THE MAFIA’S ORPHAN WIFE

THE YACHT

The yacht was massive.

White. Gold. And full of Victor’s men.

"This is a bad idea," I whispered as we stepped onto the deck.

Adrian squeezed my hand. "Smile. Remember the plan."

Friday had come too fast.

Victor was waiting at the bar. Glass of whiskey in hand. Sarah next to him.

"Lanny," Victor said, eyes dragging over my dress and the diamond necklace. "You came. And you look... expensive."

"Thank you," I said, leaning into Adrian. "For the invitation."

Adrian’s arm went around my waist. Possessive. "My wife doesn’t go anywhere without me."

Victor laughed. "Let’s talk business. Alone."

"No," Adrian said. "Anything you say to me, you say in front of her."

The tension was thick.

Waiters brought champagne. Music played. But no one was dancing.

Halfway through dinner, my phone buzzed in my clutch.

Unknown number: `GET OFF THE BOAT NOW. -J`

James.

I showed Adrian under the table. His jaw ticked.

"Excuse us," Adrian said suddenly, standing. "My wife needs air."

He pulled me to the upper deck. Away from everyone.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Victor’s planning to frame me," Adrian said quietly. "Tonight. Drugs in my luggage. Arrest me. Take everything."

My blood ran cold. "So what do we do?"

"We leave. Now."

But as we turned, Victor was at the stairs. With 4 guards.

"Leaving so soon, Mr. Moretti?" Victor smiled. "The night is young."

Adrian stepped in front of me. "We’re done here."

"Not until we check your bags," Victor said. "For the safety of everyone."

That’s when I heard sirens. Far away. Getting closer.

Police.

Victor’s smile got wider. "Looks like you have a problem."

Adrian looked at me. "Run."