Page 129 of Valentino

“I left on time for once.”

“Great.” I smile. “I didn’t make dinner yet, why don’t we go out for dinner?”

“No, we can’t leave the apartment.” His eyes are wild and he seems agitated.

Huh?

“What do you mean?”

“Just what I said, Anna,” he snaps angrily. “I have had the worst day, and I need you to just do as I say, please. We can’t leave this apartment at night.”

What?

“For how long?” I frown.

“However long it fucking takes,” he snaps before storming into his office. “I have some work to do.”

“It’s after hours,” I call after him. “And you work too hard.”

“Anna.” He sighs in frustration.

“Has something happened?” I ask.

“I just have a lot on my mind.” He drags his hand through his hair as if to try and calm himself. “Sorry, babe.” His voice softens. “Why don’t you go and order your favorite takeaway, let’s order in tonight, whatever you’re craving.”

Babe…never gets old.

I run my fingers through his hair as he sits behind his desk. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” He nods. “I won’t be long and then we can relax. Pick a movie to watch.”

“Okay. I’ll leave you to it.” I close the door behind him.

Something is wrong.

I march out into the kitchen and immediately dial Francesca’s number.

“Hi,” she answers softly.

“What’s going on?” I whisper as I go to the door and lock it. “Valentino is stressed out as all hell.”

“You don’t know?” she whispers.

“Know what?”

“Turn on the news.”

I pick up the remote and flick the television and scroll through the channels. “What is….”

In breaking news tonight.

The luxury yacht the Endeavor has been found floating off the coast of Sicily with fourteen bodies on board.

Six of the deceased were a Canadian family on vacation, passengers of the Endeavor.

Authorities believe they were killed in the crossfire as new drug land war seems to have erupted.

“I don’t understand.” I frown.