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I give her a quick rundown. “Her parents died when she was ten. She has two younger sisters and four older ones. She was able to stay with the younger two in foster care until she aged out, then she worked to make sure that when her sisters were released, she had a home for them to go to. She’s a family girl. Loves her sisters, would do anything for them.”
“Tragic, but I can work with that. She’s going to be the envy of everyone in the country when I’m done with her. You are marrying her, right?”
“As soon as I can convince her. This might have scared her off, though.” And if it has, I just might commit a felony or two.
“Any idea who would have guided the press in the direction of your penthouse that night?”Oh yeah.
I don’t even need to think about it. “Tracy or Gary.”
“Your secretary and doorman?” She pauses. “Why?”
“Fired Gary yesterday and transferred Tracy.”
“Because of Valentine?” I don’t need to answer that. “I’ll dig into them. Three days and there will be a press conference. You’ll both be ready?”
“We’ll be there.” Pulling up outside Valentine’s sisters’ apartment building, I catch the swarm of reporters Chance was talking about.
“Don’t talk to the reporters there,” she orders. “Ignore everything, even when they piss you off, and Roman, theywillpiss you off. I have a team on the way to get rid of them. The police can only move them out of the way, unfortunately.”
“We’ll stay here until you say so.” Hanging up, I climb out of the truck, my stride long and purposeful. As I approach, they begin to recognize me and start shoving cameras and recording devices in my face. Chance remains at the door, ready to open it for me just as the police arrive to corral them away from the building.
“She come out?” I stop to ask my friend, and he shakes his head. “There’s a team on the way to remove the vultures. Call once they’re gone.” He confirms, and I take the stairs up to her floor, two at a time.
I only get one knock out before a sister opens it with a glare on her face. “Roman.” Pure venom laces the single word.
“Where is she?” The other sister comes to block the way. Arms folded, they present a united front of protection, and I appreciate that. Mostly. Just not right now.
“She’s been in there, crying for hours. The things people are saying about her,” the younger one, Bunny, says with tears in her eyes. “They’re not true. She’s the best, most kindhearted person in the world.”
Growing impatient, I do the only thing I can think of. Grab them both in a hug, pick them up, and step inside, closing and locking the door after setting them back on their feet. “I’m going to fix this,” I reassure as I tread towards the only closed door in the apartment.
As I enter the room, I untie my boots and take them off before removing my shirt, belt, and jeans. Climbing on the bed behind Valentine, I feel her stiffen, but she doesn’t pull away. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I never imagined something like this would happen.”
She doesn’t move, doesn’t respond, but I feel her labored breathing. She’s anxious, hurt, and likely believes the lies she’s been hearing about me all fucking day.
“I was assaulted at work because of that photo.”
Fury has my skin crawling as I force her onto her back. “What?”
She’s pale with splotches of red. Her eyes are swollen, and her nose is puffy. “They thought I was a prostitute. They wanted me to sleep with them all. He slipped his hand up my dress.” Her eyes close, and the anger simmers, shoved aside by my need to comfort her.
“Valentine.” Cupping her cheek, I growl when she tries to turn away from me. “Stop.” The command has her eyes opening; a challenging light reflects back at me. “Don’t turn away from me, not when I’m trying to apologize and tell you how much I fucking love you. I will make this right. I’ll make every one of these assholes pay for every ounce of hurt you feel.”
Her eyes search mine before she finally licks her dry lips and asks, “How?”
“Come shower with me, and I’ll explain.” I know she’ll feel better after one. “I’ll text Chance to have food sent up. What do you want?”
“Burgers!” I hear yelled out.
“Chinese!” is challenged.
“It’s up to you, precious girl.” Helping her off the bed, I remove her shoes before she tells me she wants soup and sandwiches. Matching groans emanate from the living room, so I have Chance order them all whatever they want. I have a feeling these women don’t treat themselves often.
Guiding Valentine to the bathroom, the shower is small but big enough to fit us both. Turning the hot water on, I slide off my boxers and assist her out of the dress I chose for her this morning. “I didn’t get to tell you how good you looked in this today.” Kissing her shoulder, I lift her into the tub, allowing the warm jets to heat her chilly skin.
“I really liked it, and the shoes. You have excellent taste.” She turns to face me, and I can’t help myself as I cup the back of her head and claim her lips in a kiss. Soft at first, lingering to simply savor her before I demand more.
Nipping at her bottom lip, she opens for me as her hands encircle my neck. Her body is plastered against mine, and I grow dizzy with my need to possess her body. To cement my place in her life.
