Page 205 of Valentino

Last time I saw Romeo he threatened to kill me…. And I have no doubt that he would have actually gone through with it too.

The waitress arrives. “Your drinks, ladies.” She passes out the tray of margaritas.

“A toast.” Chesk holds her drink up to mine. “To my best friend being home.”

“Cheers, Chesk.” I smile, sad that it’s taken me so long to return.

The girls fall into chatter and I sip my drink, every single cell in my body is on high alert at his close proximity. What the hell is going on here?

You hate him…. Remember?

Luna and Francesca chat away while I pretend to listen, I laugh on cue and smile as required. But in my peripheral vision… can see him.

Feel him.

He’s talking to a large group of beautiful women; they’re hanging off his every word. Is one of them his girlfriend?

I can feel him walking toward me, I laugh again on cue….

My God.

I need to leave.

“Hello, Anna,” he says, his voice is deep and husky and the electrical current radiating out of his body reawakens dormant memories.

Don’t even….

I turn, acting surprised. “Valentino.” I fake a smile. “Hello.”

His eyes search mine, but I snap mine away and take a sip of my drink. “How are you?”

“Good.” I squeeze my margarita glass so hard it’s a wonder I don’t snap the stem with my bare hands.

“I’m sorry about your mother,” I tell him.

“Thanks.” He nods. “And thank you for sending my father flowers. It was very thoughtful, and much appreciated.”

“You’re welcome.” I nod, unsure what to say next.

“Val.” A girl dances up; she slides her arms around his waist. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Go away,” he tells her, he unhooks her arms from him.

Her face falls in disappointment.

“Now,” he snaps.

She scurries off with her tail between her legs and I roll my lips.

My eyebrows flick up. “Wow.”

“Wow what?”

“I see nothing’s changed with you…still treating women like dirt apparently.”

“Don’t fucking start,” he mutters under his breath.

I look him fair and square in the eyes. “Go away.”