Page 73 of Die for You
We both hate one another, so any secret rendezvous is out of the question.
“This is your room. I have a meeting I must attend.”
She dumps her backpack near the dresser. “Okay, let’s go.”
“Pardon me? That wasn’t an invite.”
“I really don’t care. I’m here because you don’t trust me. You want to keep an eye on me in case this is one of Gianna’s ploys to infiltrate your home. But guess what? I don’t trust you either. So where you go, I go.”
She has every right to think this.
“Suit yourself.”
She gestures for me to lead the way.
Bria has thankfully made herself scarce as we make our way to the garage. Valentina doesn’t say a word when she sees my collection of cars. I decide to take the pickup as I have a dollhouse for Donkey’s daughter. It’s her birthday this weekend, but I won’t be attending. So I’ll give it to him tonight.
We drive in silence, the radio’s background noise filling the quiet. My thoughts are with my daughter. I don’t even know what she looks like. However, seeing a photograph of her makes this entire thing real.
And it makes me despise Valentina more than I already do.
I park the car in the private parking lot at the back of the store. I notice Valentina looking at the shop closely. I suppose this brings back memories of Aldo.
She now knows he wanted to adopt her to keep her safe. Or at the very least, use her against Gianna. The lesser of two evils, I suppose.
I take in our surroundings, ensuring nothing feels out of sorts. Donkey isn’t here yet because I’m early. We get out, and I’m on edge as I walk toward the back door. I keep looking over my shoulder. Something doesn’t feel right.
I retrieve my gun from the small of my back and unlock the door. Entering cautiously, I switch on the light. Everything looks the same.
“Stay here,” I softly instruct Valentina.
She nods, and I am not surprised when she produces her own gun.
She occupies the front as I do a quick sweep of the store, but I know this place like the back of my hand. There is no place to hide, other than the storeroom, which I have torn apart to no avail. All my stones are where I left them, and I can’t see anything out of place.
All the hippie shit is still emanating its mumbo jumbo.
My safe and the money, jewels, and drugs inside are untouched.
Perhaps I’m just on edge.
I walk back out to Valentina, who looks at me. But I shake my head.
We hear a car pull up out back, and both of us are on guard as we peer out. It’s dark out as the moon has gone into hiding. But the taillights belong to Donkey’s sedan.
Valentina and I walk outside to meet him, and when he sees her, he soon works out who she is. He knows better than to ask questions. He instead looks at the pink monstrosity in the back of my pickup.
“For Amelia,” I clarify. “Every six-year-old likes pink, right?”
Valentina’s demeanor instantly softens.
Donkey’s lips twitch. “Yes, she’ll love it. But you’re not coming to her birthday party?”
I shake my head.
“Do you need me?”
“I appreciate the offer, but it’s your daughter’s birthday. Celebrate with your family. Nothing is more important than that.”
