True, the picture she’d shown him on the terrace had shaken him to his core. But he’d also seen the hope in her eyes. Seen her pain when he’d dismissed her feelings as infatuation.
And if he was still inclined to hide behind the potential scandal of admitting he felt something for his ward, theirs wouldn’t bean original story. Hell, his family had scandals coming out of their ears, and he should know. In his line of work, he’d become privy to more shenanigans than anyone deserved foisted on them in one lifetime.
So stop making excuses and act!
‘This is where I kissed my wife for the first time. Do me a favour and don’t ruin the memory for me with any sombre, stoic bullshit, today of all days, would you?’ Teo said with a firm slap to his shoulder.
‘What are you talking about?’ he hedged, even as he turned around, his gaze scouring the ballroom for Lotte.
‘You weren’t exactly subtle in your little skirmish with your ward. On the contrary, it looked quite dramatic.’
‘Have you seen her?’ he asked sharply when another sweep didn’t reveal her.
‘She left the ballroom about ten minutes ago. And for God’s sake, answer that buzzing. I would’ve thought you of all people would be more diligent about that sort of—what?’ he demanded sharply.
Valenti wasn’t paying attention. Because the chill sweeping through him at the number of alerts he’d missed on his phone was the last thing he wanted to be feeling right now. In his experience it didn’t portent anything good. Coupled that with Lotte’s disappearing act—
His heart staggered sickeningly as the phone buzzed to life in his hands. ‘Soto. What is it?’
The first few words from his butler propelled him into movement.
‘For God’s sake, what is it?’ Teo demanded, all traces of humour wiped from his face.
‘It’s Lotte,’ he bit out.
‘What about her?’ the sharper query came from Azar, who’d stepped onto the terrace, that same sixth sense that bound themall unsurprisingly summoning him. In some abstract part of his brain Valenti admonished himself starkly to stop this scene from unfolding a third time.
‘She’s taken my Temerario,’ he threw over his shoulder as he raced down the terrace steps.
Teo cursed under his breath as he followed. ‘And?’
Valenti didn’t answer. He couldn’t. The knot of fear in his gut was expanding, spreading ice through his veins.
‘Hermano, wait!’ Teo grabbed his arm. ‘Talk to me.’
Valenti paused even as his heart thundered wildly. ‘She had a suitcase with her.’ Repercussions raked over his skin like lethal blades.Dios, had he ever imagined he knew torment? Because it was nothing compared to this reality. ‘I think she’s leaving me. And… I’m not ready to let her go. Because I think she’s it for me. Is that enough?’ he almost snarled at his twin.
Teo’s frown eased right before it strengthened. ‘That’s not all,’ he said.
Valenti’s fingers tightened around his phone, and he forced air into his lungs. Still the ice expanded. ‘The car’s GPS has stopped off the highway. In the middle of some random street.’
Azar’s frown didn’t ease his anxiety. ‘Could she be stopping for something? Gas, maybe?’
Valenti scoffed at the absurd question. Even if he wasn’t royalty, he would have enough minions to ensure he or anyone else who drove his car didn’t stop to pump their own gas. ‘I don’t have time to answer your questions,’ he spat, just as Sabeen appeared at the top of the steps. The prospect of further delays made a growl rise from his throat. ‘Your wife wants you, Teo. Go.’
He stalked away, fully aware that his brothers had ignored him, were following hard on his heels.
‘Valenti?’ Teo called out.
Teeth clenched, he shook his head. ‘Seriously, not now, Teo.’
His twin caught up to him. ‘You will find her, and you will bring her back. Then you’ll lock her down by any means possible.Sí?’
The charged imploration further terrified Valenti. Because he wanted every single one to be true. ‘My security team will keep in touch. You’ll know everything they know in five minutes.’
‘Gracias.’
‘Valenti,’ Azar’s voice brooked no argument.
