Page 128 of Valentino

“That’s it.” He slides me down his body so that I am standing in front of him, his dark eyes hold mine as he unzips his pants with a sharp snap. “Get on your fucking knees.

VALENTINO

I send the email as visions of last night play on repeat, and it takes all my strength not to break into a broad smile.

She’s just so….

Giuliano comes storming into my office. “We’ve got a problem.”

“Like what?

“There’s been radio silence from the Endeavor.”

My eyes rise to meet his. “Since when?”

“They were supposed to meet at the drop-off location three hours ago but never showed.”

I immediately dial the captain’s mobile. Ring, ring…. Ring, ring…. Ring ring…. Eventually I hang up.

I try the head steward. Ring ring…. Ring ring…. Ring ring….

The Endeavor is a business stream disguised as a luxury yacht for hire.

“Are there passengers on board?” I ask.

“I believe so.”

“How many?”

“Six.”

“How much cargo were they carrying?” I ask.

“I don’t know.” He shrugs, “Somewhere between twenty to thirty kilos.”

Fuck.

I close my eyes.

“Fuck.”

“That’s forty million dollars,” he replies.

“I know,” I snap as I stand with renewed purpose, I dial another number. Ring, ring…. Ring, ring…. I begin to pace back and forth as I call number after number.

Complete radio silence.

“Why isn’t anyone answering?” I yell as I dial another number. “Where is the fucking crew?”

“If they’re not already dead…” Giuliano replies.

I finish the sentence for him. “They soon will be.”

ANNA

“Anna,” Valentino calls.

“Hey.” I come down the hall toward him all casual and innocent like. “Hi, you’re early.”