Page 5 of Sins of Innocence

"They aren't the concern."

Relief crashes through me so hard my eyes sting all over again.

"But if the wrong people start asking questions..." He lets the sentence trail away.

"I won't talk to anyone."

"I believe you. I think you're exactly what Troy always believed you were."

My voice barely works. "What's that?"

"A devoted wife."

I almost correct him. Widow.

Instead I ask, "Why did you want to meet me?"

His gaze is steady. "Because Troy can't protect his family anymore."

I blink.

"I can."

"Um...why…"

His gaze drops briefly to my stomach. "You've got three little girls depending on you now."

Three. Not two. Joy kicks beneath my ribs as if she heard him.

He reaches into his jacket and slides a business card across the table. "If anyone from the FBI contacts you again..."

I look down at the card.

"...call me first."

"I will."

He stands. "You'll need a job after the baby's born. I'll be in touch." Then he walks away.

Does he want me to work for Shaughnessy Corp too? As a bookkeeper, or a mobster?

Don't get hysterical, my inner voice sounds suspiciously like my mom right now. Mom, who has always been there for me. Who didn't like Troy but never made me feel like it mattered because she loved me and her granddaughters.

The waitress brings paper towels for the spilled tea, but I barely notice as I manage to lumber to my feet.

I lay both hands over the hard curve of my stomach.

Joy rolls beneath my palms.

"I've got you," I whisper, even though my voice shakes. "I'll keep you and your sisters safe."

Whatever it costs me.

Even if we have to move away from New York.

Chapter one

Cinderella and the Society Dame