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Isabelle chimed in, “You deserve to spend Christmas with your family too.”
Before we could say another word, the luggage was fully loaded into another car by staff and we made our way to the limo. I helped Isabelle in and followed closely behind her.
“Merry Christmas,” Joseph peeked in the back door.
We all waved, wishing him the same as we pulled away. The ride to the airport was loud and full of chatter among the girls as they talked about the upcoming wedding and baby.
William and I had a silent conversation as we watched them with amusement. Their conversation finally died down after a while and Isabelle sat back in the seat, leaning into my side. I placed my hand on her knee.
“I'm glad you guys are coming too!” she gestured toward them with a big grin on her face.
William nodded and smiled, “I have spent many Christmases with them, and it would be weird if I didn't.”
She did not dare ask him about his family and I am glad. William had not had an easy life before our friendship and my family practically adopted him. He was more like a brother to me than my own. The car came to a halt on the tarmac and we boarded the plane.
Isabelle passed out shortly after taking off and Tanya soon followed. William and I took advantage of their nap, spending the time discussing Felipe and what the next plan was when we returned to the states after the new year.
“I just think it would be better to hire people to do it this time,” he sighed.
Amanda, my flight attendant, brought us both a whiskey before retreating to the front of the plane. I swirled the liquid around in my glass while processing what he had just suggested. He sipped on his drink, waiting for my approval.
I slowly nodded, “I agree but he's already hurt people close to me.” I pointed toward him with my glass. “Look at your scar.”
He narrowed his eyes at me, “Exactly and you won't have to worry about the others like you did about us.” He leaned forward, whispering. “They're expendable.” He scratched his chin, sitting back again in his seat, taking a large swig of his liquid.
I began to bob my head, weighing the words he just said, as I took a small sip of my drink. “I haven't given orders like that in a long time, Liam.”
He smirked, “Maybe it's time.” He held his glass up, arching a brow.
I pursed my lips, nodding sluggishly.
After a short layover, ten hours more in a plane, and an hour and a half drive, we were here. We rounded the corner of a large snowbank and my mouth fell open.
“Oh my God!” Shocked, I turned to Valentino, “This is breathtaking!”
Tanya and I peered out the window of the limo like little, wide eyed children as we came to a stop in front of the largest chalet I had ever seen. It was so magnificent that I almost cried. Luxurious, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, each eave held its own perfectly rounded accumulation of snow. The warm interior lighting reflected off the bluish-white evening snow outside, creating a glow.
We stepped out of the car into the crisp, dry, winter air. The walkway had been cleared so we ambled our way up to the front door. Hired staff unloaded the luggage from the car. Valentino opened the door and Tanya and I stepped through first, followed closely by William and him. Immediately a young woman came marching up with a smile, throwing her arms around Valentino and then William.
“So good to see you guys, ahhh!” she excitedly exclaimed.
She pulled away, smiling at Tanya then quickly hugged her as she gripped a glass of wine in her hand. “I'm Laura.”
She let go once again and stepped in front of me. Valentino rested his hand on my lower back and smiled as she took my hands in hers. Her piercing blue eyes and smile looked remarkably familiar.
“You're the woman who's stolen my stubborn, big brother’s heart.”
My cheeks warmed and I smiled, “I hope so.”
Valentino smirked, gazing down at me, “Yes she--.”
Before he could finish his sentence, his mother and father appeared in the foyer, greeting all of us. His father stood around his height, with grey hair and his build was fit for his age. I could definitely see where Valentino got his looks and charm from. I saw so many similarities between them. His father was very polite and welcoming.His mother seemed more relaxed as she hugged me, telling me how wonderful it was to see me again. Introductions were quick.
William and Tanya followed Laura off to another part of the house while Valentino took my hand as he led me up the stairs. He stopped halfway to turn to his mother.
“We will be back down in a moment,” he squeezed my hand a few times, “I am going to give Isabelle a tour.”
She smiled, “I will have Luisa make you something to eat and brew coffee on the stove.”
