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“No, of course not. Just wait here for a minute. You can’t leave without protection. That’s non-negotiable.” He speaks Italian into his ear piece, and moments later, a blacked-out SUV pulls up behind us. “Right, they’ll follow you.”
I look in the rear-view mirror. There’re only two men in that car. That’s fine. I can live with that. After seeing how stressed T has been, it’s obvious this supposed war is really happening. I’m starting to second-guess our little outing. Maybe I should just stay in the house, like he asked.
“Nope, you are not chickening out, Holly. Let’s go already.” Angelica taps me on my shoulder from the back seat.
“Okay, but we are going in and out. We’re not dining in. We are just getting takeaway and bringing it back,” I tell them before hitting the gas.
* * *
I wait in the car until T’s men step out of the SUV and are standing in front of us. I don’t know why, but I have a bad feeling. It’s probably just that I’m doing exactly what I promised Theo I wouldn’t. I did text him though. He read my message but didn’t respond, which is strange, but I’m putting that down to him being busy. “Angelica, have you spoken to Neo since he left the house this morning?” I ask her.
“No, why would I?”
“I sent T a message to tell him we were going out, and he hasn’t responded.” I bite on my bottom lip. What if something’s wrong?
“Holly, he’s fine. He’s Theo Valentino. Trust me, I used to hear stories about him all the way back in Italy.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. Come on, let’s go. You girls can have the coffee and I’ll just inhale it—you know, pretend like I’m actually drinking it. I’ll just order a hot chocolate.”
“Why are you giving up coffee? You can’t trust people who don’t drink coffee, Hol.” Reilly screws up her face.
“I’m pregnant. T said that pregnant chicks aren’t meant to drink coffee,” I explain, like it makes total sense.
“How the hell does he know that?” Reilly and Angelica both ask as we step out of the car.
“He read it. On Google.” And, yep, I know how bad that sounds. But what if he’s right? I’m not taking any chances. I won’t hurt this child with caffeine or anything else I’m not meant to eat. I stop. I actually want to protect this baby. I mean, I never really thought of harming it at all or anything like that. But there’s a deep need inside me to protect it. The thought has me putting a hand on my stomach.
Theo was right. Everything is going to be okay.
* * *
We’ve practically ordered everything on the menu. I’m kind of glad for theno coffeerule because even the smell is making me nauseous right now.
Helena comes out with a box full of takeaway containers. “Here you go.” She hands the box to Reilly. “Hold on one sec. Your drinks are almost done. It’s so freaking awesome that there are two of you, Holly. I mean, one of you is awesome, but there are two.” Helena shakes her head. “It’s uncanny just how identical you are.”
“Yeah, we get that a lot.” I’m used to the confusion. Most people can’t tell us apart, whereas Bray always has a way of just knowing. We tried to fool him once. Reilly made me swap clothes with her back in the days when she was trying to avoid him. And her feelings. Suffice to say, that little song and dance did not last long. She was head over heels for the guy before she even knew it.
I’ve tried to pinpoint the moment I fell in love with T. The problem is I can’t. I remember the chills I got the first time I heard his voice, right here, in Helena’s café. I was too scared to look up and meet the face that sound belonged to. I feltsomethingthen… I just can’t put a name as to what. I glance over at the empty sofa, the very thing that sealed my fate. The inconspicuous piece of furniture that put me in the direct path of Theo Valentino.
So much has happened since that day. Both good and bad. I wouldn’t change any of it though. Well, that’s not true. I’d change Italy. That event, I could live without.
“Here’re your drinks.” A waitress hands Angelica the tray containing four cups, and we say our goodbyes to Helena, with a promise to meet up soon.
As if karma is punishing me for today’s excursion, the moment I get to the door, the nausea hits me big time. “Ah, you guys go ahead. I’m just going to run to the bathroom before we leave. I’ll meet you in the car.” I don’t wait for a response as I power walk in the opposite direction.
Before the stall door is even fully closed, I’m bent over the toilet and tasting my dinner from last night for a second time. Geez, I really thought I was getting out of this today. “It’s okay. It’s not your fault.” I rub my stomach. I really need to do some research and find out if he can hear me yet.Or she.
Flushing the toilet, I wash my hands and run some water over my face. Then I take a deep breath, cup my palms under the faucet, and rinse out my mouth. I really need to start traveling with a toothbrush if this is going to be a regular thing. As I exit the bathroom, I find the two soldiers waiting for me. “You both followed me? Who’s with my sister? And my sister-in-law?” I ask.
They share a look, obviously confused. “Mrs. Valentino, our orders are to protect you. At any and all costs.”
Yeah, that’s not good enough. I shake my head. “Let’s just go.” I storm out of the coffee shop, stopping short when I get to the sidewalk where our cars are parked. “No, no, no.” I’m picked up from behind, and before I know it, I’m thrown into the back of the SUV.
“Ma’am, you need to calm down.”
“Calm down! Where the fuck is my sister? Let me out! Now!” The engine shifts into gear and the vehicle takes off.
“Can’t do that, ma’am. We need to get you back to the estate.”
