Page 47 of Frayed Bonds

“Ladies and gentlemen, would you please join us in the centre for a performance by the one and only, Solex.”

Valerie lets out a gasp, and her head begins dramatically snapping in every direction. “I wonder if Natalia is here,” she says, before grabbing her drink and excusing herself, hurrying over to where Solex has begun singing.

“Apologies, Ambrose, I didn't mean to interrupt your time with your beautiful date. I actually came over intending to introduce myself and possibly secure a meeting with you and your brothers. I’ve heard such amazing things about Vitale Holdings.”

“I understand she’s quite captivating if you let her catch your attention. I’ll have my assistant schedule something, maybe for next week sometime?”

“Perfect,” Horatio smiles, and I shake his hand.

“Count me in as well. I’ll come over to your table later to discuss some other things with you and Adriano as well,” Diego says, and I nod.

We all go our separate ways, and I gravitate towards the crowd; pink has clouded my gaze this entire evening. From the stupid pocket square, I chose, immediately thinking of her, to the flowers that seem to be covering every square inch of the museum. But, my absolute favourite shade of pink comes into view when I spot her standing between Adriano and a female in a skin-tight mesh dress with flowers carefully covering all the essential areas.

The small tattoos I noticed on her back the first day when I barely recognized her now scream at me. They’re scattered so beautifully across her skin, that it only seems fitting for her.

The air temperature increases drastically as I approach her, and as if she can sense it too, she looks over her shoulder and spots me with a warm smile tugging on her lips as she gestures for me to come over.

“Natalia, this is Ambrose,” she says, gesturing to the girl next to her. “Ambrose, this is Natalia, Leo’s sister and my best friend.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” I say, as I slip a possessive hand on Valerie's waist. I don't know why I do it, and I don't miss the way Natalia’s eyes dart to my hand’s position, or the way Valerie stiffens but doesn't move from under my touch.

“Wow, you really are the most intimidating brother,” Natalia says, staring up at me wide-eyed.

Adriano scoffs next to us.

“Oh, I’m sorry princess, it isn’t my fault you lit up light a firecracker when they mentioned my brother's name. It’s kinda hard to take someone serious after they let out a fangirl scream,” Natalia says towards him.

Both Valerie and I struggle to stifle a laugh, while Adriano scowls at the girl who feigns indifference under the heat of it.

I can feel Valerie briefly lean into my touch, everyone’s eyes are ahead on the performance, and I lean down till I’m level with her ear. Goosebumps race across her skin and I smirk knowing even if she wants to hide her reactions to me, her body clearly can’t.

“I owe you a thanks.”

“For what?” She turns slightly in my direction.

“Your little art discussion might have won us a new investor.”

Her face breaks into a smile and she turns searching my face for some sort of dishonesty. “That’s amazing, I’m glad I could help.”

Solex wraps up their short set and applause rings through the exhibit.

“C’mon Val, let’s go say hi.” Natalia grabs Valerie's hand and drags her towards her brother.

Adriano pouts from his spot where his date is looking bored out of her mind, nose deep into her social media feed, which no doubt is seeing every inch of this date.

“You're pouting like a little girl.”

His pout turns to a scowl. “You know how much I love them. Even you love them.” I can’t hold back the laugh that travels up.

“Go introduce yourself, I’m sure he knows who you are as well,” I say and Adriano’s wide eyes stare back at me.

“I know you’ve been acting weird lately, but have you completely lost your fucking mind?”

“I have not been acting weird.”

He shoots me a look that screams yeah right.

“Would someone that’s acting weird have secured us a meeting with a new client?” I stare ahead at where Valerie and Natalia are beaming as they discuss something with Leo.

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