13

Valentina

Standing in the doorway is Leonardo, a look of violent tendencies plastered across his stunning features. He looks ready to kill, hovering there, dressed impeccably in a black tux with matching black shirt and tie.

“What are you doing here?” My eyes dart around to see if anyone else saw him come outside.

He stalks to me, all cat-like, and wraps his arms around my waist. “Celebrating your engagement. And it seems stopping the infamous Romano consigliere from doing something he will regret.” Leonardo’s voice turns lethal, dropping an octave, ready to slaughter this dirty fucker.

“This is an interesting turn of events.” The old mobster’s eyes dart between Leonardo and me, threatening to spread scandalous rumors.

“Go back to licking your Capo’s balls, Bianchi.” Leonardo dismisses him with a wave.

The older mobster winks at us and heads back inside.

I try to push Leonardo away from me, fearful of watching eyes. “Fuck. You can’t be here.”

“Don’t break my heart, babycakes.” He pouts and kisses my forehead. “Don’t stress. We’re all here-Summer included.”

I look up at him. “I’m so fucking confused right now.”

“You look so fucking beautiful right now.”

He melts my cold heart just enough to appreciate the compliment. “I didn’t see any of you during dinner.”

“That’s because you looked as though you were going to murder anyone who looked sideways at you. If you’re going to play the happy fiancé, you need to smile now and again.” He squeezes my waist. “Come on, let’s go dance.”

“No, we can’t. People will talk.” I look up at him alarmed.

“Fuck it. Let them talk.” He grabs my hand and leads me inside, letting go of my hand as soon as we step over the threshold.

I feel the eyes of the guests pinpricking every exposed inch of my skin, their stares judging, and gossiping. Leonardo doesn’t give two shits, so I follow him through the tables and guests to the dance floor. He grabs my hand and twirls me into him as Frank Sinatra’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin starts to play. He pulls me into his hard body and presses a possessive hand lower than acceptable for two acquaintances on my back.

“Leonardo,” I growl up at him and try to pull us apart a little.

“Stop fucking stressing. Your fiancé is busy chatting up that blond waitress over there.” He spins us so I can have a look.

An unexpected and unwanted sinking feeling hits the pit of my stomach. A dreaded feeling that confuses the fuck out of me. Am I jealous? Holy fuck balls, I’m jealous. We begin to waltz around the dancefloor as other couples gawk at us.

“You’re awfully quiet there, babycakes,” Leonardo chuckles. “Are you jealous of the waitress?” He twirls us so we’re out of earshot of other couples.

I shoot him an icy glare, only because he hit the nail on the head. “For some fucking unknown reason, I am,” I groan.

“Hey, don’t feel bad. It’s only human nature. I mean, I’d fuck him if I was into that shit.” Leonardo winks down at me, trying to lighten my mood.

“I’ve got a confession. You know, the no lies between us and all that.” I look up at him from under my lashes, hoping and praying he’s not in one of his psycho moods.

“Go on.” His hand presses harder against my lower back, staking his claim.

I lean up so my mouth is closer to his neck. “He got me off with a knife handle and I feel like fucking shit about it.” My heart stammers in my chest.

Leonardo is silent for what seems like an eternity. “That’s fucking hot,” he finally replies, a mischievous grin appearing from ear to ear. He nods in approval as his mind plays out the scene.

“Oh my god, I don’t deserve you. Why are you so okay with everything?” I let out a breath in relief.

“That’s just how my DNA is made. I’m all for this, but if he steps out of line, I will kill him.” He spins us again and we join the main dance space.

I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn to see Dante smiling wickedly at me. “May I have this dance?”

“Why certainly, sir.” Leonardo spins me under his arm so I dance into Dante’s embrace, bowing to us before he leaves the dancefloor.

“Oh my god, he’s such a clown,” I laugh and realize it’s the first time I’ve truly been happy today.

“You better not break that clown's heart, Principessa. You know he’s fucking madly in love with you.” Dante stares down at me. He’s not as good a dancer as his cousin, but his grip on my waist is ten times tighter.

Too late. I think I just did. My heart thuds rapidly in my chest in reaction to his words. I stare up at him, not knowing how to answer. I knew this thing between Leonardo and I was more than just fucking. We don’t discuss anything to do with feelings; we take it day by day, always being stupid together and never serious. I felt the same about him-I still do-from the moment I saw him at that dumb charity auction. I knew my heart was his. But now, it is betraying both of us.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I whisper, hoping Dante understands the weight of my words.

“I’d kill for my family.” We spin on the spot, not moving anywhere on the dancefloor.

“As would I.” I squeeze his hand to drive my point.

“I fucking hope someone comes and saves us from this dance soon.” His face twists. He’s obviously not enjoying this. It’s comical.

I can’t help but laugh at him, and at the pain in his features, from having come out here to dance with me. “Let me save you.” I take my hand off his shoulder and lead him off the dancefloor to his family.

I head straight into the waiting arms of Summer. “You have no idea how fucking happy I am to see you.” I squeeze her so tight, I think I might break a rib.

Her arms wrap around me and she reciprocates the squeezing. “You look so beautiful,” she whispers into my ear.

