I step back.
She follows, crowding my space like she owns it.
"You know what I remember about him? The way he?—"
Steel slides into my voice. I snap, "Stop. You don't get to speak about my husband in my home."
Her eyes blaze. She scoffs, "Your husband? That's the point, Valentina. He's not yours. You think he is, but it's temporary."
There's that word again.
My heart clenches, and my teeth grind. "You're spiraling."
She jerks like I slapped her.
A brief flash of pity fills me. I soften my tone. "Blue, go home. Get help."
My sympathy disappears when she wedges her way another inch closer and lets her palm slide down my arm like we're sisters sharing secrets.
"Don't touch me," I warn quietly, gripping the knife tighter at my side.
She smirks. "He doesn't touch you much when he's only here a few minutes."
The jealousy in me claws upward. I step to the side, yank my door open, and stab my thumb toward my intercom button. I assert, "Security. I need someone escorted out of the building. Now."
Blue's face twists. "Are you serious?"
"Completely."
Her eyes go glassy again, fury and pain tangling. "You don't get to exile me. You don't get to keep him."
"You're trespassing. You can't be exiled when you were never meant to be here in the first place."
She clips the words with icy precision. "Tell him I came. Tell him I understand he's only using you."
My pulse skyrockets. I push her into the wall and put my knife to her throat. I keep my voice level. "Listen to me closely, little girl. The next time you come near me or my husband, or either of our properties, you won't leave breathing. Understand me?"
Two guards, Hugo and Rodriguez, appear.
Blue turns to me, eyes wet and wild. "You think you won. But you're still an Abruzzo. And he's still an O'Malley. Blood doesn't change because you want it to."
"Mrs. O'Malley, please lower your knife," Hugo requests in a worried tone.
I hesitate, then finally step back, keeping my gaze on her. "Leave before you embarrass yourself further."
The guards grab her arms before she can move. She tries to shake them off, but can't. "Get off of me."
"Are we pressing charges?" Hugo asks.
Blue lifts her chin.
I answer, "We'll discuss it with my husband when he returns."
Rage fills Blue's gaze.
"Very well. We'll get everything ready in case you decide to file charges, Mrs. O'Malley," Hugo assures.
They drag her away.
