Page 199 of Valentino

Not now, fucker.

I turn toward Francesca but have missed her reply. What the hell did she say?

My eyes flick between Olivia and Francesca as I try to connect the dots. Enrico and Romeo fall into conversation.

“I know, oh my God.” Olivia laughs. “Who would have thought.”

Who would have thought what?

“I’m so happy,” Francesca replies. “How’s your mother going after her knee operation?”

“She’s great, it really is nothing short of a miracle.” They continue on but my thoughts drift to Rome.

She’s seeing someone….

Romeo stands. “Well?”

I glance up at him, confused.

“It’s okay, man.” He rubs his hand over my shoulder. “I’ve got you.”

I drop my head and nod, overwhelm swimming dangerously close to the surface.

Romeo knows what I’m thinking before I do.

“Let’s get you a drink.” He pulls me out of the chair by my elbow. “A nice strong one.”

15 months later.

In slow motion I push open the door and through the glass shower screen lock eyes with Carlo.

Anna’s legs are around his waist, and he’s buried deep inside of her.

No….

The room is steamy and now lit with a red glow. Anna’s moaning, sliding up and down on his cock, too lost in the moment to notice me.

No….

Thump…

Thump…

Thump… goes my heart.

This can’t be….

The red fog swirls, and in slow motion, Carlo winks with a sarcastic smile.

Something snaps, a cord of sanity finally breaks, and I walk into the shower, and I take my gun and hold the barrel at Carlo’s temple…and I fire.

Three shots.

Blood splatters all over the shower screen, all over her.

“Val.” Her face falls. “What are you doing, it’s not how it looks. I love you.”

I hold it to her head. “Please don’t,” she begs.