Page 42 of The Veiling

“Noahhh.”

“What, baby girl?”

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, sorry.”

Digging her nails into my shoulders, she leaned forward, kissing me. “So, tell me why you accused him.”

I took a deep breath, resting my palms on her upper thighs. “Because I wanted to see if he was hiding anything. It’s a job tactic I’ve used in the past to get people to spill details. When people think you have a secret about them, they talk.”

The corners of her lips twisted up. “And what was your result, my sexy, mysterious boyfriend?”

“He’s got innocent intentions with the family, but he certainly doesn’t like me much.”

“He’ll warm up to you,” she furrowed her brow, “I hope. He can be a bit weird with guys dating me. At least he has in the past.”

“I love you.” Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her closer, pressing my lips to hers.

“I love you, too.”

“Besides,” I winked, “he better get used to me. I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me forever.”

“What?” Her eyes became enlarged.

“What?” Eyes wide at my own blunt statement, I jerked my head back, staring into her surprised gaze.

“I knew we both felt like this but forev—”

KNOCK. KNOCK.

Laura slid off my lap. Hiding her naked body under the blanket.

“Come in,” I shouted.

The door opened, and Joseph stuck his head inside. “William was able to get an earlier flight, so we’re leaving the house now. We need to go.”

“I’ll be right there.”

He closed the door.

I twisted to Laura, who was still dumbfounded. “Are we able to discuss this when I return?”

“Yeah,” she choked with a tiny nod and half-smile.

Valentino and I had been in bed for only five minutes when Joseph knocked on the door. He informed Valentino that William was able to get an earlier flight departure time, and he was going to get the others together so they could leave soon. My heart sank knowing they were all about to fly directly into the eye of theFelipe and Jesse storm. I did not doubt their skills, but I also knew what my uncle was capable of.

The moment Joseph closed the door, I scooted closer to Valentino’s side, facing him. He slid his arm under me and let out a sigh. Knowing what was on his mind, I reached up and ran my fingers through his hair.

He sighed. “I’m so sorry about all this.”

“This isn’t your fault,” I whispered.

“Sometimes, I feel like it is because he’s not dead.”

“If it weren’t for you, Iwouldbe dead.” I closed my eyes. “How does Liam not hate me for what happened to him and Tanya?”

He cupped my jaw, causing me to open my eyes again. “Bella, you are not the problem and never were. Your uncle is the problem. Liam might not have known what to think about you at first, but that was because I’d never shown an interest in any woman like you. Now, he loves you like family and you know that.”

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