Page 20 of Frayed Bonds

“Unfortunately for you, it's only one Vitale brother,” he whispers so only I hear. My eyes widen at his statement, and he bursts into laughter at my reaction. “You know, I know everything, Valerie,” he shrugs, lighting up his cigarette with his own lighter, and I frown at the fact that Diego had to use mine.

Speaking of Diego, he’s now standing directly in front of me, watching me as I lift the cigarette to my mouth. “Surprised to see a beautiful girl like yourself smoking.” He continues to observe me. “So, are you here alone, Bellissima, beautiful?” Diego, although attractive for a man of his age, is very persistent. I know deep down I have to be somewhat respectful because of his ties to the family, but on the other hand, I don’t give a flying fuck.

“No, I'm here with my friend,” I repeat, smiling at him awkwardly. “I assume you're here for business?” I change the subject.

He nods, taking a drag of the cigarette, and looking at Adriano. “Yes, indeed, a small meeting over dinner.”

I nod, knowing better than to ask any further questions about the actual meeting.

“Is Antonio here?” I ask Adriano.

He nods his head. “He’s inside speaking with the other investors, we snuck out for a quick smoke.”

“Is he going to be there for a while?”

Adriano smirks and raises both his brows shrugging. “These meetings usually go on for a while, you may just wanna see him tomorrow.”

I nod and frown slightly. Aside from telling me that I start on Monday, he hasn't given me any real details about the job. I've been messaging him every day trying to get an answer, but nothing.

“Let me buy you a drink,” Diego interjects, drawing my attention back to him.

A throat clears behind us. All eyes move to the figure and notice Ambrose. “Can we wrap this party up? Everyone is waiting.”

His eyes travel to the cigarette in my hand, and I watch his face twist in disgust. I drop my cigarette onto the ground and step onto it with my heel.

“Next time, duty calls,” Diego says heading inside.

“Goodnight, Little Val,” Adriano says, bumping my shoulder.

“You're becoming quite the distraction around here, Valerie.” Ambrose’s voice drops as he walks closer.

I shrug. “It isn’t my fault they don't know how to stay focused.”

“How do I know it isn’t you provoking them? You seem to have my brother wrapped around your finger, as well.”

I scoff. “And how would I be provoking them, Ambrose? Then again, even you were easily distracted before you recognised me at the funeral.”

He’s dangerously close, and regret floods my mind as soon as the words leave my mouth. Why would I say that? Ambrose Vitale has more important things to worry about and other girls to get distracted by.

He steps even closer. “If anyone gets easily distracted, it's you. Tell me, sweetheart, were you looking for the bathroom when you decided to become a voyeurist?”

My jaw physically drops at his accusation. “I- I wasn’t… That wasn't…” I stumble over my words.

His hand juts out and he grabs both sides of my face. “That’s what I thought. Stop distracting my men, you're wasting my time, and time is money, Valerie. And if you must know, I hate wasting money.” His eyes bore into mine. It's a threat but the words feel like silk as they brush over my face.

I push him off me and stumble back, while he stands unaffected. “Fucking asshole,” I grumble.

I can see the humour dance in his gaze and he raises his hands in front of him, revealing my pack of cigarettes. I look between his hand and my bag.

“I'll be taking these. Enjoy your dinner, sweetheart,” he says, before shoving the box into his suit pocket and walking back inside.

Stupid Vitales. Stupid Ambrose. Stupid day. I bite the inside of my cheek and walk back inside. As I take my seat Natalia immediately stares at me with a look that’s a mixture of worried and confused.

“Where were yo–”

“The Vitales are here, can we leave?” Annoyance rings clear in my tone, and Natalia nods, not asking another question. She calls over our waitress and asks for the bill.

She stares at us for a bit before offering an awkward smile. “I'm sorry ma’am, the bill has already been settled.”

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