Page 12 of United Reign (Valentino Empire 3)

“No, you’re not. You can’t leave this house alone, Holly. Go and wake up your husband. I’m sure he’ll take you anywhere you need to go.” Neo follows me.

“Or… here’s a thought: you could come with me if you’re so concerned. I’m not waking Theo up. He needs to sleep.”

“Cazzo, per favore non lasciarmi morire per questo,” Neo mumbles in Italian.

I push open a door, thankful I somehow managed to remember where the garage was. When I step forward though, my mouth drops. During Theo’s initial tour of this house, he simply pointed at the door and said: that’s just the garage. He forgot to mention what was inside. This isn’t your regular house garage; it’s a bloody museum of cars. Fast cars. All lined up like a little kid would line up their collection of Matchboxes. I click the button on the keys in my hand and point, waiting to see which option lights up or makes a noise. My smile widens when I spot the shiny red convertible. Yes! This, this is exactly what I need today.

“Where are you planning on going anyway?” Neo asks as he snatches the keys out of my hands.

“Ah, no. That’s not how this is going today. Give them back.” I hold out my palm.

“Not a fucking chance in hell, babe. I am not getting in a car with you behind the wheel.” He laughs as he makes the sign of the cross over his body.

My hands go to my hips. “Fine, I’ll just take a different car. It’s not like there aren't enough choices here.”

“No, you’re not. Get in and stop acting petulant.” Neo opens the passenger’s side door.

Did that asshole really just call me petulant? I smile, even though my blood is boiling. I’m sure he can see the redness I can already feel creeping up my neck. “Hold that thought,” I say, pulling my phone out of my handbag. I need to know where I’m actually going. I call Gloria. She will know what to do.

“Holly, how are you? How’s Theo?” she rushes out.

“Ah, fine. He’s good, Gloria. I need a favor.”

“Sure, anything. What do you need?”

“I need an appointment with a realtor. I’m going house shopping.” I smirk at the shock that crosses Neo’s face.

“Oh, yes, of course. Give me five minutes, and I’ll text you the name of the only realtor I trust. I’ll tell him to expect your call.”

“Thank you.” I hang up, and without taking my eyes off Neo, I place the phone back into my bag and swap it for the small handgun T gave me a while ago. My grip is unusually steady as I raise and point the barrel at Neo. I’m not really prepared to shoot him. At least, I don’t think I am. “Give me the bloody keys, now.”

“Put that down before you hurt someone, or yourself, sweetheart.” He smiles like a lunatic.

“The only person who will get hurt here is you. I’ve shot you once before, Neo. Don’t think I won’t do it again. Only this time, you won’t be wearing a bloody bulletproof vest.”

“T is going to kill me for this, so what the hell? Why not go out with a goddamn bang? Here you are, your highness. I guess you’re driving?” he concedes, handing the keys over.

Huh, this whole queen thing might just be what I needed after all.

Fifteen minutes into the drive, my phone rings. I look down at it and choose to ignore the call. The ringing stops and starts again right away. I know it’s wrong, but I’m going to let him sweat for a little—see how much he likes it when he doesn’t know where his person is. Because he’s my person. The one I don’t ever want to experience another day without again.

Neo looks at my phone. “You should answer that, you know. I don’t think the world will ever be ready for a Theo Valentino who can’t locate his wife.”

The phone rings again, and I press decline. “I know.” Neo’s phone starts ringing next. He pulls it out of his pocket. “Don’t answer it,” I tell him.

“You might get away with not answering his calls, but I can guarantee you that I won’t.” He unlocks the screen and lifts the receiver to his ear.

ChapterNine

Iwake up, rolling over to reach out for Holly, except all I find is emptiness and cold bedsheets. I jump up, suddenly alert. “Holly, dolcezza,” I call out. She’s probably just in the bathroom. I get nothing but silence in return. My heart quickens as I rush out of bed and into the bathroom. She’s not in there, but she has been. There’s a ton of makeup and hair products left behind on the counter.

I relax a little. She must be downstairs. I get dressed and rapidly descend the staircase in search of my wife. She’s safe. Nothing can touch her in this house. That’s what I’m telling myself anyway. I search the kitchen, living room, and dining room. A cold sweat breaks out when I can’t find her.

“Holly!” I yell, waiting to hear her call back. Nothing. Fuck!

One of the guards comes into the dining room, cautiously approaching me. “Boss, Mrs. Valentino left about fifteen minutes ago.”

Someone is about to fucking die. “You let her fucking leave the house? Alone? What the fuck do I pay you all for?” I hiss.

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