Page 94 of Fight Me Little Pearl
“Mr. Barone.”
“James. What have you got?”
“It’s done. He will start at the office on Monday.”
“He took the job and agreed to stop championing his human rights causes?”
“Without hesitation.”
“Fire him.”
“Already?” James says, shocked.
“Immediately.”
It looks like James has a lot of questions, but he only says, “Okay, Mr. Barone. As you wish.”
“Thank you, James.”
“You’re welcome.”
When the call ends, Valentino hands the phone back to Vance. When he’s gone and the door is closed, he turns back to me.
“That’s your hero, Francesca. The man you love. That’s him. A big fat fake. An empty shell.”
I try not to let the shock show on my face, but my system is reeling from it. I can’t believe Thomas did that. Wow. And yet, I heard it myself.
“Let today be the last time you throw that worthless maggot in my face.” Valentino’s voice is cold and unforgiving. “If you want to compare me to someone, at least let it be someone worthy enough to clean my shoes.”
With that, he walks out of the room.
Chapter Forty
VALENTINO
By the time I walk into the living room, the fury in my body is hot enough to start a war. I’m ready to annihilate everything and everyone in my path. I swipe my arm over the side table, and some glass figurines go flying. They crash and shatter on the ground.
Vance, Dutch, and Roberto stand to their feet, watching me carefully. Vance looks like he’d rather walk over hot coals than be here right now.
“Is something wrong with Francesca?” Roberto ventures.
“Yes, something is very wrong. My own fucking family has betrayed me again,” I answer, turning to them. “They wanted to hurt me and they went through Francesca.” I turn to look at Roberto to gauge his reaction. “They made a video of me. Remember when I agreed to that stupid lap dance? The one with Rosalia.”
Roberto looks shocked. “What? Fuck. Who did that?”
“Federico did it.”
They all go silent. I advance on Vance. My fury knows no bounds.
“Why did you let Federico into my house when I was not home?” I ask. “You let him sit with my wife at my fucking table when you know he’s the last person I trust.”
“I’m sorry, Boss, but La Signora Barone went to open the door herself even though I told her not to. I couldn’t stop her. I didn’t want to touch her.”
It’s not his fault. I back away from him, but my anger grows. I turn towards the door on my way to find the person most deserving of the fury erupting in my belly.
“Valentino?” I hear Roberto shout from behind me, but I don’t stop as I stalk towards the garage. “You’re upset, don’t do anything when you’re upset.”
When I reach my car, Roberto grabs my arm, and I angrily turn and jam my fist into his face. “Don’t fucking touch me, Roberto!”
