Page 273 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

Just that Valentino was in trouble and had sent me away, I’d met Isabella, and now I wasn’t sure if I would ever see him again.

I’ll let you know as soon as he contacts me,she promised.

What if he doesn’t?!!!I texted back.

You know he will. It’s going to be okay. Just BREATHE.

I followed her advice and breathed deeply.

It didn’t help.

I followed Valentino’s advice and had the taxi take me far away –

To Marsala, a city on the other side of Sicily.

The entire time, I was miserable.

All I could think of was Valentino.

If he’d been caught by the police –

Or worse, by the gangsters –

If he was even alive –

And oh my fucking God, why does SHE get to have him?! She doesn’t even WANT him!

I found a hotel on the internet.

Just as the bellhop was opening the door to the room, I got a text from Alessandra.

I just talked to him! He’s fine!

Call me as soon as you can!

He gave me a secret message:

‘Tell Cat I can’t wait to see her again and that I love her.’

When I read that, I burst into tears.

The bellhop looked at me in astonishment. “Signorina… you do not like the room?”

“No,” I said, smiling through my tears. “I mean, yes – it’s wonderful. Everything’s wonderful.”

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When I called her, Alessandra told me everything.

She didn’t mention anything about a dead body, though. I didn’t want to say anything for fear of the phone being tapped, so I assumed Val had gotten away with it.

“When am I going to be able to see him again?” I asked.

“I don’t know, Cat. I got the feeling it might be a while. But as soon as I hear anything, I’ll let you know immediately.”

I wanted to scream,But you don’t understand!

He’s going to get married in just a few days, and I might never see him again after that!

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