I think about leaving.
I think about six months of this terrifying, electric, consuming thing between us, and whether I'd survive it.
Whether I'd want to.
“What if…,” I start but stop.
“What if I want to leave now?”
I don’t know if I do or not, I’m so damn confused because for some reason, I like him a little more every day, and after that kiss, this almost feels perfect, but it’s not.
“Do you?” he asks, but I don’t have an answer. He kisses my forehead and turns to leave.
“Goodnight, Valentina. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He walks to his room without looking back.
I almost want to stay, almost want to give this a chance. But I walk to the front door, turn the knob, and just like that, another door opens.
“I look back at where his shadow disappeared into the darkness and whisper just loud enough for me to hear, “Goodnight, Salvatore.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Salvatore
The wound is closed, and the stitches are out. About fucking time.
Elio's in my study when I find him, hunched over reports like the good soldier he is. He's young, only twenty-four, fresh out of college. We do our best to keep him away from some of the shit we deal with, but he has to learn eventually. Little by little, he's being taught the different parts of this world.
My father was the most protective of him. He wanted Elio to become a politician, so it was important to keep his record squeaky clean. But Elio decided he'd go into accounting instead, helping Matteo manage the money when he learned that Matteo was the only billionaire among us. Smart man.
He looks up when I walk in, and I catch the flash of surprise before he schools his expression.
"You should be in bed."
I drop into my chair, let the leather take my weight. "Get the guys together. Dinner tomorrow night with the soon-to-be bride. All of them."
He sets down his tablet. "Tomorrow night? Can't, bro. I've got a hot date."
"Elio, in the last two weeks alone, you've rotated through at least four women," I say dryly. "You can survive skipping one night. Hell, your dick might even thank you for the break. You act like there's a shortage of women willing to share your bed."
He grins, unapologetic. "Unlike you old heads, I don't need recovery time. My stamina's solid."
I scoff. "We're not that much older than you, dickhead."
Elio's chuckle is sharp, arrogant. "Sure. And now who's delusional?"
I wave him off. "Figure it out. I want everyone here tomorrow night."
"Even Shadow?"
"Shadow's still overseas. Let him know, but tell him I won't be expecting him."
"Yes, sir." He gives me a mock salute.
"And Elio." He stops at the door. "Arturo’s oversees but make sure he’s briefed."
"Moving kind of fast on this, huh?"
