Page 164 of Valentino

My phone vibrates again in my pocket, who keeps trying to call me?

I look around at my suitcases all lined up. “Who packed my things?”

“I did.”

“You went through my stuff?”

“I did.” He steps forward again. “Going through your stuff was very enlightening.”

He knows.

I cross my arms, angered. “You should have asked for permission before you touched my things.”

He gives me a slow sexy smile and steps forward before running his hand down my behind. “I’ll touch your things whenever I want.”

The air crackles between us and damn it, this little caveman act he has going on should be a turn-off, instead it’s complete and utter fire.

“I’m taking a shower.” I pull away from him and walk into the bathroom; I turn the shower on.

Bang, bang, bang sounds at the door.

I open it in a rush. “What’s wrong?” I ask.

“Why are you locking the door?”

“Because you are acting so weird that it’s frightening?” I fire back as I open the door.

“I just….” He swallows the lump in his throat. “Don’t lock the door.”

As soon as I see his face everything becomes crystal clear, he’s scared for me, that’s why he’s acting like this. He feels responsible for keeping me safe…and that’s a lot of pressure.

“Okay.” He nods as if distracted

“Is everything alright?” I ask him softly as I raise my hand to cup his face. “You know…you can talk to me, Valentino.”

His eyes hold mine and damn it, I wish I could read his mind.

“Have your shower,” he replies as he pulls away from me.

“And then we can talk?” I ask him.

He nods.

“Yeah?” I smile hopefully and take his hand in mine. “I’ll have a shower and then we can…” I shrug, I mean…I know what’s on my mind but, “…we can try and relax and…it’s been a long day, hey?”

He nods. “It has.”

“Why don’t you get in with me?”

“I’m going to order dinner and then I will.”

“Thank you.” I smile, “Close the door behind you.”

I wait for him to leave, and I tie my hair up into a high bun, undress and get under the hot water.

Something about today has me feeling exposed and vulnerable, all I can think about is poor Valentino and the nightmare he’s stuck in.

The guilt of lying to him this morning has left me feeling sick to the stomach and damn it, I want to make it up to him.