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“Nope. I’ll have a shower and come down later.” I kiss him again and quickly go back upstairs.
When I come down in a demure dress hours later, I find Valentino leaning against his Black Audi. He is talking on the phone, but his eyes roam my body as if he’s been starving for me for ages.
“You look beautiful,” he murmurs.
“Thank you.” His compliments always melt my heart.
“Let’s get going then.” He places his hand on the small of my back and helps me into the backseat before climbing in after me. Dutch and Vance are in the front seat, as usual. I wait until the car moves before I turn to him.
“Don’t you like my grandfather?”
He shrugs. “The Barones and Barbieris have always been arch enemies.”
“I am a Barbieri.”
He scowls impatiently. “No, you’re a Barone now. Don’t forget that.”
I narrow my eyes at him.
He reaches for me. “Check that attitude,bella; I don’t like it.”
“You can’t upset me and then tell me to check my attitude like it’s not your fault.”
He looks at me with surprise. “You’re upset because I said you’re a Barone now.”
“I’m upset because of how you said it. I’m not a child.”
“Ah, Francesca.” He pulls me into his lap. “You drive me crazy.”
He kisses my lips. “I’ve committed to spending hours in Marco’s company. Surely, I deserve something for that.”
I smile slowly. “I’ll have enough time to show you my gratitude tonight. All night.”
His body tenses. “Don’t say things like that now. You know I’m not a patient man.”
I chuckle. “I know about the family feud, but I feel that you particularly don’t like my grandfather. Why?”
“Because he gave your father to the world,” he says dryly. “That’s enough to condemn the man.”
I smile. “Come on. I’m serious.”
Valentino sighs. “He was merciless when he was in power and he saw my father become weak. I was a teenager and I had just arrived from Italy, but I never forgot the things he did to my father.”
“Really?” I frown, not remembering any of this. I was too young. “What have you done to get back at him?”
Valentino’s gaze hardens. “Nothing.”
“Why?”
“I am not motivated for revenge. Unlike him, I do not go after the old, the weak, and the infirm. He is all three. It would be a waste of my time.”
He leans his head against the headrest. “Contrary to what you think of me, my dear wife, I’m not a monster. If you don’t come for me, I don’t come for you. The problem is, a lot of people just love to try me.”
“So what will happen if my Nonno tries you?” I ask.
He stares at me for a moment and his eyes are hard. “For his sake, let’s hope he doesn’t.”
My family fawn over Valentino as if he is royalty or a celebrity. My mother hovers around him and leads him to the dining table, ready to cater to his every whim. As we take our places at the table she looks like an excited child at a Christmas party. She smiles widely and often.