I let go of her and take in her beauty, dressed in a black floor-length tight dress, one with a slit to make every man in this room stand at attention. “Like you can talk.”

“How is it all going?” She nudges my arm.

“Fucking great. What more can I say?” I laugh, but the humor doesn’t reach my eyes. “Is it just the four of you?” I look into the crowd for Amber.

“No, Amber is hitting up the dancefloor with your brother.” Summer points towards the front of the room.

“Well, that’s interesting.” I watch the two of them twirling and laughing like they’re childhood friends. Amber is wearing a stunning red dress that shows off her curves.

“Don’t even fucking think it,” Enzo snaps, cutting me off.

“Do you ever smile?” I tease him.

He sneers at me, showing me his row of perfect teeth. “Nope.”

“So, how did you all get past security?”

“Giovanni invited us.” Summer’s eyes dart from me to Leonardo and back.

“Did he?” I search the room for him, spotting him scowling at his phone screen, and wonder what else I don’t know about tonight.

“Babe,” Summer’s melodic voice interrupts my staring at Giovanni. “We’re going to go. Are you okay to stay?” She touches my arm in reassurance.

“I’m okay. I’ll go home, grab a car, and be back in Providence tomorrow.” I smile at her. “I fucking love you.” I pull her into me and hug her tightly.

“I love you. Text me,” she whispers in my ear before she is getting pulled away by Enzo.

Dante has got Amber and Vito’s attention, and I watch the two of them, giddily happy, nearly skip towards me.

“Oh, Valentina,” Amber throws her small frame at me and I catch her. “I’m still so sorry you’re being put through this shit.” She rights herself and her eyes are almost glassy.

“Jesus, you’d think you’re on death row,” Vito chuckles.

“I may as well be.” I flip him the finger. He wouldn’t understand the feeling of having your choices ripped out from under you.

“Is that how you feel?” drawls a deep voice.

I turn around and he’s so fucking close to me. How did I not notice him approach?

My heart thuds in my chest, my usual bitchy tendencies unable to form a coherent thought, let alone a fucking sentence right now. I slice my eyes to Leonardo, but he stands casually with his hands in his pockets, unaffected by the sudden appearance of the very man who can tear everything to shreds and ruin both our lives.

“I think we’re going to go, too.” Amber offers me a weak smile.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” I kiss her on each cheek. “Bye guys.” I wave them off.

Leonardo hovers for a second longer than the other two. His face resembles a calm and serene ocean, but behind those dark eyes lies a turbulent storm. “See you later.” He shoots a warning look at Giovanni before turning and following the others outside.

“Way to clear out a room.” I turn my attention back to Giovanni.

“One of my many talents. Usually, they leave in body bags.”

“Is that supposed to scare me?” I cock an eyebrow.

“I know you don’t scare easily, Valentina. I was simply stating a fact.”

Back to Valentina now.

“Anyway, I think I’m going to leave too. My feet hurt and I’m tired,” I lie.

“You’re not going anywhere, Principessa.” He firmly grips my elbow in his large hand.

“I’ll make a fucking scene if you don’t let go of me.” I try to pull free of him.

“I fucking dare you,” he taunts.

“I’m going home, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” I pull at my arm again, but his grip is so tight, it’s leaving red marks.

He yanks me into his chest, my hand landing on his hard stomach, and growls at me. He literally growls, low and deep in his throat, but a growl none the less. “If you don’t come with me right now, I’ll let your little arrangement with the Russo kid slip to both your fathers,” he whispers into my ear, his voice vibrating against my skin.

Fuck. Fuckity shit. I know I have no choice but to do as he says. I can’t let Papa know about me and Leonardo. It would cause world war fucking three between the families, starting an all-out killing spree. Papa would send me back to the motherland and I’d live my days working in either the vineyard or one of the restaurants.

“Fine,” I hiss at him.

‘What I thought, Principessa. I have leverage over you. Now, I know you’ll be my puppet and do as I say.” He grants me an evil smirk. One I would love to wipe off with my knife.

His grip on my elbow tightens as he drags me through the remaining guests. I search the room one last time and meet my Papa’s eyes. I shoot him daggers and flip him the finger as I escape the cheers and whistles of the disgusting men left behind. I feel like Scarlett O’Hara, but with my Papa declaring he doesn’t give a shit about me.

I’ll never forgive you for this, Papa.

“Where are you taking me?” I finally yank my arm out of his strong hand and halt in the lobby.

Giovanni turns to me, his eyes gleaming with a sick satisfaction. “To the penthouse.” He gestures for me to follow him.

My lungs flutter, and I’m soon fighting the feeling of excitement rising within me. Memories of the blade coming so close to me as he pumped it in and out flash behind my eyes. “What about Leonardo?” My heart thrums so fucking fast, I place my hand over my chest, feeling the diamond necklace under my fingertips.

“He’s already there and waiting.” He strides to the elevator and presses the button.

I stalk after him. “If he’s not there-”

“Would I lie to you?” Giovanni cocks his handsome head and his gaze settles on me. He wears his wicked smirk like a warning; archetypical for a man of his caliber. “Your chariot to hell awaits, Principessa.” He steps into the lift and I follow like the obedient girl they all think I should be.