Page 19 of Fight Me Little Pearl

“It’s so good to see you again.”

“You have married a beautiful bride.”

Vica pulls away from the other women. “Hello, Val,” she drawls, her voice sultry. She plasters herself against my body as she reaches up to kiss my cheek. She flutters her eyelashes and rubs up on me a little before pulling away.

“You look well,” she drawls.

Vica and I always fucked when our paths crossed. I’m aware she wants more from me, but I’ve never failed to let her know that would never happen. And right now, her cloying perfume repulses me, but I don’t pull away from her because I notice the fire in Francesca’s eyes as she watches us. I almost want to laugh at the territorial expression she’s trying so hard to mask.

Since I’m enjoying that more than the revulsion I feel for Vica, I let my hand momentarily slide down her hip. The movement makes Francesca’s teeth clench. Good!

“Thank you,cara.”

Vica’s eyes flare with shock because I’ve never called her by an endearment. She better enjoy this because it could well be the last time I do.

“Vica, let’s give Valentino and Francesca, his newwife, some privacy,” Freya says with a smile, but she pulls Vica’s arm with more force than necessary. “We’ll see you later, Valentino. Francesca.”

Francesca waves the women off as they leave.

“Follow me,” I say, and walk quickly into the house.

Chapter Ten

VALENTINO

Palazzo della Seraphina was handed down to me by my father, Vincenzo. It was given to him by his father, Oleo, and it has been passed down in this way across eleven generations. I lead Francesca past the grand foyer with fine frescoes depicting Italian mythologies on the curved ceiling, past the grand salon, and up the curving marble stairs. One of the steps is cracked, but no one would dream of replacing it. It is part of the house’s history, just like the dark mahogany furniture that glows with the patina of centuries of women lovingly polishing the wood.

I hear Francesca’s soft footsteps behind me, but we don’t speak until I stop at the door next to the master bedroom. My grandmother used to sleep here when she had one of her famous temper tantrums and refused to share a room with her husband.

“Your room.”

She stands beside me, eyeing the oak door momentarily before sliding me a black look. She’s always frowning at me. “Are we to stay together?”

“Would you like that?”

“No!”

“Then we’re not.”

“Good.” She opens the door, marches into the room, and shuts the door without a backward glance.

I had planned to shower and change, but I don’t want to keep Zio Marco waiting so I trace my way back up the hall and head for the large library downstairs.

This is my favorite part of the house. It’s my quiet place where I make crucial decisions. But right now, it’s not quiet because half the Barone clan is waiting for me. They get to their feet when I walk in, including Zio Marco, the oldest working member of the clan.

When I take a seat behind my desk, they return to their respective seats.

“You look well, Valentino. How long are you staying?” Zio Marco asks.

“Not long. I have to be back in New York by the middle of next week, so I only have a few days to solve this problem.” I lean back in my chair. “Now tell me what the hell is happening.”

“Something is going on. There are whispers that there’s a bounty out for Franco Barbieri,” Zio Marco says. He pauses and chooses his words carefully. “It appears Franco’s son was in talks with other players who wanted Terra de Barbiera and who are now furious that you swooped in and pecked away their prize from under their noses. As you know the land does not legally belong to your wife until she turns 21. Franco has power of attorney over it until then. I suppose they believe they can force him to sell to them.”

“Who are these players?”

“Nobody knows,” Matteo answers. “We suspect Sal is one of them. Everyone knows he is desperate for the land.”

“I’m starting work on that land next month,” I tell everyone. “And I don’t want any hitches. Franco and the rest of his familywill be moved to one of our safe houses, which means the attack will now turn to us.”

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