Page 6 of Valentino

“It’ll distract you from the pain,” Valentino adds.

“Doubt it,” I breathe, preparing for another pinch.

“Try,” he tells me before repeating the process with a second bandage.

“My dad’s business associate,” I blurt out, hoping it covers up the cry of pain. “I met him for the first time four days ago.” Valentino nods, encouraging me to continue as he works on my side. “My father called me into his office and told me to introduce myself to my new husband.”

Valentino growls, his brown eyes fierce with something I can’t quite make out. “Then what?” he rasps, focusing his attention on the next bandage.

“He said…” I bite my bottom lip, not wanting to relive the incident but knowing I have no choice. “He said he wanted to sample the goods,” I murmur. “My dad was right there. Sitting in the corner,” I say with more conviction. “He watched Raffe grab me and just… just sat there.”

“Fucking bastard,” Valentino snarls. “Did he… fuck, princess. I don’t know how to ask this.” Brown eyes meet mine, pleading with me to tell him the truth.

No one has ever cared this much about me, and it’s perplexing and overwhelming to think it’s coming from my family’s sworn enemies.

“I didn’t let him touch me,” I whisper. “Not like that.”

“Thank fuck,” he says softly, true relief flooding his eyes. As if the rest of my statement is just catching up to him, Valentino’s eyes turn from reassured to pure rage. “How did he touch you, then?”

I wave my hand over my side, showcasing the answer. “He wrapped his hand around my neck and tossed me into a side table. I broke a lamp and landed right on the biggest shard of ceramic.”

“And your father just let it happen?” he asks as he places a large Band-Aid over the four butterfly bandages holding my cut together. Valentino helps me sit up, then takes a seat in his chair, his eyes locked on mine and waiting for an answer.

“He was concerned when I fell, but only because visible scars are unacceptable. If I cut my face, he probably would have sent me to a plastic surgeon.”

“How can he just… Damnit,” he grunts, taking a deep breath. “That’s insane, Katya.”

Indignation spikes my heart rate as it flows through my veins. “You seriously don’t believe me?” I spit out. “I didn’t even want to tell you in the first place, and now you’re calling me crazy? How–”

“I believe you,” Valentino says, cutting me off. He holds my gaze, those deep brown eyes lulling me into a sense of safety, almost against my will. “I believe you, Katya,” he says again, his hand resting on my hip. I’m all too aware I’m only in my bra and pants, but there’s nothing I can do about it now. The rough pad of his thumb caresses my bare skin in a calming gesture, and it feels far too good. I’m not sure he’s even aware he’s doing it. “I’m sorry you had to experience that.”

For the tenth time today, I’m left speechless and bewildered by this man. He’s apologizing for my pain?

Tears rush to the surface, and I try blinking them away before they drown me completely. I can’t do this right now. I can’t break down in front of Valentino. I can’t feel these emotions, can’t accept his kindness, can’t do anything but force it all down and pretend nothing bothers me like I always do.

Only it’s not working this time.

My teeth chatter as my eyes fill with tears, but still, Valentino never looks away. Slowly, so slowly, he lifts his hand toward my face, giving me plenty of time to back away. I don’t want to, though. I’m desperate for more of his attention, more of his surprisingly tender touch.

Valentino cups my cheek, brushing away the first tear as it falls. “You’re safe here,” he murmurs.

I shake my head no, unable to believe him, even if I want to. “For how long?”

Something dark flashes across his eyes, followed quickly by a practiced look of indifference. I recognize it all too well. Valentino drops his hand from my cheek and stands, taking a step back as if being close to me is now dangerous.

“I’ll check on the wound in the morning and change the Band-Aid,” he says matter-of-factly.

He’s back to being cold and business-like, which is probably for the best. We both shared some shit in the heat of the moment, but it’s wiser to shut up and keep our distance.

“I won’t be here in the morning,” I point out, gingerly climbing down from the table. I ignore Valentino's hand as he reaches out to help.

“Of course, you will. You’ll be staying here tonight. Your room is the second door on the left.”

“Excuse me?” I question. I gather up my bloody shirt from the table, not wanting to put it back on but also not wanting to be this exposed. I ball the fabric up and hold it in front of my chest, attempting to cover as much skin as possible.

“Oh, did you have other plans tonight? Another warehouse with better accommodations, maybe?”

I narrow my eyes at the enigmatic man, who is vulnerable one minute and aloof the next.

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