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I break first, chanting his name over and over like a sacred prayer. Stars explode in my field of vision, lighting up the dark room around us.
His voice seems so far away, like it’s moving through water, but I hear him call my name.
And then a quietly whispered “I love you” follows it, but I block that out as best I can.
It’s better not to go down that path again.
My eyes flutter open, blinking lazily at the sunshine streaming in. Strong arms reach out and pull me in. I smile, remembering where I am.
I settle against Enzo’s warm, hard body, feeling safe and secure for the first time in months.Years, if I’m being honest.
This time, I make no move to sneak out quietly. I’ll fight tooth and nail to stay right here, breathing in that quintessential Enzo scent—clean, manly, straight out of the shower.
My phone beeps from somewhere across the room, and I groan, remembering Matilda has an early morning flight.I wonder what time it is. There’s no way I missed it, right?
I roll out of bed, much to Enzo’s sleepy protests, and root around in my bag. I’m surprised when I see a barrage of missed calls and messages from my family.
Fear curls around my throat, making my breaths shallow like I’m inhaling through a straw.
Matilda.
I hit Uncle Luigi’s name and hold my breath, praying nothing terrible happened to her.
“Valentina,” he greets me. I can hear a flurry of activity behind him, and the panic levels ratchet up.
“Is Matilda okay?”
“Matilda?” he asks, sounding confused. “Her flight’s not until lunchtime. Didn’t you see the messages I sent about the delay? Where are you?”
“I’m sorry,” I apologize, breathing for the first time. “A lot happened, and I’ll fill you in when I’m home.”
“A lot happened here, too,” he grumbles. “The security system was disabled last night, and they got inside the house.”
My breathing stills, and tension seeps into my muscles. Enzo must have finally noticed because he comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and holding me tight.
“We’re just lucky Matilda was in California and you were out all night,” he continues. “They completely destroyed your bedroom.”
“There was no one else in the house?” I breathe, not believing what I’m hearing.
“Some of your cousins were here, but…” he trails off. “It was too late by the time they smelled fire.”
“Fire?” I screech, my voice going shrill. “Is everyone alright? Did the house burn down?”
“Valentina,” he whispers, his voice dark. “The fire was contained, but you need to realize… this was aimed directly at you. They didn’t touch anything else in the house except your room.”
“I’ll be home soon,” I choke out, ending the call. Enzo gives me a questioning look, but before I can fill him in, my phone chimes again.
A message from The8.I hit open and slump to the floor when I see the photo.
A woman lies on my bed, wearing my nicest La Perla lingerie. Her red hair is spread artfully around her, but the photo cuts off at her chin.
I read the attached message and start to shake.
It looks better on me. He looks better on me, too.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Enzo