Page 11 of Unveiled

After breakfast, I got Aston out of his bouncer and brought him to my chair. Valentino wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close to his body, making faces at our godson.

“If you only knew how you two look right now.” William chuckled.

Valentino exchanged a glance with me before he turned back to them. “One day, I’m sure.”

I giggled, squishing Aston’s cheek against my mouth, making kissing noises. “I love him so much, but I am okay to wait awhile.”

Tanya rolled her eyes. “Belle, Belle, we should get going.”

Confused, I turned to Valentino.

He nodded. “She’s right, Isabelle.” He smiled, withdrawing his arm, then placed it on my thigh, giving it a squeeze. “Liam and I have some business to attend to.”

I smiled, handing Aston off to Tanya so she could change him before we left.

“I know you have a dress for tonight,” Valentino wrapped his arms around me once again and pulled me to his body, “but if you see something you want, please get it, okay?”

I sighed.

“Isabelle.” He placed his hand on my jaw. “Money is no issue for us, okay?”

“I know.” I awkwardly nodded. “I just feel bad spending it unless I have a good excuse.”

“It’s your birthday, so there is your good excuse.”

The Publicist

The minute the girls and the baby left, my expression became rigid. I marched to my office mini bar, pouring William and myself a full glass of whiskey. “Here.”

“What the hell?” He took the drink from my grasp. Sipping a bit down as not to spill it, he chuckled and set it on a table in front of him. “This is, uh,” he searched for his words, “a lot for so early. Even for you.” He picked the glass up and inspected it before he took another sip. “What’s going on with you, man?”

I finished chugging my own. “I’m supposed to be meeting our new publicist today.” I poured myself another drink as I checked the custom Rolex on my wrist. “Soon actually, and I don’t like her. Joseph’s been interviewing people nonstop already.”

“Who is she?” He folded his arms across his chest.

“I don’t know,” I shrugged, “but I don’t like her already.”

He rolled his eyes. “You hate everybody you don’t know.”

I shook my head as I put the rim of the glass to my lips. “I just don’t have a good feeling about this.”

“That’s reasonable.” His face hardened. “London changed us all.”

“London damaged us all.”

He bowed his head as he took another drink. “True, but you guys really need someone to help. You’ve got enough on your plate and protecting Isabelle has been your priority for a long time now. This is part of that.”

Sliding a hands in my pocket, I nodded. He studied me for a moment, waiting for his point to sink in. This was a common occurrence. William would speak, then pause until he was sure I comprehended his words. I waited for him to gather his thoughts, knowing he was not finished.

“Val, let’s just say this chick tries something stupid.” He sighed, perching on the arm of the couch in the sitting area. “We’re all different people now and we’ll handle it as needed.”

I nodded. “Fair.”

Just as he was about to reply, the butler, Piers, knocked as he opened the door. He poked his head through the threshold. “Mr. Greco?”

We both turned to face him.

“There’s a young woman at the front gate who says she is here for a job interview.” He seemed just as confused as I was.

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