Page 55 of Arranged

“Okay.” I gave him a small smile.

“Wait,” Rafael said once Luca was out. “Where are his guards? Was he alone with you in here?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. It looks like we don’t need guards for him anymore. Well, except to keep him safe.” I shifted against the pillows to get more comfortable. “What did you want to tell me that’s so important it can’t wait?”

“It’s your father. He said you didn’t call. He wants to speak to you as soon as possible.”

“Oh fuck.” I ran my hand over my face. “I totally forgot to call him. Shit!”

“He’ll forgive you. He adores you.” Rafael grinned.

“I feel terrible. I can’t believe I forgot to let my own parents know that I was okay. I know you told them, but they were probably waiting to hear my voice.”

“I guess you were busy with other things. Speaking of other things, you and Luca seem pretty close now. I’ve never thought I’d see Valentina Cassaro in love.”

“What?” I waved my hand in dismissal. “I’m not in love. It’s just good company and sex. That’s all.”

“Why am I having trouble believing you?”

“Do you think I don’t know about your pile of romance novels that you used to keep under the bed? Where is it now? Whatever story you came up with in your head about Luca and me isn’t real.”

“I have no clue what you’re talking about.” He looked up as if there was something super interesting on the ceiling.

“Riiiight.”

“Did you come up with something to help us get rid of Santino?”

“Um, not exactly. I guess you haven’t either.”

“Unfortunately, no.” He sighed.

“You know what? Call my father and tell him that I’m coming to see him. If we’re both clueless, then maybe he’ll come up with something.”

“Are you going to take Luca with you?”

“No. There’s no need. He can stay here.”

“Okay. I’ll arrange everything.”

“Great, thanks.”

Once he was gone, I looked up at the ceiling. Breakfast with Luca would have to wait because I needed to get a shower.

I forced myself up to my feet.