Page 65 of Angelo

“We’re family now, aren’t we?” Ignoring the blonde’s hostility, Elyse tried to build a bridge, “I was hoping that we might be become friends, too.”

Valentina didn’t mince her words, “You and I may be family now, but we will never be friends. I do not like you, and you do not like me. We are like cats and dogs. You are the dog, by the way, in this scenario.”

Elyse started, “I—”

Valentina didn’t let her finish, “What do they call female canines in English again? The word slips my mind."

Bitch.

Elyse scowled into the phone. "I know we haven't been on the best of terms, but I was hoping that you'd let me extend an olive branch."

"An olive branch?"

Valentina sounded suspicious. Elyse stopped beating around the bush. "Would you like some help with planning your wedding? Let me be the bitch to your bride."

Valentina chuckled despite her obvious animosity toward Elyse. "You want to be my little bitch?"

"Yes."

"I find that hard to believe."

"I'll take care of anything that gives you a headache."

"Will you, now?" Valentina sounded intrigued.

Elyse knew that the blonde wouldn't be able to readily refuse her offer, not without angering Alessandro. This was why she had extended this sham of an olive branch. She intended to cozy up to Valentina and uncover the blonde’s hidden agenda once and for all.

It hadn't been easy to convince Valentina over the phone, but, by the end of their conversation, Elyse managed to convince the blonde—in a strategic onslaught of nonstop flattering and badgering—to go wedding dress shopping with her.

The next day, she picked up Valentina in her vehicle. They went toVia Della Libertà. The ritzy avenue was very much the Rodeo Drive, or FifthAvenue, of Palermo. Long lines of upscale shops and luxury boutiques stretched before them.Dolce and Gabana.Louis Vuitton.Gucci. Burberry.Prada.

Together, the two women strolled down the avenue toward the boutique where Elyse had scheduled Valentina's dress appointment.

As always, Monte and Luca followed behind them.

Side by side, Elyse and Valentina's silhouettes cut a clear contrast.One tall, in stilettos.One short, in flats. One blonde.One brunette. One leaner.One curvier. But both stunning in their own way, causing heads to turn in the crowd of shoppers and pedestrians.

Without a trace of bitchiness, Elyse addressed Valentina politely, "Thank you for coming."

Valentina had called her afemale canine, and Elyse was ready to live up to the namesake. Real bitches, though, never showed their claws until it was time to draw blood.

"My mother should be here," Valentina flung back with a haughty stare, "instead of you."

An eyebrow arched. "Unfortunately, your mother must remain in Salemi until further notice. The decision is out of my hands."

Domenico was dead, Alessandro was stillcapo, and the former Mrs. Vitale needed to live with the consequences of her grave misstep.

"Lies," Valentina hissed with a snort. "I suspect that you have Sandro wrapped around your little finger. One word from you, Dr. Romero, and my mother could be back in Palermo by tomorrow."

"You flatter me, but, sadly, my authority has limits. Alessandro iscapo. His mind is his own, and he's in charge of our clan," Elyse reminded the blonde, "not me."

"What a dutiful wife you are proving to be," Valentina mocked, "to know your place so well."

"If you’re trying piss me off, it won’t work," Elyse informed her calmly. “I’ve dealt with too many assholes in life to be bothered by you.”

"Then," the blue-eyed blonde countered with a flippant expression, "I must try harder."

Elyse smirked. "Be my guest.”

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