AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When my eyes shut, I dream of what my father said to me. I dream of the chapter of my life I closed and the new one that’s starting with yet another letdown.
“You are failing to do your job, Emelia. The family can’t keep waiting while you play house and become his whore.”
Those words made my stomach turn. Then he hit me when I told him I didn’t want to do his dirty work. I was angry with Nico still, but more so with all the other men in my life, and I wasn’t interested in doing anything for anyone anymore. I came home from Greece prepared to be on my own little island until Nico needed something.
“Father, this isn't going to work. He’s smart and doesn’t plan to tell me anything. So you’ll have to do it yourself.”
That’s when he began to choke me. Nico stepping in when he did was a saving grace.
Or so I thought.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
EMELIA
For days after that…I’m a sitting duck, not knowing what my father’s planning after what I did to him and what Nico did to Damian.
How come Damian never told me he was working with my father again?
Why am I even surprised?
He lied about more and hid things far worse. So maybe staying inside for a while is the best thing. Getting ready for the day, I decide on a pair of light-wash boyfriend jeans and a loose-fitting white tee. My hair is down in its natural state, wavy and long. I do the bare minimum of makeup, and after that, I head back toward the living room.
It would be nice to have a friend in moments like this, but I’ve never really had a real one. I think about the fight with Nico the other night. That’s all I was hoping for, that he would admit he cared so I could have someone in my life. Someone I could trust and confide in. But I was so fucking foolish.
Nico said I could make friends with the other wives in the outfit, and I decided at the time that would be a hard pass. Now? Maybe it wouldn’t be the worst idea. How do I even start? Is there a hotline or a directory that tells me who they are and their contact info?
I chuckle to myself. Farren and James, my two bodyguards, are standing stoically at the elevator doors when I walk into the living room.
“At ease, boys. I don’t plan to go anywhere, and you both look like you're wound so tight I could give ya a soft nudge and you’d just fall right over like a chess piece.”
They don’t move. Are they even blinking?
“Seriously, guys? Hello?” I wave my hands in front of Farren’s face. “Blink once if you need saving,” I tease.
“We’ve been instructed not to socialize with you, Mrs. Valiente,” James says, and my head turns toward him.
“Really? Anything else the boss tells you to do? When to take a bathroom break? How to point and shoot?”
“We can take you anywhere you want to go today, Mrs. Valiente,” James avoids the questions.
“No, I will be staying in today. I have no desire to go anywhere.” I release an annoyed breath. I thought they would at least provide some conversation. Maybe I should take up ventriloquism and make some friends with myself.
“Sounds good, ma’am.” James remains stoic and doesn’t look at me.
“Isn't there somewhere you can retreat to, since I won’t be needing you today?” I ask, heading over to the couch.
“We’re ordered to guard the entrance at all times.” Farren’s voice is much stricter and denser than James’s. I'm convinced he’s actually a robot.
“Fine. I don’t feel like being watched, so I'll take myself to the bedroom.”
That was a waste of time, I think, entering my room. I should have stayed in here to begin with.
Pulling out my cell phone, I’m surprised I don’t see anything from my father, not even a threat.
Not being one for social media, I don’t even have those to check. Seriously, I need to get a hobby. Well, I do have one hobby, and Nico did mention it would be arranged. I quickly message Giulio, knowing I will get nowhere with Nico, and there’s the huge fact that we haven't talked once since the fight after the Damian situation.
Can’t say I’m shocked. He was cruel, and I was hurt. Neither of us is going to wave our white flag again anytime soon.
