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)
Roberto shrugs. “Valentino’s devotion to you irritates him. And there’s been tension between them since Valentino and Matteo fell out.”
“Now that I’ve learned the extent Federico can go, it makes me wonder whether I could ever look at Federico and feel anything but distrust.”
At that very moment, Vance barges into the foyer. He looks murderous as he stares at Roberto.
“Get out,” he says. “Now.”
Roberto nods and walks toward the exit. “Goodbye, Signora Barone.”
When he disappears, I look at Vance. “That was rude.”
“I don’t care about being rude,” he says. “I’m only following my Boss’s instructions from now on. Roberto or Federico is not allowed in this house.”
“Why?”
He shrugs. “I’m just following instructions.” Then he clears his throat. “Are you ready to go, La Signora Barone?”
“Excuse me?”
“The Boss said you’re going out. I’m here to drive you and keep you safe.”
Despite my aversion to having a bodyguard, Vance’s words make me smile. Maybe Valentino still cares for me. It’s up to me to find a way to make things right.
Chapter Forty-Two
FRANCESCA
“Oh, you messed up,” Louisa groans. “You didn’t even give him a chance to explain.”
I’ve just told Louisa and my mom what happened with me and Valentino, and the disappointment on their faces is evident, especially from my mama. I understand her because we’ve recently talked about this when Nina happened.
“Francesca has always been like that,” Mama says. “Even as a little child.”
“You’re telling me?” Louisa scoffs. “So what do we do now? You have to get your husband back, or he’ll definitely go into the arms of all these women you’re so insecure about.”
I scowl at her. “I don’t care. He can do whatever he wants.”
“You care. If you don't care, you won’t be here telling us about it. This is literally a call for help.”
“You think you know everything.”
“No,” Louisa answers gently. “But I know Valentino cares greatly for you. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, the way he treats you. You should trust him more, at least, until he gives you a reason not to. So far, he hasn’t.”
I sigh and slump in my chair. She’s right, but I don’t need to be crucified right now. All I want is a solution. I didn’t even dare tell Mama about me comparing Valentino to Thomas, and I never will because I see clearly now that it was a shameful thing to do regardless of the provocation.
I’ve tried not to think about Thomas since yesterday because it annoys me that I was so stupid and naive. I was so desperate to believe that there were good men in the world that I didn’t see all the red flags.
I thought Thomas was broke because he didn’t want to work for those corrupt organizations, but apparently, it was because they didn’t think he was good enough to ever offer him employment.
“You should apologize to him,” Mama says. “I’m sure he’ll forgive you. That’s what he’s waiting for. An apology.”
“Mama.” I sit up. “I want to ask you something, but I’m afraid it may sound bad.”
“What is it, my treasure? You can ask me anything.”
“Mama,” I call. My eyes are smarting with tears. “How did you cope with Papa? How did you cope? He was open about his mistresses. I don’t know what I’d do if Valentino-”
“And you will never find out,” my mother says fiercely.
“When I told you that I made sure you would never marry a man like your father, I meant it. Valentino may have a reputation of being a more dangerous man than your father ever was, but he’s more human. He will never hurt you the way your father hurt me. He cares for you.”
I sniff, fighting back tears. “I know, Mama. I know he cares. Valentino may not love me, but in his twisted way, he cares for me.”
“Then don’t sabotage your marriage, my darling.” Mama smiles softly. “Please, don’t. Take a deep breath. Apologize, and next time don’t go accusing until you’ve heard his side of the story and you’ll be just fine with him. Trust your husband until he gives you a reason not to.”
I nod. “I’ll try. I’m sorry for being such a crybaby.”
“You’ll find your way. There’s no manual for a happy marriage.”
“Thanks, Mama.”
My mother smiles lovingly at me.
“So, how do I make things right? Would a plain old apology really cut it?”
Mama’s eyes twinkle as she grins suddenly. “Ah, my dear daughter. You know exactly how to make things right again.” She kisses my forehead and rises. “It’s about time I got on with making dinner. I’m making osso bucco tonight.”
When Mama leaves, Louisa shifts closer to me. “I have a suggestion,” she whispers, her gaze darting to the door like she’s anxious someone will walk in.
“Go on. Let’s hear it.”
“Hot sex,” she whispers. “Men love hot sex. When you get home tonight, get completely nude except for a pair of very high heels and wait in bed until he comes home. I swear he won’t even remember what you did wrong.”