Page 81 of Fight Me Little Pearl

Only my grandfather doesn’t look happy with all the attention Valentino is receiving. Thankfully, he sits on the other side of the table, with my mama beside him. Valentino is on my left, while Louisa is on my right. Moments after we’re seated, a woman my mother has hired specially for the occasion serves the food.

“Thank you for coming, Valentino,” Nonno says stiffly.

I touch Valentino’s knee, and to my surprise, his hand curls around mine and our fingers twine. “I’m only here for Francesca.”

Nonno purses his lips, he is offended by the response to his welcome.

But Mama beams happily. “Oh, how sweet,” she coos. “The two of you make a lovely couple. Absolutely lovely.”

“Thank you,” Valentino says suavely.

“Don Barone-,” Mama starts saying.

“Please, call me Valentino,” he invites softly.

My mother nods. “Valentino, then. I haven’t had the chance to personally thank you for giving us this home. It’s beautiful.”

“I did it for Francesca. Her happiness is my utmost concern. How can she be happy when you’re not safe?”

“You’re a perfect gentleman,” Mama answers, her hand fluttering to her heart.

“I try.” Valentino’s fingers squeeze mine, and I suddenly feel a great rush of emotion for him. This is my husband. Mine! I look into his eyes and smile. At that moment it feels as if my heart will burst with happiness.

“Buon appetito,” Nonno says and we all echo the words and begin to eat.

Nonno pats the corners of his mouth with his napkin. “News is spreading like wildfire that you took Joseph Catalano to Terra de Barbieri yesterday. I know it’s none of my business, but may I ask why you chose to ally with him?”

I look at Valentino and feel him tense next to me. So that’s where he was when he didn’t pick up my calls. He went to visit the Terra de Barbieri. My land, which has now become his by marriage. I wonder why he never mentioned it. I’m not an empty, pretty doll, I’m a human being with a brain and he can trust me with a bit of information.

“The answer to your question is already framed within the question, Franco,” Valentino’s voice is hard as steel. “It’s not your business what I choose to do with my land.”

His land? He’s technically right, but how annoying to make such an arrogant statement. I try to pull my hand away from his, but he won’t let me. He sends me a warning glance, but I look away.

“Looks like the men want to discuss business,” I say, forcefully yanking my hand from Valentino’s hold, and rising to my feet. “Louisa, will you come with me? I have a lot to talk to you about.”

I feel Valentino’s gaze burn into my back as I leave the dining room. When we’re out of earshot, Louisa grabs my arm. “I want to find a husband who cares that much about me.”

Unable to bear being in the house any longer, I lead her outside.

“I don’t know why, but Nonno seems to be on edge far more than Valentino. As if he is afraid or resentful about something. Sometimes I even get the impression he secretly hates Valentino so much he wants to tear his head off. I know he cannot be any of those things or he wouldn’t have married his granddaughter to a man he detests so much.”

“Where did all this come from?” Louisa asks, astonished.

“Just from watching Nonno tonight.”

“I never saw any such thing. You’re just being paranoid. Your grandfather did right by you. He chose diplomatically and without emotions. That’s why you’re married to the head of- Damn. Who isthat?”

I follow the direction of Louisa’s widened gaze to where Dutch is leaning against Valentino’s car. He isn’t looking in our direction, but I’m pretty sure he’s aware of our presence.

“That’s Dutch. Valentino’s trusted guy.”

“Oh my! He’s fine as hell.”

I suppose she is right. Dutch is fine if you like huge men. He looks like he can crush a human being with a hug.

“Let’s go to him.”

“What? No.”

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