Page 25 of Valentino

“Well you did.”

“My job is the same as Giuliano or Valentino, there are no angels in this story, Anna. Just because I’m on an opposing side does not make it any worse. Don’t be fooled into thinking I’m the only bad guy in this picture. Trust me, if you knew what they were capable of.”

I stay silent.

“You accept them, but you won’t accept me?”

“You betrayed us.”

“I never betrayed you. I love you.”

I screw up my face, pain sears through my heart, of all the times he chooses to say it for the first time…he picks now.

“Don’t you fucking dare,” I whisper angrily.

“Listen to me.”

“Where are you?” I ask to change the subject.

He stays silent this time.

“Are you hurt?” I ask.

“I’m okay.”

“They’re going to find you, Carlo. What happens then?”

“I had to hear your voice.”

I close my eyes, I should hang up now.

“I miss you,” he whispers.

“Stop.”

“Come with me.”

What?

“I’ll send for you.”

“Come where, Carlo?” I whisper angrily. “To a life on the run? While the entire world is searching for you?” This is madness. “I have to go.”

“Don’t go,” he stammers.

“Carlo.”

“Anna…what happened with Ferrara is business. It has nothing to do with the way I feel about you.”

“I can’t….” I cut myself off before I say something I shouldn’t.

“I’ll call you tonight?” he says softly.

I stay silent, unable to push the word no past my lips.

“Carlo, if they find out that you are calling me….” I throw my hands up in despair. “You need to tell them you didn’t kill anybody. They think you shot Giovanna.”

“I would never kill a woman, you know that.”