Page 33 of Valentino

My eyes spring open.

Fuck.

Oh my God, that’s it. It has to be it.

I sit straight up in bed, and my chest tightens in the darkness.

I’m the bait.

When he comes for me they are going to kill him, and if I get in the way…then so be it. I’ll die too.

7:25 a.m.

Ruby Red, my choice of war paint.

I slide it across my lips and roll them together, glossy and glam just like the brochure promised.

My long dark hair is up in a high ponytail and I’m wearing a tight black pencil skirt, silk cream blouse and a fitted matching suit jacket. My sheer black stockings slip into my patent black high-heeled pumps. I walk into my bedroom and turn to look at my behind in the mirror.

The best way to fight fire is with fire.

With the rise of the sun came a new sense of clarity. Do they really think I’m stupid?

My eyes drop down my body and I undo the top two buttons on my silk blouse to reveal a touch of my cream lace bra.

“Let’s see what you’ve got, big boy,” I whisper to myself in the mirror; I grab my purse and walk out into the living room. “Good morning.” I smile.

Valentino is sitting at the kitchen counter with a cup of coffee, his eyes drop to my toes and back up to my face, “Good morning,” he replies. “Sleep well?”

“Not really.” I go to the coffee machine, put a cup under it and push the button; I can feel the heat from his gaze burning my behind as I stand with my back to him. My coffee begins to pump. I roll my lips to hide my smile, I’m going to bait this motherfucker to test my theory.

“Why not?” he asks.

I collect my cup and turn back to face him, leaning my behind onto the counter. “Let’s just say that….” I blow into my coffee for added effect. “There are needs that women have. Physical needs that she can’t relax without.”

His eyes hold mine before his jaw clenches, and in that moment, I know.

My suspicions were right.

He needs to keep me at arm’s length so that when the time comes….

I thought we were friends.

“Maybe I just need to go out and let off some steam.” I shrug. “Can we go out dancing tonight?”

He raises an eyebrow, his eyes still locked with mine, he’s wondering if I’ve worked out his plan.

“No.” He sips his coffee and acts calm.

“Maybe we can have a few drinks here then?” I sip my coffee again. “I could cook us dinner, make a night of it.”

If I have to take one for the team and seduce Valentino, I’m sure there are worse ways to go.

“I have to work tonight.” His eyes hold mine and an unspoken message passes between us.

Game on.

“Such a shame, Val.” I smile softly. “You work too hard.”