Page 17 of United Reign (Valentino Empire 3)

“What are we doing anyway?” Neo asks.

“We’re going to work,” I say, pulling into the Valentino Empire building. I have many offices across the city, but this is home base. It’s also the one my father frequented.

“Right, and why are we going to work when there’s a fucking war raging in your city?”

“Becausewe need to make money. The shit doesn’t print itself. Besides, we have to get back to a normal routine. Holly wants things to settle down. We have to put a fucking end to this war and move on with our lives.”

“Right, because Holly wants you to.”

“What’s with the attitude? If you have something to say, just fucking say it.”

“Nope, nothing.” He gets out, slamming the door. Anyone else, I would have shot already.

“What’s your problem with Holly? I thought you liked her.”

“I do like her. That being said, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but she’s changing, man. She’s turning into someone different. This world, it’s changing her. And I don’t know if it’s for the better.”

“What I see is my wife getting stronger. Something she needs to do… if she’s going to survive in this family. I see her standing her ground more often. Not being frightened of her own fucking shadow. Yeah, she’s changing but in the best possible way.”

“You don’t think it’s weird that she killed that fucker and hasn’t even lost a wink of sleep? Do you remember your first kill? Because I sure as fuck do.”

“She hasn’t processed it yet. I know that. But when she does, if she needs to fall, we’ll be there to pick her back up.”

“You know that girl loves you to the ends of the earth. The things she’ll do for you… well, it’s fucking scary. Don’t break her, T.”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I don’t plan on fucking breaking her.”

“Really? It wasn’t any of my business when I had to pick her up off the floor when she contemplated following you to the grave, because the thought of a life without you was too much for her. But yeah, sure, it’s none of my fucking business.”

I watch Neo storm off into the building. He barges through the door that leads to the stairs. Fucking idiot. I nod politely at everyone as I make my way to the bank of elevators.

* * *

“Good morning, Mr. Valentino. How are you, sir? Can I get you anything? Coffee? Tea?”

I’m trying to figure out who the hell this chick is, but I come up blank. “Who the fuck are you?” I ask her.

“Ah, I’m Brittany, sir. I was appointed your secretary. I guess the other girl quit, so now I’m all yours.” She flutters her eyelashes.Yeah, that’s not going to happen.

I turn and walk into my office, slamming the door behind me. This space gives me an odd sense of peace, the view of Central Park somewhat relaxing. I sit down and fire up my computer. I’ve done as much as I could for our legitimate companies while I’ve been away. But, it’s not the same as actually being here. Opening my emails, I can see I haven’t done as well at keeping up as I thought. I buzz through to Brittany and tell her to hold my calls for the morning. I need to focus on this shit.

* * *

The door swings open. I have my hand on the gun strapped to the underside of my desk and I’m just about ready to draw, when I see Holly walk through.

“I’m sorry, sir. She wouldn’t wait.” Brittany gives my wife the evil eye and pushes her way forward.

“That’s because I don’t have to wait.” Holly smiles sweetly. “Isn’t that right, babe?”

“That’s right.” I smile. I really fucking love the new Holly with all her sass; it’s a fucking turn on.

“Uncle T, Auntie Holly said you can see the whole world from your office.” Isabella runs straight up to me, throwing her little arms around my neck.

“Well, I don’t know about the whole world, but you get a good glimpse of the city.” I turn her around to face the window.

“We’re up really high. Aren’t you scared you’re going to fall?” Isabella questions.

I laugh. “No,bella, I’m not scared of falling. Where’s your mom?” I ask the kid, but look to Holly for an answer.

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