Page 38 of Merciless Oath

“Look at all the facts. The lipstick notes on your door, the threatening notes to me only… why hasn’t she ever threatened to kill you?”

“I’m not sure.” I shrug, considering her question. I never thought about it, but it’s true—Valentina’s threats are always directly violent, whereas mine are more… flirtatious.

“Because she wants you!” Valentina practically yells.

People around us throw dirty looks over their shoulders, and we slink lower in our seats. A couple next to us perks up, interested in what looks like a lovers’ quarrel.

“She wants you,” she whispers again, “and she wants me out of the picture.”

“All of this started when you showed up in town,” I say slowly, putting the pieces together.

The woman next to us leans over, almost as if magnetically pulled toward our gossip. Her husband sneaks a few glances, equally as invested.

“Let’s get out of here,” I say, motioning subtly to the couple next to us. Valentina nods, and we head out the door.

Snow flurries swirl around, blinding us as we pick our way through the drifts to my car. We drive in silence, and Valentina doesn’t even ask where we’re going, as if The8 can hear our conversations.

Fuck, maybe they can. I have no idea what we’re up against.

We pull up to a stately townhouse on the west side, and I slip my car into the reserved parking spot. The house is dark except for a single light in the kitchen. I breathe a sigh of relief that Rafael keeps this place staffed all year round.

“What is this place?” she questions, marveling at the ornate architecture and modern, designer updates.

“My friend’s house,” I say, pulling her up the stairs. The feeling of being watched is making me paranoid, and all I want to do is get inside as quickly as possible. “I’ve been avoiding the penthouse lately, but I didn’t think you’d want to sleep on the sofa in my office.”

I punch in the security code and we troop inside, shaking snow off our hair and jackets. Rafael’s butler breezes into the entryway, completely unsurprised at our arrival.

“Mr. Cavalli,” he announces. “Pleasure to see you, sir. Will you be staying the night?”

“Yeah, Roger, we will.” I gesture to Valentina. “This is Valentina Rossi.”

“Ms. Rossi, welcome,” he drones, stooping slightly to show respect. “Any dinner tonight?”

“No, thank you,” Valentina chimes in. “We’re pretty exhausted.”

After we assure Roger we’re set for the night, I guide Lenny up the stairs to Rafael’s guest room. As much as he claims this house is now equally mine, I feel weird sleeping in the main bedroom.

The guest room is equally luxurious and comfortable, with a private bathroom and a large king-size bed. As soon as we’re inthe room, Valentina flops onto the bed and wiggles her feet at me.

“Please?” she begs, putting on a puppy-dog face. I chuckle and strip off her stupid, inappropriate boots as she moans with pleasure and wiggles her toes. “Much better, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” I joke, bowing down somberly. “Your wish is my command. I live to serve you.”

“Stop flirting with me, Enzo,” she mutters, but a smile plays at the corner of her mouth.

“So straight to the sex, then?”

“Shut up,” she groans, drawing out the words. “Can you be serious for a second, like ever? There’s a crazed redhead on the loose trying to kill me and marry you.”

“Well, that rules out the ex-girlfriend theory,” I say, flopping down beside her.

“Why’s that?”

“I’ve definitely never dated a redhead.” I laugh. “Pretty sure I would remember that.”

We lay side-by-side, staring up at the vaulted ceiling. Her hand sneaks into mine, and I give it a couple of good squeezes. We may have been brought back together under the shittiest circumstances, but I regret nothing.

The8 can destroy my entire life if it means having Valentina in it again.

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