Page 112 of Frayed Bonds

A loud screech sounds through the apartment, causing the three men to exchange glances. The two security guards who joined us for the search quickly rush off.

“Apologies, they were notified of a security issue they need to take care of, I trust you are not carrying anything suspicious?” Horatio eyes Ambrose and Antonio. “Follow me,” Horatio says.

Antonio is first after him, hands in his pockets and my brows furrow. Ambrose is next to me soon after, offering his arm to help me ascend the stairs which are ungodly slippery in these heels.

The staircase opens into a large living space connected to a rooftop terrace as well. The terrace is set for dinner but Horatio seems to be guiding Antonio to the living area in the meantime.

“Please get comfortable, my boss should be out in a few minutes to welcome you all. I’ll have the staff bring over a few drinks.” Horatio smiles. For someone who acted as if he was the head of the entire organisation a few days ago, he is acting rather submissive now that his boss is in town.

He disappears and we’re all left to our own devices. I can’t help but walk the expanse of the living area taking in the few art pieces decorating the walls. There aren't any I recognise and I move closer to see if they're actual paintings but they turn out to be prints.

Assuming the boss is only staying here briefly while in town, I gather this penthouse came fully furnished. For the price tag, it likely came with, the art could've at least been painted.

Turning back I spot Antonio at the bar and my feet walk over.

“Hey,” I say and he regards me the same way I would a bug on my clothing–with nothing but disgust.

“I’m not in the mood, Valerie,” he says before turning and walking away. I sigh and look out of the window, the entire skyline of Tevici is visible from here, you can see the way the coast curves and I'm sure if you squint hard enough you could probably see the Vitale Villa from here.

“Give him a bit of space tonight Val, things were pretty hectic at home before we left.” Adriano's voice says from next to me.

I simply nod. “I know he needs space but he won’t even let me apologise.”

“He’ll come around.”

“I got you a cocktail,” Ambrose says from next to me, handing me the glass and giving Adriano a look before the younger nods and leaves the two of us alone.

“Gentlemen, apologies for the delay, I had to take care of a small issue at one of my clubs back in Paris.”

No. There is absolutely no way.

Mattheo.

My heart thumps in my chest and stills all at once. The food I had for lunch stirs in my stomach and I want to drag my body anywhere but here.

“Pleasure to meet you,” he says as he leaves Adriano's side and makes his way to Ambrose and me. His eyes meet mine and pure evil flashes through them. When I look up at Ambrose he’s fully neutral, not even the slightest clue as to who is currently in front of him.

“Ambrose,” he says, extending his hand. “I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with Horatio, glad to finally meet the man in charge.”

“Marcelino, pleasure to meet you as well, and who do we have here?”

Marcelino? He has always been a good liar but clearly, he’s a good actor as well.

“This is my girlfriend, Valerie.” Ambrose introduces me, ignorance is not a look he wears often and it doesn’t suit him at all.

“Lovely to meet you–” I start extending my hand and he quickly grabs it and brings it to his lips kissing it. “Marcelino,” I choke out and immediately look up at Ambrose and how he has rage written across his expression.

“Let’s head outside for dinner.” Mattheo claps his hands together.

Chapter forty-seven

Ambrose

“What was that?” I whisper as soon as he turns to leave.

“I-I don’t know,” she stutters out. She looks like she’s seen a ghost and is ready to faint any second.

“Are you okay?”

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