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One of the many things I loved about him, though, was he knew when I was in deep thought, and never forced me to tell him anything until I was ready. Despite his lack of patience in the business world, he was very patient and kind with me. I rested my head on his shoulder. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, inhaling his signature cologne.
The car slammed on brakes abruptly, almost throwing Valentino and I onto the floor. Joseph and Noah jumped out, slamming the door behind them. The anxiousness returned, and I shook as it instantaneously took me back to London. Valentino enveloped me in his arms, pulling me against his body snugly. I buried my face against his chest for a few moments before security returned.
“What the fuck was that?” Valentino shouted.
I peeked up from his embrace, unsure.
Noah huffed. “A homeless man stepped in front of the car and reached in his jacket.”
“And?” Valentino furrowed his brow.
Joseph sighed. “We think he saw the limo and thought he would flag us down for money.”
Sitting back, I folded my hands in my lap. “Please tell me you gave him some.”
“No ma’am.” Noah shook his head. “I will always give homeless people food, but never money.”
“Why?” I arched a brow.
He took a deep breath, gazing out the window in deep thought. “I don’t want to feed a possible drug addiction or drinking problem.”
Joseph interjected as he looked out the other window, clearly changing the topic. “We’re here.”
After security stepped out, Valentino reached back into the car and held his hand out for me. I placed my fingers on his palm and he helped me out onto the curb. As we made our way into the restaurant, he glanced down at his phone.
“Merda.” He showed me the display. “I have to take this, baby.”
“It’s okay.” I smiled.
He lifted his chin to Noah. “Escort her to the table.” He glanced at Joseph and jerked his head toward a hallway. “You, come with me.”
As the hostess led Noah and me through the restaurant, my eyes searched around the room for threats. It was unfortunate this practice had become my life; always watching for danger. Though I would not have traded life with Valentino, my uncle Felipe was the issue. Until he was gone, I would never entirely relax. Abruptly, out of nowhere, a woman emerged next to me.
“Isabelle, how does it feel to be engaged to Valentino Gre—”
Within an instant, Noah yanked his jacket off and threw it over my head. He guided me through the restaurant as he muttered under his breath.Boss, bypassing the table and taking Miss Ayala out the back way.
As I watched the fancy red and gold carpet turn to a rich hardwood, a door swung open at my feet. The floor texture turned to a light fawn tile. Ambient, industrial kitchen noises filled the room. People shouted back and forth in Italian as pots, pans, and silverware clanked against metal surfaces.
“Mi scusi.” Noah murmured as he bumped into someone.
“What are you doing in here?!” The gruff voice retorted back with a thick accent.
Noah did not respond. Instead, he gripped my arms tighter through the fabric. Ushering me through another door, we came to a stop outside. Promptly, he removed the jacket carefully, whispering. “Hang on, I don’t want to pull your hair.”
Once freed, I leaned on the cool, stone exterior of the building. Taking several deep breaths, I calmed myself. Though I was only asked questions, security was to keep me from having to speak to anyone. Words got twisted and the last thing Valentino ever wanted was for me to feel cornered or interrogated about our relationship.
Noah slid his arms through the sleeves of his jacket and smoothed it out before buttoning it. “Are you okay, Miss Ayala?” He adjusted his black, Ray-Ban sunglasses.
“I’m fine, Noah.” Resting my palm on my chest, I swallowed hard. “Thank you.”
He nodded just as Joseph and Valentino pushed through the back door. Valentino’s angered expression turned to rage when he noticed my distress. Before I could stop him, he drew back both his hands and shoved Noah. It caused him to stumble back two steps, but Noah did not lose his balance. Joseph, with his phone to his ear, arched a brow as he took a single exaggerated step out of the way.
“What the fuck are you doing to my fiancée?” Valentino shouted as he charged forward, grabbing Noah’s tie. Noah’s earpiece tumbled out of his ear in the process and dangled by the cord next to his shoulder.
“Valentino, stop!”
“What, Isabelle?!” His eyes widened just as he realized he had spoken harshly to me. His expression mollified, though he did not loosen his grip on Noah.
