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By now you’ve got the photos. Now here is what I want.
One million dollars wired into a bank account by tomorrow at 23:59 p.m.
If these demands are not met, these photos go to Angelo Medici, then I put a bullet in her brain. The choice is yours.
I can get to her any time. Just remember that.
I’m everywhere.
That pink pastel wallpaper in her office is pretty.
My heart hammers in my chest as I read it.
The stakes just rose about a million percent.
19
VALENTINA
It wasa relief seeing my mom sitting upright in bed, although she is still having difficulty talking, she seemed a damned sight better than the previous day.
Rayne and I sat with her for a while until my brothers arrived. Our family friend, Sage, paid her a visit too, as she’s an ambulance officer and has helped Angelo out recently with some of the family dynamics. She used to date Fynn when they were younger, and while they crossed paths in the hallway and talked for a few moments, I don’t think they’ve really seen each other in years.
The doctor said it would help if we continued on as normal and talk to mom about the day and what has been going on, so that’s what we’ve done. To see a little spark in her eyes was so beautiful to see, although I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to erase that image of her lying there on the floor when I found her. It will haunt me to my dying day.
Things could have been so much worse, that’s what I have to keep reminding myself when I start to feel guilty about not checking on her any sooner. She’s my rock; I’d be lost without her.
Rayne was telling ma about some of the new collectables that have just come in at Fortress Gallery, and that Christie’s auction house, where she used to work, called her to do an up-and-coming auction, as she does some freelance work from time to time. She’s going to New York in a few weeks from now with Angelo and her sister, Mia.
I know from the look in ma’s eyes that she’s happy Angelo has settled down, and she approves of Rayne, even though they had a rocky start. My mom knows better than anyone that love can come in the most unlikely of places.
I feel much better leaving the hospital than I did going in there.
Just as I’m walking to my car, Enzo calls me, and we agree to meet at my place.
I’m dying to have him pound me again, he was so hot yesterday, taking me off to the bedroom caveman style with me over his shoulder. I love everything about what he does to me, and what we do together, and though it’s a welcome distraction from all the shit going on in my life, it isn’t the sole reason.
There is no denying that I could never get enough of his beautiful body and his sexy words. He makes me feel so beautiful, even when he asked me if I wanted to be tied up. I bite my lip just thinking about it. I’m hoping I get home before him, so I can be waiting with nothing on. A good afternoon romp should set me right again.
I have gotten a great deal accomplished today, even with everything going on.
I managed to get to Pilates class with Bianca and meet the client for the boutique hotel I’m remodeling. It’s hard when all I can think about is my mom, but I know keeping busy is so much better than moping around the hospital. She’d want me to keep going.
If I actually stop and think about things too closely, I know I will find it hard to cope and come to terms with.
I know ma could have permanent damage and I’m doing my best to be able to prepare for the worst. The good thing is we live so close together, so I can look after her and work from home. Bianca can man the office; she’s so efficient that I know I can leave her in charge of it if that’s what it takes. I am also thinking of hiring a second assistant, someone who has experience in interior design who can pick up the slack. Heaven knows I can actually afford it. My business may have started off slow, but it is running at very low overheads, even though I am paying rent to Marco—not that he needs or wants it. But I do not want to sponge off my brothers for every single thing in my life.
This is mine.
If putting the business on the backburner for now is what needs to happen, then I’m prepared to do that. I will do anything to know that Ma is okay and that she is not left on her own.
I do happen to get home before Enzo, so I speed around in the bathroom, have a quick shower, brushing my hair and spraying perfume in all the right places as I freshen up.
I strip down to nothing and put my silk robe on, since I plan on giving him an eyeful when he gets here. I need him so damn much.
When he arrives, his face is a cloud of thunder.
My heart stops in my chest.
