“Better go twelve with these ceilings.” I look up, playing into her massive change of topic.
It’ll be better if we wait until after they’re married to kill him.I can’t believe I’m thinking that thought.
After the wedding but before the consummation is a tricky timeline. You can’t let someone else touch our mate.My wolf offers a solid consideration.
Tabulations run in the background of my thoughts.
Kerrianne dismisses herself upstairs to play, and the four of us sit in awkward conversations that would be better off as uncomfortable silences. But it’s not long before Valor’s phone buzzes.
“Leticia, there’s an SUV at the front gate for you.” Valor glares at his phone.
Logically, I know what he’s going to do is right; he’s going to send her home.
She’ll be safe in D’Medici territory because of the deal. Leticia is even more valuable to them now than she was before. No one is going to be able to lay a finger on her.
But that doesn’t mean I like it.
“I’ll be going.” Leticia stands and steps over to Antonella.
They say their goodbyes, and Leticia heads to the front door.
But I can’t make myself say goodbye in front of Valor and Antonella. I know I haven’t been the best at pretending we’re not in love with each other. I’ve already confessed, in part, to Valor anyway.
The door closes behind Leticia, and Valor looks at me with that flat, dead-eyed look, the killer look.
I nod, knowing there are a lot of things Valor could say but won’t.
Standing, I gesture the way she went. “I shouldn’t let her stand out there alone. It’ll look bad to their security.”
“Good call.” Valor dismisses me.
Would he agree if he knew what lightning-strike idea has taken over me? Maybe not... But it doesn’t matter.
I only have a few minutes to explain my plan.
This is the only place where we’ll be truly alone.
Well... after I edit the security camera footage covering this portion of Valor’s driveway.
41
LETICIA
THE PLAN, THE FIRST PROPOSAL
“Leticia,”Royal calls softly.
I hadn’t even heard him follow me outside.
“Hey.” A smile pulls at my face even though it has no right to. “Fancy seeing you here.”
“I want to help. Let me help.” He nods as if trying to get my blanket agreement, all the while stepping closer.
Don’t get too close. You’re not mine to keep.Tears threaten to prick at my eyes.I’m married to someone else.
I push aside all my feelings and ask indignantly, “Help? With what?”
“I can prevent them from marrying you to Stefanno Bianchi. They might have signed paperwork in Italy, but it isn’t done in America yet.” Royal rushes the words out.
