I dress, ignoring the sound of the shower where Gabriel is, then leave the penthouse.
Even if my outfit isn't right for my bike, I still take it, not only because I want to feel the wind on my face but also because it'sthe quickest way to the club. Ignoring the streets filled with cars, I drive until I’m at my destination.
This time, no one even looks at me when I enter; they just bow their heads and let me in. I search for Clara where she told me she would be, and when I spot her, I realize why she needs a way out.
She's sitting in a booth occupied by four men, one of whom has a grip on her shoulder. Her lowered gaze and squinted shoulders tell me she doesn’t want to be here, where the men are drinking and talking while ogling her. She’s wearing a dress that doesn’t cover much of her body.
I clench my jaw and approach the table, not knowing how Clara thought including me would get her out of here.
As soon as I reach the table, all eyes focus on me.
“Valentina.” Her shoulders drop, and her hand clutches her chest. “Ben, this is Mrs. Savastano. She's here for the brunch organization.”
Ben’s eyes shine as they rake over my body, and only with willpower do I stay calm and not claw his eyes out. My eyes scan the table and the men occupying it. Their expressions aren’t the same as Ben’s. They look more… irritated. Like I interrupted something.
“You should have rescheduled, Clara,” Ben hisses at her. “I told you tonight is important.”
Clara bites her lip, her eyes lowering. I narrow my eyes at Ben. “I’m sorry, but this brunch is important. And as the organizer, Clara is the one responsible for everything, therefore, she needs to be at our disposal when we need her.”
Ben’s nostrils flare, and I can see conflict in his eyes, but he lets his grip on Clara loosen before he glances at the men across from him. “Sorry, but this gig is important for my wife and for me. Being in the don’s circle isn't just any job. You can understand that.”
I don’t look at the men when they grunt their approval. I study Clara’s expression. Her gaze drops to the floor, and a flush appears on her cheeks.
Ben’s hand lands on Clara’s bare thigh, and he squeezes, leaving a red mark. “Well, you have an important job. We can do this other job another day. Don’t make Mrs. Savastano wait.”
She gives him a tight smile before she rises out of the booth. Before I turn to leave, I glance one last time at Ben and fake a smile at him. “Once again, I’m sorry. And please don’t wait for her; I’m not sure how long this will take.” I don’t wait for his response as I turn to leave, following Clara out of the club.
I don’t stop when we get outside. I follow Clara around the corner. I want to ask her to stop and talk to me, but then I spot her car and follow.
“Thank you for getting here.” Clara’s eyes avoid mine as she takes her keys out of her clutch and opens the door. I don’t say anything, not ready to ask or to jump to conclusions. “I wouldn’t have messaged you, but I was out of options.” The door clicks open, and she walks around to the back of the car, opening the trunk. She pulls out a long jacket that she pushes her arms into before buttoning it up to her throat. When I don’t say anything, she turns toward me, her brows pulled together and panic in her eyes. “Please don’t be angry with me. I’m really sorry. I was desperate.”
I pin her with a questioning look. “Desperate because of the situation?” She nods. “What situation?”
She swallows. “I didn’t want to sit there with those men.”
“Why did your husband make you sit with them?”
“Can I tell you a secret?” I look her in the eyes, and with a nod, I promise her I will keep her secret.
We sat in the car for what seemed like hours as I listened to Clara’s secrets, and all I wanted was to go back to the club and kill that bastard. But I couldn’t; I promised her I would not get involved. All I can do is be by her side. But I made her promise me to come to the gym with me, where I will teach her self-defense.
My problem with Gabriel sounds so lame compared to hers, and here I thought my life was difficult. Not that what Gabriel is doing is right. Still, it’s harmless, and looking from another angle, I can see he is protecting himself. But from what? He was engaged. Maybe he got hurt.
As I drive back, I see that I need a new strategy. I need to pull my big girl panties up and act like a woman. If claiming him and asking for what I want doesn’t work, I will play the game and seduce my husband. Maybe then he will start to see me and be ready to share his life with me without restriction.
As my building comes into view, I promise I will make Gabriel love me.
twenty-five
Valentina
I stare at the dress I’m going to wear tonight for what seems like an hour and try to talk myself out of what I’m going to do.
However, Ididdecide to change my strategy in my relationship with Gabriel. So, I’m going from forcing his hand to playing seductive. I hated those women, but now I get them. I get why someone would play hard to get and seduce a man.
Still, I’m not sure if it will work.
I expected Gabriel to avoid me; he did everythingbut. He moved around me like nothing had happened. Almost nothing. The tension in his shoulders, the flicker of regret in his eyes… he couldn’t hide that from me, no matter how hard he tried.
