, no screaming, no making me feel guilty. Just…pure goodness.

He turned quickly, wrapping his arms around Annalissa, but noted her uncertain expression.Her words had been strong, but she’s got doubts in her eyes.

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