Page 184 of Valentino

I glance up from my dark fog. “My parents.”

“Okay.” She gives me a kind smile. “You did good.” She clicks the tape recorder off.

I nod.

“Can I give you some personal advice, Anna?”

“What’s that?”

“Stay away from these men. Both of them.” She reaches over and puts her hand on top of mine. “You don’t deserve this, and you will never be safe while ever they’re in your life.”

My eyes search hers.

“They are both very dangerous and neither of them can give you the life that you deserve.”

Her words hit a nerve and my eyes well with tears anew. “I know.” And that’s the worst part, I do know. There is no future for Val and me.

My love won’t save him….

He’s too far gone.

VALENTINO

Six hours later.

I walk out the front doors and shake my lawyer’s hand. “Thank you.”

“Stay in the country,” he warns.

“Not going anywhere.”

“I fucking mean it.”

“So do I.” I put my hand onto his shoulder. “Go home, thank you.”

My phone beeps a text.

Around the corner to the right.

I turn the corner and see the black SUV parked and I get into the back seat.

“Hey.”

“Hey, boss.”

The car pulls out onto the road and I dial Giuliano’s number.

“Hi,” he answers.

“Is he dead?” I ask.

“Not yet.”

“You know what to do.”

“Already on it,” he replies, “We have a nurse on staff, he won’t survive the night.”

“Make sure of it.