Page 18 of Unassuming Queen (Valentino Empire 2)

But at least I know he’s alive. That alone gives me comfort. Then again, would I even know if something were to happen to him? How would I find out? Surely Neo would tell me.

* * *

I must have drifted off at some point, because when I open my eyes again, it’s to Reilly shaking me. “Hol, wake up. We’re about to land. Come on, you need to sit back down and buckle up.”

“Just five more minutes,” I say.

“Nope, get up. No more time.” She throws the covers off me. “Um, Holly, why do you have the world’s most-outdated phone?”

Her question has me bolting upright. “Shh. It’s a burner. T left it for me. It’s the only way I have to get a hold of him.”

“You’ve been in contact with him?”

“Yes, he’s been texting.” I open the message thread and show her.

“Okay then, but are you sure this guy is really for you, Hol?”

“I love him, Rye. Do you think I’m crazy to want him?”

“I don’t think you’re crazy. I think you’re in love.” She tries to hug me.

Hold that thought. I know T said to only contact him for emergencies. But my sister needing to see for herself why my husband’sworth itcounts, right? I mean, if she hears him, how we justworktogether, she’ll get it. She has to. I press call on the only name in the phone. He answers on the second ring. “Dolcezza, what’s wrong?” Shit, he sounds panicked. I shouldn’t have called. It’s not an emergency…

“I’m okay. I just… I miss you.” I sigh. Hearing his voice doesn’t make me miss him any less. It fucking hurts how much I want him near me.

“I fucking miss you too. Dolcezza, are you sure you’re okay? Have you landed in Sydney yet?”

“No, we are circling now. We should be landing soon. Are you okay?” I ask.

“Apart from not being able to reach out and hold you, I’m okay.”

“I don’t like this.”

“I don’t either. Torno da te appena posso. I swear it won’t be for long, Holly. When I get to Sydney, this will all be a distant memory.”

“I’m sorry for calling. I know I shouldn’t,” I tell him, though I don’t mean it, because I at least got to hear his voice.

“Don’t be sorry. Talking to you is like a balm for my aching soul, dolcezza.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to quit the family gig and go to Hallmark?” I laugh.

“It’s tempting. But no. I have to go, Holly. I love you. Remember: torno da te appena posso.”

“I remember. Make sure you do. Wait, that does mean you’re coming back to me as soon as you can, right?”

I hear his chuckle through the receiver. “Yes, you’re picking up on the language rather quickly, dolcezza.”

“Well, I’m determined to know what everyone around me is saying. I might sign up for Italian lessons in Sydney. It could be a fun way to kill some time while I wait. Also, you never know. With my luck, I could get some hot, young Italian stallion as my tutor.”

“Holly, don’t think my reach is limited because I’m 10,000 miles away. Believe me when I say this: any motherfucker even trying to get too close to you will find themselves at the bottom of the Pacific.”

“Well, you should hurry up and get back to me, because I’m starving and my new favorite flavor is Italian.”

“Great, now I’m walking down the fucking street with a hard-on. Thanks, dolcezza.”

“You’re welcome. I love you, T. Be safe.”

“Always. I love you too. Don’t do anything reckless, and make sure you stick with security or at the very least Neo.”

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