“Happens to the best of us,” Caleb says.
“We’ll see you Thursday,” Zumo adds, and I nod before they walk off.
“Well, that was an unusually troubling-slash-entertaining way to start my day,” Valentina jokes, tipping her head up.
“Sorry.” I run my hands up and down her arms. “I don’t seem to be able to help myself when it comes to you.” I push my hands into her hair. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. I hate talking about that night, but it was kind of therapeutic in a way.”
I kiss her brow before scrutinizing her face. “I’ve rearranged my day so I can be here with you.”
Her eyes light up. “You have?”
“Yep.” I grab her ass over my jacket. “I’m going to make you breakfast, and then I’m taking you out on my boat. Later, we’re going into the city for dinner and a show.”
She emits the most gleeful squeal, and her entire face is glowing.
I am so in love with this woman, and I hope everything goes according to plan because I don’t know how I could continue to live without her ifit doesn’t.
22
VALENTINA
Itrace my finger back and forth along the indent on my ring finger, wondering if I’m tempting fate removing my rings this early. But I don’t want to go out with Fiero tonight wearing them, and I’ve already decided I’m not going back to that pig, so there’s no reason to wear them any longer. When the timing is right, I’ll mail them to Dominic’s daughters. The engagement ring is a family heirloom, and it belongs to the Ferraros.
Exiting the bedroom, I head down to the kitchen.
“Perfect timing,” Fiero says when I step onto the tiled floor. “It’s just ready. I set the table outside.” He glances over his shoulder from his position at the stove, and his blue eyes instantly darken with heat. “Fuck, you look beautiful.”
My cheeks warm as I drop my beach bag on a stool. “Thanks.” I’m wearing a light white and blue summer dress with cap sleeves and a cutout triangle on the back. My feet are encased in flat bejeweled silver sandals, and I tied my hair up into a ponytail.
“Did you pack swimwear?” he asks, dividing his attention between me and the skillet.
“I’m wearing a bikini.”
“Show me,” he growls, abandoning the stove to turn fully around.
I’m contemplating lifting my skirt to flash him my bikini bottoms when he shakes his head and adds, “Don’t.”
I arch a brow.
“If you show me, I’ll have to fuck you, and we won’t be leaving the house today.” He points toward the sliding doors. “Go before I pounce on you.”
I’m giggling and smiling as I walk past him, squealing when he smacks my ass and growls under his breath.
I tip my face up to the sky as I make my way toward the table on the patio. It’s a gorgeous day and there’s barely a cloud in the sky. It’s warm but a lot cooler than I’m used to. I make a note to grab a cardigan before we leave in case I’m cold on the boat.
My heart starts doing cartwheels when I reach the table to find a large bouquet of lilies waiting for me. Lifting the arrangement to my nose, I inhale deeply, absorbing the sweet floral scent with a hint of spice and citrus. My fingers are trembling as I open the card, reading the messy scrawl.
You make me so happy, kitten.
Always yours, Fiero.
I place my hand over my chest, where my heart is thumping wildly, and I’m smiling through blurry eyes. This feels like a fairy tale and I never want it to end.
“Okay?” the man himself says, setting a tray down on the table.
“Yes.” Putting the bouquet down, I fling my arms around him and hug him tight. “You make me happy too,” I whisper, almost afraid to verbalize it in case I jinx myself. “Thank you.”
