Trouble is happening between De Luca and Russo.
This is not news to me.
Valentino called me into his office, forced me to sit down, and even poured me a whiskey. It was disgusting. I’ve only ever been allowed to drink wine or champagne. My father felt it was rather unseemly for a woman to be seen drinking anything that was designed for a man.
Men could keep the whiskey. It’s gross.
With the war picking up speed, Valentino had told me everything. This was news to me.
I’m a woman. My father ignored me. Always did.
I was to be seen and not heard. To look pretty for my husband, but to keep my mouth shut.
Just thinking of all the rules my father imposed on me made me hate him even more.
Valentino looked me in the eye and asked me if I wanted to leave. If I wanted to go back home. The decision was mine.
He said I could have a day to think about it.
I didn’t need a day, or an hour, or even ten minutes. I told him I didn’t want to leave. He looked … shocked.
This did make me smile.
Feeling bold, I got to my feet, and I don’t know if it was because I’ve been living with Valentino for some time now, or just because I wanted to. But I approached him. He pushed his chair out a little as I stepped in front of him, and then, I sat on his lap, straddling him and wrapping my arms around his neck. I kissed him, hard.
Valentino’s arms were wrapped around me.
The moment he grabbed my ass, I felt alive.
I wanted his touch.
With Valentino, I wanted everything with him.
I know it’s a risk.
He’s my enemy.
I’m a Russo.
He is a De Luca.
There is no chance between us. We will not work.
Our lives are constantly against it.
But when we’re together, I can’t help but feel differently..
I’m alive.
I’d give everything, even if it means to only be his mistress. I’m happy with him, and I hope he is happy with me. I won’t go home. If Valentino will have me, I will stay with him.
****
Last night, I did it.
I … went to Valentino De Luca’s room.
I’d noticed my bedroom door was left unlocked the other night, and rather than ignore it, I decided to act on these feelings. Of course, Valentino could reject me. I’d accept it and go back to my father, without a word.
But our kisses were not losing their passion.
So, I recalled the path I’d been taken that first night, finding De Luca’s bedroom with ease. The door had been open slightly. No guards interrupted me.
I wasn’t stopped.
I wasn’t sent back to my room.
I stepped into Valentino’s room without fear.
He waited for me. In a robe.
He looked up and told me to close the door.
This was all my choice. My decision.
When I moved toward him, Valentino cupped my face and told me there was no going back.
I told him that I didn’t want to leave. I told him that I wanted to stay with him.
Last night was amazing. He held me in his arms, made love to me, worshipped me. The pain was minimal.
I know I’m in love with Valentino De Luca, and I would do anything to be with him. Settle for a life as his mistress. I’d be anything, just so long as I was with him.
****