Page 234 of Valentino

Anna’s hand is still in mine with her attention on me. “Oh there’s the owner,” she tells me.

I glance over to see a man reading something at the front desk.

“I really should go and introduce myself.”

The waiter twists the corkscrew as his eyes drop to Anna’s breasts once more and linger there for an extended moment before he looks back up at her face.

My blood boils as I watch him.

“Celebrating tonight?” He smiles down at her, once again his eyes drop down over her neck and rest on her breasts.

“Why don’t you go over and meet the owner now, sweetheart,” I tell her.

“You think?”

“No time like the present.”

She stands and walks across the restaurant and he can’t help himself; his eyes linger on her ass as she walks away.

Adrenaline screams through my veins.

He reaches for my glass, I discreetly pick up my fork and press it into the back of his hand. “Do you know what happens to men who look at my wife like that?”

“Ah.” He goes to pull his hand away and I press it harder into the table. “Oww.”

“Answer my fucking question,” I sneer.

He shakes his head.

“They disappear in the dead of night.” I twist the fork into his hand and he winces. “And nobody hears a thing.”

He swallows the lump in his throat as his scared eyes hold mine. “My apologies, sir.”

“Do not come back to this fucking table.” I release his hand. “And if you even glance in her way…I will cut out your tongue and stuff it down your fucking throat until you choke.”

His terrified eyes hold mine.

“Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?” I ask.

“Yes sir.” He scurries away with his tail between his legs.

Thump, thump. Thump…. My furious heartbeat hammers in my ears.

He thinks he can ogle her…. In front of me…and live to tell the tale.

I don’t fucking think so….

I take a gulp of my champagne and slosh it around my mouth as I try to rein in my temper.

Anna’s laugh echoes and I glance over to see her all animated as she talks to two people.

I drain my glass and fill it again.

I inhale deeply, calm down.

I will myself to let it go…to get it together.

I drain my glass and slosh it around my mouth once more.