Page 9 of Frayed Bonds

She hugs the both of us and then turns to leave. “At least try and go on a date while I'm away,” she yells. “Both of you.” She points between the two of us.

“Only if you promise to bring something cool back from your trip,” I yell back, and she nods before disappearing out the door.

The afternoon bleeds well into the night. Each of the Vitale's gradually drinking more and more. Zita does end up dancing on the tables, this time with a bottle of Adriano's expensive tequila that he got from a guy in Mexico who was trying to bribe him. He won't be happy to know where it all went.

As I reach the lower level of the villa, my eyes sweep through the sea of family, and immediately they land on her. She's still alone at the bar. And to my surprise, none of my cousins have approached her, it confirms my suspicions–she came with one of my brothers. It’s just a matter of figuring out which one.

I step into the space next to her at the bar. The air is knocked out of me so quickly that when the bartender drops what he is doing to serve me, I have to cough to regain my composure.

“A single whiskey with one block of ice…” I trail off and notice the empty martini glass in front of her. “And another martini for the lady.” It isn't a huge deal to get her a drink since all the drinks are free tonight, but it's the thought that counts.

“A Vodka martini again?” The bartender confirms her order with a flirtatious smile and I want to fire him on the spot. We aren’t paying him to flirt.

She nods politely.

She is stunning. Her features are defined enough to be noticeable, yet so soft that they are comforting and inviting. She’s smiling down at her phone, her dimples sinking into her cheeks and a small laugh escapes her lips.

She barely acknowledges my presence. A part of me is thankful because it allows me to steal a few more glances at her without her knowing. When the bartender returns the movement draws her eyes up and only then, does she notice me.

He stares at her as if he’s head over heels in love. “Leave.” I snap at him and turn back to her as he scoffs and leaves.

Her eyes are wide as she takes in what just happened.

“You’re not a fan of gin I assume?”

“I hate it,” she shrugs.

“Which one of my brothers invited you to a funeral as your first date?” I ask, my voice thankfully maintaining its natural smooth tone.

She looks around before blinking repeatedly at me.

Does she not know me? Of course, she does, who doesn't know me?

Do I know her?

My eyes scan her face, her features could be somewhat familiar, but there's no way I could ever forget a face like hers.

Her confusion morphs into something else as she hides a smile and leans to take a sip of her cocktail. Her hair falls off her shoulder, revealing her open-back dress that showcases a few delicate tattoos.

“Who said I'm here with one of your brothers?”

Her voice sounds like, for lack of a better word, pure and utter sex. Deep, smooth and seductive. The kind of voice you want moaning in your ears.

“Okay, I’ll bite. If you’re not here with one of them, then how did you get into my house?” I ask, taking a sip of my whiskey while raising a brow in her direction.

“It’s so crazy,” she drawls, turning so that more of her body faces me. “But it’s amazing the places you can get into with the right dress and a smile.”

My eyes rake over the front of her dress and immediately, I notice the thigh-high slit–a bit racy for a funeral. I contemplate her words and begin wondering if she truly did sneak into my house.

“Oh, trust me, with a face as perfect as yours, I can imagine. I’m Ambrose,” I say, extending my hand.

She stares at it nervously before a sly smile creeps onto her lips. She gives me her hand, and immediately, I'm bringing it to my lips to kiss her knuckles as I wait for her name.

“Valerie?”

Antonio's voice rips through the air, and she snatches her hand away from me. He walks over, slipping his hand behind her and facing me, “I see you ran into Val. I'm sure you have a bunch to catch up on, but mamá wants to see her.”

My eyes darken as all the pieces start setting in. “Valerie Farina?” I ask, and the smirk that appeared innocent is now one of the most wicked ones I've ever seen as she begins giggling to herself.

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