Page 309 of Valentino

It’s too raw to turn off…too real, too specific to this exact situation to be a coincidence.

And way too sad to not be about Carlo.

The haunting voice breaks down my defenses, my heart aches for the boy I once loved like a brother….

The road blurs in front of me.

Was I so self-absorbed that I missed every sign? Is he right…. Did I choose Giuliano over him? Is this all my fault?

I could have saved him…. If I just tried harder.

“Come with me. Lead Lombardi for me while I’m in here. We can rule together.” He smiles hopefully. “Yes, we can have it all.” He nods. “Just like old times, Val.”

But it will never be like old times…. Because the boy I loved is gone.

In his place is someone I don’t recognize, let alone know.

I screw up my face in tears.

I angrily swipe the tears with the back of my forearm.

Fuck this.

ANNA

I’ve worked out in the gym, taken a sauna, showered, and dinner is cooking on the stove. My little talk with Romeo today was very interesting….

It cemented something that deep down I already knew, my King of Cocaine is loyal.

For a very bad man…his heart is too big.

I stir the pasta, he must have had a busy day. I haven’t heard from him at all. Unusual for him but I get it, I can’t imagine all the things he does.

I peek into the oven and smile, and tonight I’m activating super wife mode…. I’m going to spoil him rotten, love him up all I can. His life is hard, I want his home life to be loving and supportive.

The diamond on my finger catches my eye and I smile as I stare down at it, I honestly can’t believe it. I think I’ve stared at my hand for at least nine hours today. It’s a solitaire diamond, set in an antique gold setting, and it has the most beautiful feel about it. The gold is worn down from years of wearing it with love.

Such an honor.

“Good evening,” a deep voice purrs.

I glance up to see Valentino leaning against the doorjamb, he’s wearing a navy suit and a crisp white shirt. His hair has that just-fucked curl to it and his big red lips are begging to be kissed.

His dark eyes hold mine with the best come-fuck-me look of all time.

“Hi.” I smile, my stomach flutters.

He jerks his tie in a sharp snap and pushes off the door, in one movement takes me into his arms and sits me up onto the counter.

“Oh.” His kiss is aggressive, hungry. “Why, hello?”

He undoes the tie on my robe, puts his hand onto my chest and pushes me back. “Open these fucking legs,” he growls as he slams them open.

Jeez….

What the hell?

He slides two of his thick fingers through the lips of my sex, his dark eyes hold mine as he pulls them out and puts them into his mouth.