Page 72 of Waiting Game

Why did I come back here?

Why did I think that I could make it work with this guy?

Now I only looked at him with disgust, and not the respect I once felt for him.

Now I saw him for what he truly was - not a good guy, but a good actor.

Pete was even angrier now, and grabbed me by the shoulders as he huffed and puffed. There was a knock at the door that made us both flinch.

“Who’s here?” he snapped at me, and I shrugged, walking towards the door to answer it.

He held out a hand, stopping me, and went to answer it himself.

I thought I was dreaming when Pete answered the door and I saw Ren standing there. I wanted to run into the safety of his arms, but I didn’t know how to react with Pete standing between us.

“Can I help you?” Pete asked.

Ren’s eyes scanned the blood falling from Pete’s nose, and then flickered to me, “you okay, Val?” he asked, ignoring Pete completely.

Pete looked between him and I, and then laughed, shaking his head.

“So this is the ex?” he asked.

“And who are you?” Ren asked, with a laugh.

“I’m her fiance,” Pete snapped.

Ren laughed again, shaking his head, “okay, buddy.”

“Excuse me?” Pete snapped again, stepping close and getting into Ren’s face.

“Val,” Ren looked me up and down, “what’s going on? Are you okay?”

“She’s fine mate,” Pete pushed Ren by the shoulder, “you can go now.”

He tried to shut the door in Ren’s face but Ren caught it with his hand.

“Did I fucking ask you?” Ren slowly tore his gaze from mine to frown down at Pete.

Ren towered over Pete, who I always thought was quite tall until now. The biggest difference though, was in their bodies. Pete was tall, but lanky - really, there wasn’t much to him. Ren was quite the opposite.

“She’s not your concern anymore,” Pete said through gritted teeth.

Ren was growing increasingly frustrated and amused by Pete’s act.

“She will always be my concern. She’s a Santino, and she will always be under the protection of The Family. I’m not sure you understand who you’re fucking with,friend.”

“What, cause you and your little gang are so tough?” Pete scoffed.

“I’m not talking about fucking with me, I’m talking about her.”

Pete looked at me for a split second.

“Valerie is an heir to one of the most powerful families in this country, are you really sure you want to get on her bad side?”

Pete pouted, and puffed his chest.

“You right, Val?” Ren asked again in an almost whisper.

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