Page 24 of Unassuming Queen (Valentino Empire 2)

“Yeah, well, I’m not most people. I’m the sister.” Reilly walks off ahead of us and into the building.

I take a deep breath, waiting for the shitshow that is Zac Williamson and his bossy, brooding, overbearing self—which will kick in when we try to take Alyssa out. I hear it as soon as the doors of the lift open into their penthouse. “No, absolutely not, sunshine. You’re eight months pregnant. You should be here. At home. Resting. With me.”

“I’m going shopping with the girls, whether you like it or not, Zac. Get over it. I’ll be fine. Women have been having babies since the beginning of time!” Alyssa yells at him.

“Notmywoman. Not you. Sunshine, if you want to go shopping, I’ll take you,” he counters.

“Sorry, bro, girls’ trip. You’re not invited.” Reilly laughs.

Zac pivots on his heel, sending Reilly a glare to envy all glares. “You, stay out of it.” Then he turns, his scrutinizing gaze running over me. “Holly, you look… good?” It comes out as a question. I know I dressed differently than I normally would. But it’s hot, and I was pissed off at my husband.

“Thanks. We won’t keep her out all day, Zac. We’re just doing a little shopping,” I say in the sweetest voice I can manage. But he ignores me, and instead focuses over my shoulder. I look behind me to see Neo standing there with an equally penetrating gaze.

Though, it does nothing to sway Zac. No, the guy has no sense of self-preservation. “Holly, a friend of yours, I take it?” he questions.

“Uh-huh, Zac, Neo. Neo, Zac.” I motion between them, to which Zac raises an eyebrow at me. “He’s my husband’s cousin,” I add. How else am I meant to introduce Neo to people? I can’t exactly say:Hey, this is Neo, the underboss of the Valentino crime family. Oh! And he’s also my husband’s cousin… my husband, you know, the Don.

Zac is way too observant for his own good. He knows something is off with me. “And why is your husband’s cousin standing in my apartment?” he prompts.

I don’t really know how to explain that one. I look to Neo, and he steps closer to me. “I’m just the driver. Nice to meet you.” He holds his hand out. He’s a quick thinker.

Zac accepts the gesture and offers a palm. “Did you lose your license in the few weeks you were in New York?”

“She probably should. Have any of you seen this one drive?” Neo laughs.

“Unfortunately, many times,” Reilly groans at the mention of the subject.

“So, where is this husband I’ve heard nothing about?” Zac questions.

“He died,” Neo answers for me. I scowl at him. I know I’m not meant to tell anyone, but these are my friends,my family. I can trust them. I know I can. Besides, I’m proud to be T’s wife. I want to shout it from the tallest skyscraper in Sydney.

“We arepretendinghe died. Long story. Don’t really have time to tell it. But he’s working, in Italy. He’ll be here in a couple of weeks.” My words come out fast. I’m really not good at this. I hate lying—although,technically, I’m not. Theoisworking in Italy.

“What does he do?” And that’s the question I’m not prepared for. And of course Zac would be the one to ask it.

“He, ah, he…”

“Runs the family businesses. Busy man, that one.” Neo jumps to my rescue again.

“Okay, well, I’d love to stay and chitchat, but I’ve got shops to hit. Let’s go.” Reilly starts towards the door.

“You two go ahead. Alyssa and I will be there in a minute.” Zac takes his wife’s hand, leaning in as he whispers something in her ear. I watch as she nods her head in agreement.

“I’ll meet you there. I just need to use the bathroom first. This baby won’t get off my bladder.” She smiles at us.

“Okay.” I follow Reilly into the lift. I’m not sure what to think about that exchange. Is this going to happen every time I try to hang out with my friends? Being forced to have an entourage that’ll make people uncomfortable? Halfway through our descent, Neo presses the emergency button on the lift.

“What’s wrong?” he asks me with genuine concern.

“Nothing. You know you’re not meant to press that button unless it’s an actual emergency?”

He smirks. “Far from the worst crime I’ve committed, bella. Now, cut the bullshit and tell me what’s wrong?”

“Holly, what’s wrong?” Reilly parrots.

“Nothing is wrong. I don’t know. Is that normal? Is that how people are going to act towards me now? Not want to hang around me?”

“What? No. Trust me, Hol, you’re going to have more assholes trying to hang around youbecause ofwho you are. I’m sure your friend’s husband just wants to drive her himself. He came off a little controlling like that.” Neo shrugs. “Besides, if your friends don’t want to go shopping with you, you’ll always have me. I happen to love shopping, and I have a great sense of style.” He presses the button, and the lift settles into motion again.

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