Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 101247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
“You can’t upset me and then tell me to check my attitude like it’s not your fault.”
He looks at me with surprise. “You’re upset because I said you’re a Barone now.”
“I’m upset because of how you said it. I’m not a child.”
“Ah, Francesca.” He pulls me into his lap. “You drive me crazy.”
He kisses my lips. “I’ve committed to spending hours in Marco’s company. Surely, I deserve something for that.”
I smile slowly. “I’ll have enough time to show you my gratitude tonight. All night.”
His body tenses. “Don’t say things like that now. You know I’m not a patient man.”
I chuckle. “I know about the family feud, but I feel that you particularly don’t like my grandfather. Why?”
“Because he gave your father to the world,” he says dryly. “That’s enough to condemn the man.”
I smile. “Come on. I’m serious.”
Valentino sighs. “He was merciless when he was in power and he saw my father become weak. I was a teenager and I had just arrived from Italy, but I never forgot the things he did to my father.”
“Really?” I frown, not remembering any of this. I was too young. “What have you done to get back at him?”
Valentino’s gaze hardens. “Nothing.”
“Why?”
“I am not motivated for revenge. Unlike him, I do not go after the old, the weak, and the infirm. He is all three. It would be a waste of my time.”
He leans his head against the headrest. “Contrary to what you think of me, my dear wife, I’m not a monster. If you don’t come for me, I don’t come for you. The problem is, a lot of people just love to try me.”
“So what will happen if my Nonno tries you?” I ask.
He stares at me for a moment and his eyes are hard. “For his sake, let’s hope he doesn’t.”
My family fawn over Valentino as if he is royalty or a celebrity. My mother hovers around him and leads him to the dining table, ready to cater to his every whim. As we take our places at the table she looks like an excited child at a Christmas party. She smiles widely and often.
Only my grandfather doesn’t look happy with all the attention Valentino is receiving. Thankfully, he sits on the other side of the table, with my mama beside him. Valentino is on my left, while Louisa is on my right. Moments after we’re seated, a woman my mother has hired specially for the occasion serves the food.
“Thank you for coming, Valentino,” Nonno says stiffly.
I touch Valentino’s knee, and to my surprise, his hand curls around mine and our fingers twine. “I’m only here for Francesca.”
Nonno purses his lips, he is offended by the response to his welcome.
But Mama beams happily. “Oh, how sweet,” she coos. “The two of you make a lovely couple. Absolutely lovely.”
“Thank you,” Valentino says suavely.
“Don Barone-,” Mama starts saying.
“Please, call me Valentino,” he invites softly.
My mother nods. “Valentino, then. I haven’t had the chance to personally thank you for giving us this home. It’s beautiful.”
“I did it for Francesca. Her happiness is my utmost concern. How can she be happy when you’re not safe?”
“You’re a perfect gentleman,” Mama answers, her hand fluttering to her heart.
“I try.” Valentino’s fingers squeeze mine, and I suddenly feel a great rush of emotion for him. This is my husband. Mine! I look into his eyes and smile. At that moment it feels as if my heart will burst with happiness.
“Buon appetito,” Nonno says and we all echo the words and begin to eat.
Nonno pats the corners of his mouth with his napkin. “News is spreading like wildfire that you took Joseph Catalano to Terra de Barbieri yesterday. I know it’s none of my business, but may I ask why you chose to ally with him?”
I look at Valentino and feel him tense next to me. So that’s where he was when he didn’t pick up my calls. He went to visit the Terra de Barbieri. My land, which has now become his by marriage. I wonder why he never mentioned it. I’m not an empty, pretty doll, I’m a human being with a brain and he can trust me with a bit of information.
“The answer to your question is already framed within the question, Franco,” Valentino’s voice is hard as steel. “It’s not your business what I choose to do with my land.”
His land? He’s technically right, but how annoying to make such an arrogant statement. I try to pull my hand away from his, but he won’t let me. He sends me a warning glance, but I look away.
“Looks like the men want to discuss business,” I say, forcefully yanking my hand from Valentino’s hold, and rising to my feet. “Louisa, will you come with me? I have a lot to talk to you about.”
I feel Valentino’s gaze burn into my back as I leave the dining room. When we’re out of earshot, Louisa grabs my arm. “I want to find a husband who cares that much about me.”