Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 172(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 172(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)
“Honey, you have to. I don’t— Have you made sure that … Mr. Romano pays you a visit?”
She nearly burst out laughing. Her mother was worried that her husband didn’t find her attractive.
Giovanni couldn’t keep his hands off her. There had been a few lunchtime visits as well, where he’d wanted to be inside her because it had been too long. They made love and fucked multiple times a day. Nothing got between them.
“Mom, that’s not the problem.”
“Hello, Mrs. Berlusconi.”
Valentina tensed at Leonardo’s voice. Why did he always find her like this?
“Mr. Rossi, it is a pleasure to see you. I was just talking with my daughter. It is a wonderful event.”
“The best.”
“Will Mrs. Rossi have news soon?” her mother asked.
Valentina turned and offered a smile.
“Very soon, I’m sure.” His gaze was on her. “I think your husband wanted to talk to you.”
“I’ll take you inside, Mother,” she said.
“Don’t be absurd. I interrupted your peace and quiet, stay. Enjoy it while you can.” Her mother put a reassuring hand on her cheek before pulling away and leaving her alone with Leonardo.
“Mr. Rossi.”
He chuckled. “We were nearly family.”
“But we’re not family.” She bowed her head. “Are you enjoying the party?”
He raised a brow, and she waited.
“I always seem to find you alone. I don’t know if that is my luck or Romano’s failing.”
“Giovanni will be here any minute,” she said.
“You know, I’m aware that he’s not always home,” Leonardo said.
She watched him. “He is a businessman. He has a lot of work to do with Mr. Rossi, your father. I’m sure you’re aware.”
“Oh, I am aware of everything that goes on, Valentina. That is not in doubt, but I am curious about Giovanni’s … business.”
She tilted her head to the side. “You’ll have to talk to my husband about all of his deals. I am not involved in that part of his life. I’m a mere wife.” She clasped her hands together in front. The urge to slap him hard was so strong, but she kept it in check.
“Come now, we both know that Giovanni isn’t like other men.”
“You’re right,” she said. “I never thought being a married woman would be so…”
“What are we talking about?” Giovanni asked, coming to put an arm around her waist.
He promised her that no matter what, he would protect her. He swore to her he wouldn’t leave her alone at a function like this. All she had to do was wait for him to come, and he’d be there.
“I was telling Mr. Rossi how much I love being married to you, and that I am incredibly lucky you picked me.” She settled closer to him, and he tightened his hold.
“And I am a lucky man.” He looked at Leonardo. “It would seem I owe my thanks to you again. You’re always rescuing my wife from potential boredom.”
“I am never bored.” She kissed his cheek.
“Are you ready to leave?” he asked. “I have said our goodbyes.”
She nodded, wanting the chance to get away.
Giovanni held his hand out to Leonardo.
The two men shook hands, and before he could insist on shaking hers or kissing her, Giovanni was already leading her away.
“Are you okay?” he asked once they were in the car.
“Yes, but I have a feeling he wanted to ask me something,” Valentina said.
“He did?”
“He was curious about your business. I don’t know for sure what he wanted, but I don’t know… I think he wants to know more about what you’re doing.”
“You didn’t say anything?”
“No. I’m the doting wife that doesn’t know anything. Have you found anything?”
“A trail that I’m heading down. It’s not a big one, but I think this could help me find the real rat.” He pulled out of the long driveway, and Valentina felt her stomach begin to twist as a wave of sickness hit her.
She wound down the window and let the fresh air in.
There would be plenty of time to find out if she was pregnant.
Chapter Nine
For the past few weeks, work had come before his wife. Giovanni had vowed to always be there for Valentina in the mornings and at night. Only, he’d broken his own rules. He wasn’t there for her in the morning because chasing a rat meant being available day and night.
He often kissed her cheek, then watched her for several minutes before having to chase a brand-new trail.
Seeing Leonardo once again trying to talk and get close to his wife… He was tired of that bastard always getting close. There was no doubt in his mind that Thomas Rossi was right. The only person who would gain from overthrowing that man was Leonardo, and his thirst for power had always been there. That had never changed.
He turned toward his wife. The summer light shone through the break in the curtains, and he stared at his wife, the woman he loved. He wouldn’t forget walking into that basement, seeing the blood dripping from her body, and hearing the pain and suffering in her voice.