Page 148 of Valentino

“She was planted by Carlo?” Sartori asks. “Fuck.”

“Valentino Leone dies on Friday night.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ANNA

Valentino stares out of the car window the entire trip, his elbow rests on the door and his thumb dusts back and forth over his lip as he sits deep in thought.

I don’t envy him, the poor thing, he has a lot on his mind.

I take his hand on his lap and discreetly give it a squeeze.

He doesn’t squeeze it back like he usually does, I glance over to him, and he pulls his hand away from me and clears his throat as if distracting me from something.

My eyes flick to the front seat, shit, did someone just see me do that?

I have to remember that I can’t touch him in public.

Ten minutes later we arrive at the restaurant, Valentino gets out first and opens my car door for me and as I walk past him his face remains emotionless.

Jeez….

He sure is playing the role of platonic well tonight.

“You go in without me,” he says, “I have to make a call.”

“Oh.” I shrug as I look around for the others, “Do you want me to wait for you?”

“No. I’ll only be a moment.”

“Okay.”

He takes out his phone and calls someone. “Hey.”

While I make my way inside, the server takes my coat before taking me upstairs to a private dining room at the back of the restaurant.

“Hi everyone.” I smile as she pulls out my chair.

“Anna.” They all cheer. “Where’s Val?”

“He’s just making a call, he’ll be in in a moment.” My wineglass is filled, and everyone is chattering and laughing.

This restaurant has a vibe all of its own, with darkened romantic corners, candles glow on each table and glass pendant light fittings hang low. It’s moody and cool and one of our favorite places, the food here is to die for. After not going out for dinner as a group for so long, just arriving and walking in feels like a major victory.

“How exciting is it to finally be out?” Francesca smiles as she looks around at our surroundings. “I forgot how beautiful this restaurant is.”

“I know.” I force a smile. “Me too.”

I know I should be happy to be out, but to be honest, it doesn’t feel beautiful or seductive or relaxing like it used to.

It feels different.

The faces that used to be across the table have changed. There are two people missing while others sit in their places.

One was taken against her will, sent to an early grave. The other, forever banished from our lives for the evil he committed when he killed her.

I discreetly glance out the window to see Val is still on the phone out on the street. He’s pacing and seems so serious, whatever is bothering him, I know it can’t be good.