Page 8 of Unforgettable Underboss

Valerie closes her eyes and takes a shuddering breath before opening them again. “We’ve met before,” she whispers.

I’m not sure what I was expecting her to say, but it wasn’t that.

“I know you don’t remember. It was a long time ago.” She pauses to gather her thoughts before pushing forward. “Twelve years ago, to be exact. The Orchard Grove trailer park was caught in the crossfire of a territory war. Several of our homes and vehicles were destroyed, leaving most people more destitute than they already were.”

Orchard Grove… Orchard Grove…Yes, that rings a bell. I haven’t thought about the awful conflict between us and the 702 Skull gang in years.

“I’m truly sorry that innocent people’s livelihoods and homes were collateral damage in the violence of the war. Despite our ruthless reputation, the Caparellis never want to endanger civilians.”

“I know,” Valerie replies, surprising me. “You came over the day after the shootout and assessed the damage. You organized construction projects and purchased new cars for people who needed them. For weeks, you dropped off groceries for everyone in the trailer park. You even…” Valerie blows out a breath, looking away from me.

I hang on her every word. I vaguely remember the clean-up we did around Orchard Grove. It was our duty to protect those in our territory, and we failed them. Aurelio and I needed to make it right.

“Yes?” I prompt softly, encouraging her to finish her thought.

Valerie focuses on where our hands are joined, gently turning mine over so my palm faces up. She traces the lines with her fingertips, her delicate touch driving me wild.

“You dropped off Christmas presents after your final walk-through of the trailer park. That’s how I got my first sketchbook and charcoal set.”

I’m speechless as I swallow past the lump in my throat. I had no idea the impact such simple actions had on her life. I’m humbled that I had anything to do with Valerie’s art, and I’m damn well going to ensure she’s always safe.

“Not long after that, my parents died in a car accident. I was left in the care of my older brother. He…” Valerie closes her eyes, fighting with herself for the right words. “He’s a mean drunk. Well, he’s mean all the time these days,” she adds, her words rushed, edging on frantic.

“Is he the one who hurt you?” I grit out.

She nods.

“It was little things at first, you know? Gripping my arm too tightly or pushing me out of the way. The older I got, the more my brother drank. The more he drank, the shorter his temper became.” She sniffles, blinking her eyes a few times to clear away the moisture. “Fast forward several years, and now… It’s so much worse. I had to get out. I had to.”

She stares directly into the depths of my soul, pleading with me to believe her. I have no choice. I’ll ensure her brother never lays a hand on her again.

“I knew you would protect me, or at the very least, you’d hear me out,” Valerie whispers. “But then I got all tongue-tied and didn’t know what to say or where to start, and now…” She trails off, her breathing erratic.

The pulse in her wrist races under my fingers, but she rips her hand from mine and stands before I can respond. Taking a step back, she tenses as if preparing for something explosive.

“I’m sorry,” she murmurs, her voice cracking. “I shouldn’t have been following you. I shouldn’t have dragged you into this mess. I… I’m…”

I realize she’s interpreting my silence as rejection, but she couldn't be further from the truth. I’m standing beside her in the next second, wanting to ease her pain and misplaced guilt. Her emerald eyes glint with unshed tears, and I can’t resist the urge to pull her into my arms.

Valerie gasps as she places her palms on my chest, fisting my shirt and holding onto me like I’m the only thing keeping her from drowning. I can’t stand the pain and fear in her gaze.

Without thinking, I lean down and brush my lips to hers, needing some way to show her I’m here and I’ll be the man she remembers from all those years ago.

She moans and kisses me back. Her soft, pliant lips taste like raspberries, and I know I’m completely gone for this woman.

5

VALERIE

My body melts against Enrico’s, and I surrender every last part of me to this man’s strength. I moan softly and let him in, gasping at the need behind each stroke of his tongue. I taste his longing, his promises, his desire for me. For us.

My hands slide down his hard, chiseled body and I grip his hips, pulling him closer. I’m desperate for more of him.

Enrico groans and tangles his hands in my hair, angling me right where he wants me so he can delve deeper into my mouth. He’s all-consuming, his cedarwood and spice scent, the warmth of his mouth, his hard length rubbing against my stomach.

“I’ve wanted to do that from the moment I saw you,” he murmurs against my lips before taking them again, claiming them as his own.

I roll my hips against him and slide my hands up his chest, fisting the collar of his shirt and clinging to him with everything I am.

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