Page 89 of Frayed Bonds

“It was only one day when a few friends and I were in a club and this guy cornered me on the way back from the bathroom with a gun, that I started to realise what was going on. He threatened to kill my family if I didn’t go with him–”

My voice cracks and I’m full-blown sobbing at this point, as I allow years of repressed memories to all come flooding back in.

Ambrose is fully cradling me as I cry and I swear I couldn't thank God enough for him right now.

“I was so scared because my mamá was sick at that point and my papá was the only one who could take care of her. Thankfully, one of the security guards worked for Mattheo and told him he saw me leaving with a random man. Mattheo’s jealousy was probably what saved my life that night, because after they had gotten me into their van and realised they were being followed, they quite literally tossed me to the curb. I broke my jaw and had a few other minor fractures. The doctor said I was lucky to be alive.” I say, a shiver running down my entire body.

The door creaks open and I panic trying to shoot up but Ambrose holds me in place. “Get out,” is all he says, causing the door to quickly shut again.

“Anyway, long story short, it turns out it was someone Mattheo owed money to and they were trying to take me for ransom and now here we are two and half years later, me still dealing with nightmares from that night.”

“So when Horatio grabbed you in the club…”

“It all came flooding back,” I say, my voice cracking towards the end. It’s a horrible uncontrollable cry that has me shaking and struggling to breathe, the kind I’ve only ever let escape when I was alone.

Ambrose is right there through the entire thing, trying to soothe me, allowing me to feel all of my emotions after I calm down enough to talk. I sit up slightly and I wipe what I can only assume is a masterpiece of smudged mascara and lipstick.

“You look beautiful, sweetheart, stop it.” He wipes a tear away.

“I got make-up on your suit.” I frown trying to wipe it with a napkin.

“I own the label, I can have another one here tonight. I don’t fucking care about it. I care about you being okay, sweetheart,” he says in a hushed tone.

“I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone that story before, not even Natalia.”

“I’m honoured that you’d trust me with something like that Val, I want you to know I’m here for you, whenever you need it.”

All I can do is nod, too scared to say anything else, because from everything this morning I don't think anyone has ever cared for me as much as Ambrose does.

“C’mon, let's get out of here.” He kisses my cheek quickly before smacking my ass lightly as I get up.

As we’re driving towards Ambrose's house to pick up my things, my phone's notifications are going off like crazy. It’s a reminder about the commission and how the delivery date is coming up in the next few weeks and it's reminding me how I definitely haven’t started yet.

“Cazzo,” I breathe out

“What’s going on?” Ambrose asks as we pull into the driveway, his eyes darting around the driveway checking who is at home even though we always take the side entrance to get to his room.

“I have this commission coming up, and I haven't gone to get the supplies yet.” I sigh and slump onto his bed.

“How come?” He furrows his brows.

“I guess I’ve just been procrastinating it, I've been struggling with my creativity a bit.”

He remains quiet for a bit. “Do you want to go get them on the way to your house? I don’t know what time art stores close around here.” He shrugs as he starts packing up my things.

“Could we please? Also, I can do that,” I say, standing up.

“Sit down, Val, I’ve got it,” he scolds.

“Are you trying to get rid of me, Ambrose Vitale?” I ask hoping my tone conveys how insulted I feel.

“Never, sweetheart,” he stops next to the bed. “Quite frankly I’d ask you to move in but…” he trails off.

“But you know I can’t because of my papá and also because Antonio will lose his shit,” I say with my eyebrow raised and he rolls his eyes before leaning down.

“But I know you deserve more than sneaking around every single day.” He connects our lips.

“I wouldn't mind sneaking around every single day if it ended like this.” His lips on mine are enough to have me throbbing. He gently pushes me backwards until my back hits the mattress. The kisses slowly start moving along my jaw and down to my neck melting away the stress of today.

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