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“Joseph! This isn’t up for further discussion!” I stormed out of the kitchen and out the back door onto the terrace. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, trying my best to calm my nerves. Glancing back over my shoulder, I growled under my breath as I slid my hands in my pockets and roamed the path through the garden.
Within moments, I heard footsteps behind me on the walkway. I did not bother to turn around. I knew it was Isabelle, from the sound of her heels clicking on the stones. She glided her arms around my waist, laying her cheek against my back. Though I was tense, I never turned down her advances. When Isabelle did not know what to say, or knew I needed silence, she offered me physical support.
A faint smile inched on my face as I turned around, pulling my pack of cigarettes out of my pocket. She took several steps back, awkwardly running her fingertips up and down her arm.
“I know you hate when I smoke.” I sighed, lighting it anyway.
“Yes, but…” She sighed, glancing off in the distance silently for a moment before bringing her gaze back to mine. “Actually, never mind. It’s okay.”
I inhaled it deeply, squinting at her suspiciously. She was being especially abnormal about it today. Not wanting to cause her any further stress, I released it from my grip. It plummeted to the footpath, and I snuffed it out with the sole of my shoe. I blew the smoke to the side and reach my hand out.
Grinning, she took three wide steps toward me and threw herself into my embrace, resting her palms on my shoulders. “I know you don’t want to hire someone, and I know you trust literally no one.” She rolled her eyes. “But it’s definitely a security matter. I think Joseph’s right and you should maybe think about it.”
“You do, huh?” Leaning over, I pressed my lips on her nape, groaning. “Why do you do this to me? You know I can’t ever say no to you. But you’re right, I trust no one.”
“And I don’t either, baby.”
“Yes, you do!” I chuckled, meeting her gaze once again.
“Okay a few, yes. One of us has to be the balance and understand good people are still left in the world.”
Running my fingers up and down her arms, I took a deep breath.
“Valentino, I’m not that person they’re accusing me of being.” Concern crept over her face. “And it’s not so much me I’m worried about. I don’t care what the world says about me.”
I cocked my head. “Then what are you worried about, bella?”
“I’m a reflection of you.” She took my tie in her hands, tugging it a bit. “And also, your business, so whatever happens with me will come back on you.”
I ran my fingers through her hair, tucking it behind her ear. Resting a hand on her cheek, I smirked. “You are incredible. Do you know that?”
She nodded. “But only becauseyoumake sure I know.”
I shook my head, reaching for her hand. “Come on.”
“Where are we going?”
“To tell Joseph we’re hiring a publicist. You convinced me.”
She gripped my hand tightly as we strolled back toward the house. “Thank you.”
“Happy birthday Miss Ayala.”
A quiet, cheerful voice greeted me as the sun shone into the room, getting brighter with each curtain Helen drew back. Eyes slowly cracking open, I propped on my elbows watching as she hurriedly waltzed around the room. Helen was the first friendly person I had ever met in the house when I arrived for the first time. Back then, I had been terrified and angry, unsure of the real reason they had brought me to the estate. She somehow comforted me in a what I believed to be a tragic moment.
“Thank you, Helen.” I sat up, stretching as my eyes became used to the sunny room.
She continued her duties, tidying up around the already spotless master suite. Helen stayed busy, even in a room that was as perfect as a museum. She always found a task. I smiled, amused at her livelier mood as she disappeared into the closet. Suddenly, my gaze turned to the nightstand. My mouth fell agape with a wide grin. A dazzling, vast bouquet of burgundy and white roses filled a black and gold crystal vase. Sliding to the edge of the bed, I leaned over and inhaled their sweet aroma as I took the card from the table.
Helen enteredthe room again with an outfit draped over her arm and a pair of heels hooked on the fingertips. She laid the garments next to me on the bed and placed the shoes neatly on the floor. I stood, stretching once again. She pulled a small box from her apron and handed it to me. Quizzically, I inspected it, knowing it was not the work of Valentino.
“What’s this?” Taking it with a puzzled smile, I opened the long, white box. “Wow, Helen!” A beautiful silver necklace laid perfectly on a small jewelry pillow, displaying a beautiful yellow stone in the middle of a pair of hands shaped like a heart.
She sheepishly shrugged, almost as if she was embarrassed by the gift. “It’s not exactly as grand as what Mr. Greco would buy, but—”
I threw my arms around her small neck and squeezed her as tightly as I could without hurting her. “It’s perfect. Thank you.” I pulled away, unable to take my gaze off the precious gift. “Seriously, it’s perfect.”
“The hands are the love in the house and people within it.” She pointed to the charm. “And the yellow stone represents you, which is the light inside the house.”
