Page 21 of Cutting Ties
“It is,” he agreed as he grabbed a washcloth and squirted soap onto it.
I didn’t even try to protest; it felt too good as his hands began to work their way over my body, the washcloth caressing every inch of me. As aroused as I was, the combination of warm water and gentle feel of the cloth over my body was too relaxing.
Before I knew what was happening, darkness overtook me into a sweet, blissful sleep.
Valentina
“Are you nervous?” I asked with a smile on my face as our car, along with two others escorting us, made its way back to the compound. As expected, when we awoke the next morning there had been eight guards in the hotel. Two posted at our hotel room door, two at the hotel entrance, and four more patrolling the hotel and grounds. The Santiago cartel had had a chance to take me out and they had blown it. It wouldn’t happen again.
“Well, I proposed to the woman I love, who just happens to be the daughter of one of the most feared men in the world, without even meeting her father. So yeah, a little bit.”
He flashed me a smile, but I didn’t quite believe it.
I didn’t want to tell him that I was feeling the uneasiness myself. My mother had texted me that morning, letting me know that my father was on the way home and that I was forbidden to leave for America until he got home and met Anthony. I couldn’t imagine him having an issue with me being with Anthony. Anthony had saved my and one of his men’s lives – his most trusted man. But with Papa, you never knew.
As the compound came into sight the uneasiness increased. I was twenty-eight; my parents shouldn’t have the control over me that they did, but I wasn’t just some girl from Colombia. The rules were different for me.
“Hey.” Sliding an arm around my shoulders, Anthony brushed his lips against my temple. “Don’t you dare get nervous, because that’s just going to get me nervous.”
Looking back up at him, my grin widened.
Cocking a brow up at me, he continued, “It’s not every day I take a woman back with me to the United States.”
“If it’s any consolation, I’m going willingly.”
The lead car pulled up to the guard house, and after a quick chat with the guards the gate pulled open and we proceeded forward, all three cars pulling up in front of the house. The cars came to a halt and the driver opened the door for us while another gathered our luggage, taking it inside.
Stepping out of the vehicle, I took Anthony’s hand and we proceeded into the house, more for my comfort than his. My mother’s assistant Camilla was waiting for us in the foyer. “I heard the news; I hope you’re both okay?” She looked at me and Anthony with genuine concern. I’d always loved Camilla. While I’d considered Emiliano a second father, she was like a second mother. I’d miss having her around.
“We’re fine, Camilla.” Releasing Anthony’s hand, I gave her a brief hug. “Just a little shaken up.” Looking up at Anthony, I gave him a wink. “A little more action than I think Anthony expected on his vacation, unfortunately.”
Waving my comment off, he scoffed. “I live in Los Angeles. I’ve seen worse.”
Camilla and I exchanged looks. We’d both seen worse as well. “Your parents and brother are in the grand room waiting on you both.” She beckoned for us to follow as she moved deeper into the house.
Leaning down, Anthony whispered. “Wait. Parents? Plural. And fucking Asher too?”
“I hoped we’d be on a plane for the States before he got home. He must have rushed back. Hope that’s not a problem?”
He chuckled. “I’ve been looking forward to it.”
“Liar.”
Draping an arm over my shoulders he kissed the top of my head. “I’d never do such a thing.”
“Now you’re lying about lying.”
His chuckle became a full-out laughter as we entered the grand room. Lo and behold my mother, father, and Asher were all seated in the room. My mother and father were lounging on the black velvet sofa, both with a glass of their favorite alcoholic beverage in hand, and Asher on the matching chair, with one ankle crossed over the other, his full interest focused on whatever he was typing in his phone.
Upon hearing us arrive all three heads perked up and looked toward us.
Without hesitation, I motioned to Anthony. “Papa. This is Anthony.” Catching Anthony’s gaze, I then nodded to my father. “Anthony this is my father, Costello Rossi.”
My father stood, followed by my mother and Asher.
“And I have news.” Cuddling tighter to Anthony, I held my hand up in front of me. “Anthony has asked me to move to the United States and marry him and I have accepted. We’re engaged.” It sounded so good to my ears. I could barely contain my happiness.
My father looked from me and then to Anthony, his expression unreadable. “Anthony, come with me to my study so we can chat.”
“I’d love to.” Pulling himself away from me, Anthony gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze as he strode toward my father.
Asher started to follow behind them, but my father stopped him in his tracks. “Asher. Stay with the women. I want to talk to my daughter’s…” he gave Anthony a look up and down as if trying to size him up “…fiancé.”
