Page 139 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

Caterina

Istayed up most of the night, unable to fall asleep. Instead, I doomscrolled Instagram and watched TikTok videos until I finally passed out sometime around 4 AM.

When I woke up around 8, I blearily checked my phone –

And freaked out when I saw a text had come in at 7 AM.

The buzzing of the phone must not have been loud enough to wake me.

I frantically opened the message and read it.

I’m taking your guy to Gela.

Look on the internet and book a room at Casa di Violetta.

Hire a taxi to take you there. Get the address off the internet and give it to the driver.

Text me when you get there.

When I can, I’ll text you where to meet us.

And DON’T wear any perfume. I don’t want to take him back home smelling like you.

Another text message had come in at 7:30:

Text me back to confirm you got this.

My heart nearly leapt out of my chest as I texted back,I got it!

Then I ran around the room like a chicken with its head cut off.

After all, I was an hour behind.

I have to pack!

I have to go NOW!

I hurriedly showered and threw on some clothes. I figured I could do my makeup in the cab or at the hotel in Gela.

I searched Hotels.com for Casa di Violetta but couldn’t find it.

I looked on Google, found the number, and called. They had several rooms available, so I immediately booked one.

Then I threw everything into my suitcase and zipped it.

When I checked my purse to make sure I had everything, I hid most of the cash deep at the bottom, then wondered how much it would cost to get to Gela.

I checked the distance on Google Maps –

ONE HOUR AND TWENTY MINUTES?!

That’s going to be an expensive cab ride!

I stashed 500 euros within easy reach at the top of my purse, just in case, and ran for the elevator.

I was going to see Valentino!

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