Page 207 of Valentino

“I’ll explain everything tomorrow.”

And I will, it’s time I finally told her the truth.

“Explain what?” she whispers into my hair as we hug.

“Why I can’t be around him.”

Her eyes hold mine and she nods, realizing there must be more to it. “Love you.”

“I love you more.”

Guilt fills me, but I know I can’t stay. I’ll have one too many drinks and tell him and anyone who listens how hard he broke me.

Screw that.

I march down the steps and look around for Amid, where is he?

There.

I see him standing by the car and talking to two men, I make my way over. “Hello.” I smile awkwardly. “I’m sorry, Amid, can you take me home.”

“Of course. Just let me know when you’re ready.”

“I’m ready now.”

“Now?”

“Yes.” I look between the puzzled men. “I would like to go home. Now, please.”

“Of course.” He opens the back door of the car and I dive in, he gets behind the wheel and we pull out.

Thank God.

That was a total disaster, I couldn’t even pretend not to care.

Ugh….

I lean my head back against the seat and let out a sigh of relief.

Someone knocks on the driver’s side window; Amid stops the car and winds down the window. “Get out.” I hear Valentino’s voice.

“What?” I sit up. “Don’t you dare get out, Amid.”

The door opens, Valentino grabs Amid’s shirt and pulls him out of the car, in one fast movement, he gets in and slips behind the wheel, closes the door and hits the central locking.

“Don’t you fucking dare,” I snap, I go to open the door, but it won’t open. I keep banging the handle. “Valentino,” I fume. “Let me out.”

“No.”

“I mean it.” I keep trying to open the door. “I’ll smash the glass with my shoe.”

He rolls his eyes as he pulls onto the driveway. “Always so fucking dramatic.”

“Dramatic?” I yell. “You haven’t seen fucking dramatic yet.”

“I’m just driving you home. Relax.”

“I don’t want you to drive me home,” I spit as I cross my arms in a huff. “I’d rather hitchhike.”