Page 5 of Cutting Ties
Chapter 3
Valentina
Watching Anthony go through the check-in at security through the monitors made me anxious and annoyed. It was unnecessary. I wanted to tell the guards to just let them through, but Asher was adamant they not be spared from the normal inspection, insisting it was for our safety. It was a small thing that wasn’t worth fighting with him about.
Once they were cleared from security, I waited until they were pulling up to the front door before opening the door and stepping out. I was much more nervous than I had anticipated I’d be, my palms becoming disgustingly sweaty. Wiping my hands on my skirt, I pulled my lower lip between my teeth as I waited for Anthony to appear from within the car.
Please let him be as good looking and charming as he’s been online, I silently prayed. I had such a vision of who he was in my mind. I wasn’t sure if he’d be able to live up to how I’d portrayed him and this first meeting; I doubted any man could.
The driver got out and went to his door, opening it for him. A moment passed and then he stepped out of the car looking dashing in a dark suit, holding a bundle of my favorite flowers – lilies. My stomach did a little flutter just seeing him, a feeling I’d never had before with anyone.
Visually, he was everything I’d dreamed he could be and more – tall with an all-American look, short cut blond hair sprinkled with silver and the most stunning blue eyes I’d ever seen. His eyes pulled me in as our gazes locked and a wide smile spread across his lips, displaying deep dimples. He was forty-three, fifteen years my senior, but looked more like he was in his mid-thirties.
For a moment I stood staring at him, until the sound of Asher behind me snapped me back to reality. “That the boyfriend to be?” he muttered.
Turning my head, I shot a glare at him. “Back off, Asher.”
Chuckling, he gave Anthony a nod and disappeared back into the house.
Fucking Asher.
Giving my head a shake, I descended the grey marble stairs of the front step as he rounded the back of the bar. As much as I wanted to run to him, the heels I was wearing prevented it.
By the time I reached him the smile was so wide on my lips that it threatened to split my face in half as the joy within me become overwhelming. Tears filled my eyes as I wrapped my arms around his, pressing my body against his and burying my face against his neck. He felt so good against me it almost didn’t feel real that he was finally here.
“Hello to you too,” he joked, placing the flowers on the top of the SUV and then running a hand through my hair while planting a kiss on the top of my head.
Pulling back from him slightly, I looked into his eyes. With my four-inch heels on I was almost as tall as his six feet. “I can’t believe it’s you. That you’re here,” I gasped. “And so handsome.”
His eyes twinkled, the happiness he was feeling evident within them and mimicking the feelings rushing through me. “Wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. Your doormen are quite thorough.”
My mood dampened slightly. “I’m sorry about that. We’re having issues right now. Everyone goes through the same protocol to get into the compound.”
He nodded. “I know. I’m just teasing you. It’s fine.” Brushing a lock of hair from my face, the back of his hand grazed my cheek, making me inhale sharply. Closing my eyes, I pressed my cheek into his hand, savoring the feel his touch. How many nights had I gone to sleep wishing he was next to me? Or gone to sleep still on a Skype call with him, drifting off to the sound of his voice like a damned teenager in lust? Countless times. But that was over now because he was here.
Opening my eyes, I looked back up at him and into his eyes. The affection he was feeling for me was painfully evident. It had been a long time since I’d seen such intensity for me in a man’s gaze. His head lowered and just as his lips touched mine there was a very rude, loud sound of someone clearing his throat behind me.
Son of a bitch! Could he not give me a minute without playing the big-brother act? It pissed me off that he’d pretend to care when in actuality he just wanted to control this situation, like he controlled everything else.
“What do you want, Asher?” I snapped, my eyes flying open as I stepped away from Anthony, though I kept an arm around his waist, under his jacket and remained snuggled tight to him.
“Am I interrupting?”
My eyes narrowed at him, the giddiness I’d been feeling a moment ago quickly fading. “Of course, you know you are.” Taking a deep breath in, I slowly released it. Me losing control was what he wanted. Besides, the quicker I got the introductions over with the quicker we could get going. Motioning to Anthony, I said. “Asher, this is Anthony.” Then nodding back to Asher. “Anthony, this is my brother, Asher.”
Anthony didn’t remove the protective arm from my shoulders as he extended his hand to Asher. “It’s good to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Asher looked at the extended hand a second before accepting it and giving it a brief shake. “I wish I could say the same. This is the first I’ve heard of you. Coming all the way from America! My sister must have made quite the impression on you.” Sliding his hands into his pants pockets, Asher kept his eyed fixed on my date.
Seeming unperturbed by my brother’s attempt to flex, Anthony looked down at me and smiled. “You have no idea. It’s been a long time coming. This was the first chance I was able to break away from work to come visit.”
“I see. What do you do again?”
“I’m a surgeon. Cosmetic surgery.”
“Hmm. Then you must be around wealthy, good-looking women every day. Seems odd you have to come all the way to Colombia to get a date.”
Stepping between Anthony and Asher, I glowered up at my brother. “Our relationship is none of your business. I don’t question you on the women you whore around with. How many long-lasting relationships have you been in?” Planting my fists on my hips, I continued, “Oh wait, you’ve never had one. Because you’re incapable of love. Aren’t I right, brother?”
