Page 59 of Wicked Rivals

I jumped up and slammed my hand against the door to keep it shut, caging her inside my arms.

“Listen to me,” I said.

She kept her back turned, refusing to look at me, and pulled on the door handle.

“I’ve heard enough. I need to go make sure Enzo’s okay.”

I leaned in close to her ear and lowered my voice to help calm her.

“The boy is safe, Val. This house is completely secure. Security sensors on every door and window. My enforcers have everything locked down. If anyone comes onto the property, I will know.”

Her body relaxed against mine, and I wrapped my arms around her waist and held her.

“I don’t think this is coming from Benedetta,” I continued. “But you’re right. She didn’t have a choice, and she knows it’s a contract. I don’t love her. She doesn't even like me, but we have an understanding. I understand it isn't what girls dream about for their future, so I’ll look into it.”

It couldn’t be.

She wouldn’t betray me.

I walked Val back to the sofa, pulled her down on my lap. Then I slipped my hands into her robe to press her tighter against me, needing to feel her skin against mine again.

“You'll look into her specifically?” she asked.

“I will look into her, her closest friends, her security staff, and her father,” I promised. “Just in case that shady bastard gets tricky. I don’t think it’s her, but it could be someone inside her inner circle.”

“I don't know if I can believe you…”

Her voice sounded small now. The fight had finally left her.

“Do you think I would lie about something this serious?”

“There’s too much on the line for me to take that risk, Stefano. You're on a path of blood and vengeance. I get that. You made a promise to your mother, and you're seeing it through.”

I nodded.

“Is your marriage to Benedetta in service to that debt?”

“It is. And for no other reason.”

I grasped the back of Val’s neck, wanting to bring her lips to mine, but she held firm, grabbing my wrist and wrapping her fingers around it. She raised her gaze up to meet mine.

“Then I need you to make me a promise,” she said. “A single promise that’s just as important as the one you made to your mother. Can you do that for me?”

“I can, of course. But if I will, well, that depends on what it is you want.”

“No, you need to agree before I tell you.”

Her narrowed eyes burned into mine. She was dead serious.

“I’m not promising to stay away from my son,” I warned.

“That’s not what this is about,” she snapped.

I nodded.

“Then whatever you need, Val. It’s yours.”

“What I need is for you to find the man threatening our son. And when you find him, end him. Make an example of him. Make everyone terrified to come for Enzo.”

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