Page 95 of Sunrise Malice

“This is going to sound extremely corny, so please don’t judge me.”

“I think I’m way beyond judging anyone right about now.”

“I knew it was real when I realized we fixed each other.”

I slow and study her. For a second, I think she’s messing with me, but no, her face is utterly sincere. “That’s not corny. It’s just not what I expected.”

“What did you expect then?”

“I don’t know. You figured out your lives were compatible or something like that.”

“No, that sort of stuff is easy. That’s just logistics.” Valentina shoves her hands deeper in her jacket pockets. “Ronan brings out the best in me. He believed in me when nobody else did. And I think I challenge him in ways he really needs. We make each other better, and when I realized we fixed each other’s flaws instead of amplifying them, I knew what we had was real.”

Fixed each other’s flaws. I think about that as we continue our walk around the block. Julien definitely makes me feel like a stronger, more in control person than I ever have been before. Being with him is like a masterclass in confidence.

But do I fix him? Do I make him better? I don’t even know how I could possibly answer those questions.

“I’m guessing your relationship with Julien is changing,” Valentina says after a little while. She looks at me sideways and seems like she’s trying not to smile. “Maybe it’s changing for the better?”

“I don’t know. It feels that way, but everything’s just so—” I make a vagueup in the airgesture.

“If you want my advice, I’d tell you to go for it. Whatever you’re feeling for Julien, let yourself feel. Don’t hold back just because you’re nervous.”

“We’re not exactly in a good place to start exploring our relationship.”

“It’s never a good place, honestly, not with men like this. If you like being with him, then be with him. Quiet all those nagging doubts.”

“That’s not really easy for me.”

Valentina nods slowly. “I heard about your father. I’m sorry, Brianne. I really am. I didn’t know he was such a bastard.”

“I didn’t tell anyone,” I admit, and saying it out loud makes me feel like such an idiot. Why didn’t I ask for help sooner? Why didn’t I go to Ronan and let him know what was going on? Instead, I took the abuse, almost like I thought I deserved it.

Now, with distance and time, I can see that it was never about me.

It was always about my father.

“You’ve survived a lot already,” Valentina says. “It’s not easy growing up in a family like this. Trust me, I know.” Her laugh is bitter and sad. I know the stories about her: once upon a time, she had a rich and powerful father. She was a mafia princess, given everything, pampered and spoiled. But then her father was killed by the Biancos, and her whole life was ripped to shreds.

“I’m just worried that I’m a distraction, you know? That Julien needs to focus on finishing the war with Dusan and getting his grandfather. And instead, he’s worrying about me.”

Valentina stops walking. She faces me and suddenly grabs my hands. Her expression is fierce as she stares into my face, and I’m taken aback.

“You’re not a distraction, Brianne. You’re good and strong and worthy, right? Just look at him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Julien so happy before.”

A lump forms in my throat. “Really?”

“Absolutely.” She squeezes my hands and lets me go. “Come on. Let’s head back to the house. I suspect the boys are going to need some help.”

I clear my throat and wipe my face. I don’t know why she’s being so nice to me, but I’m beginning to feel like I have some confidence in myself for the first time in my life. Maybe she’s right—maybe I really can fix Julien’s flaws in the same way he fixes mine.

Maybe I really am worthwhile.

Back at the house, we find Ronan and Julien drinking whiskey in the office. Valentina closes the door as I take the chair next to Julien. He reaches out and touches my knee gently like he couldn’t wait to touch me again. Like that ten-minute break was too long.

“We came to a decision,” Julien says, looking at me carefully. “But I don’t think you’re going to like it.”

“Why’s that?”

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