14
CRISTIAN
“Report to me,” Alessandro says heading to his office once I bring Valentina home. She’s hurried off to her room, and I still feel like shit for hurting her.
I follow Alessandro to his office, thinking I have an earful to share with him.
I can’t stop seeing Valentina’s fear as Maksim pinned her to the garden wall while he whispered filth in her ear.
When I drew my weapon, I wasn't thinking about my duty to the Dante family.
I was thinking about putting a bullet between Maksim's eyes. God, how I wanted to kill him.
And if I had, Valentina wouldn’t have been in danger. I would have. Even knowing I’d be killed for it, I’d exterminate Maksim in a heartbeat.
But as I stand in front of Alessandro’s desk while he sits in his chair, my anger shifts toward him and Adriano, who followed me in.
How can they allow this wedding knowing they’re committing Valentina to a life of suffering?
I've spent my life being a good soldier, following orders without question, burying bodies without regret.
But this?
This crosses a line.
I can’t stand by and let her life be ruined.
Alessandro watches me from his desk, his eyes narrow as if he can read my mind.
In all my years serving the Dante family, I've never once overstepped my position, but I’m about to do it.
"We need to talk about what happened today with Maksim and your sister."
He sits back, still studying me.
"Maksim cornered Valentina in his garden today," I begin, holding my anger in check. "He had her pinned against a wall, trying to force himself on her. I had to draw my weapon to make him back off."
Adriano’s face darkens as he looks up from pouring a drink. "He put his hands on her?"
"Yes." The memory is seared in my mind. "He isolated her deliberately, took her to a spot where I couldn't see them. If I hadn't followed my instincts and found them…" I don't finish the thought.
Alessandro's expression remains frustratingly neutral. "Did he hurt her?"
"He scared her. Humiliated her. Told her exactly what he plans to do to her on their wedding night." My fists clench at my sides. "He included what he'd teach her to do with her mouth."
"Fucking prick." Adriano looks like he'll go out and shoot Maksim himself. Good. Let’s stop this madness now.
“Maksim tells it a bit differently.”
“I’m sure he does.” I stare at my boss wondering if he’s really going to take Maksim’s word over mine.
“Regardless, I told him to keep his fucking hands off Valentina until they’re married."
I stare at my Don wondering if he realizes what he's saying. "But when they're married, he can rip her to shreds?"
"Watch yourself." Alessandro sniffs.
I glance at Adriano, whose brows are raised like he’s surprised by my tone.
