Page 18

"Did you like it?"

Valentina's voice drifted softly through the hush of the car, her fingers brushing over the console as she turned on the seat heaters without a word. The quiet hum of warmth filled the space between them, a delicate comfort against the chill pressing in from outside.

"I loved it," Lilith murmured, her voice still caught somewhere between wonder and disbelief.

She shifted in her seat, turning to Valentina with a furrow of her brows, eyes still wide, still glowing.

"I'm just wondering how I've never been there before.

" Her confusion was genuine—how could something so mesmerizing have slipped under her radar?

Valentina's lips curved into the smallest smile, one that softened the sharp edges of her face.

She had noticed, of course, the way Lilith had stood there, gaze stretched wide, mouth slightly parted as though she were afraid to blink and miss it all.

It was adorable, really—this girl who felt everything so openly, so unashamedly.

"It's not really popular," Valentina said, a quiet amusement threading through her voice.

"How?" Lilith tilted her head, strands of light hair brushing her cheek, her confusion blooming into something tender. How could anything Valentina touched not become wanted, devoured, adored?

"It costs," Valentina answered simply, one hand resting loosely on the steering wheel. Then, almost as an afterthought, she added, "A lot."

Lilith giggled, soft and sweet, as if the answer had been inevitable. Of course it did.

"There's a reservation list," Valentina continued, glancing at Lilith with that same small smile, "and they limit the number of people who can enter."

Lilith she liked that. It made the place feel even more private, like a secret tucked into the city, something rare and precious. But curiosity, relentless and soft, pushed at her ribs.

"Is it the only place you worked on?" she asked, hoping—maybe too eagerly—that Valentina would offer her more, peel back another layer.

Valentina shook her head, a subtle movement, almost imperceptible in the dim light. "No. Hogwarts is the most special one, but not the only one."

Lilith smiled, a small, blooming thing she couldn't hold back. It was the way Valentina remembered, the way she stored everything Lilith ever said, like nothing was too small to matter. As though Lilith herself mattered.

"The other places were mostly for my family and friends," Valentina added.

Lilith's lips pulled into a faint pout. She knew she wouldn't see those places—those were private, tucked away behind doors she wouldn't be invited through.

But then, as if she'd plucked the thought straight from Lilith's mind, Valentina murmured, "My sister's house—I worked on it. It's near." She turned her head, eyes glinting softly in the dark. "We can pass by?"

Lilith nodded, the eagerness spilling through her before she could temper it. Of course she wanted to see it. Even if only from the outside, even if only for a moment—just to touch a piece of the world Valentina carried inside her.

The engine stirred beneath them as Valentina started the car, her hands steady and sure. Lilith wanted to watch her, wanted to watch the delicate play of her long fingers on the wheel, wanted to lose herself in the quiet grace of her hands.

But her phone rang.

The screen lit up with a name she didn't want to see. Her mother.

Lilith's heart stumbled, the warmth of the car suddenly too much, her skin prickling. She wanted—desperately, absurdly—to open the door and jump out onto the cold pavement. Her thumb moved fast, rejecting the call before the second ring.

"You can answer," Valentina murmured, her gaze flickering sideways, eyes glancing at the glowing phone on Lilith's lap.

And just like that, the car was filled with a quiet Lilith didn't know how to step out of.

"No, it's okay," Lilith murmured softly, thumb brushing over the screen as if to wipe away the lingering ghost of the call.

But the silence that followed was heavy, pressed against her ribs like a weight. She wondered—what could it be this time?

It was late, far too late for anything ordinary.

And of course, she knew—the main reason her mother called was to carve her up, to slip sharp words under her skin until Lilith felt small, shrinking into herself inch by inch.

But still, the anxiety twisted inside her, tight and knotted, whispering that maybe this time it was something else.

Maybe this time it was real, urgent, necessary.

Everything had been going well.

Of course her mother had to remind her that peace was temporary, that no matter how far Lilith tried to step outside the circle of her past, it would always, always reach for her.

She let out a soft sigh, tilting her head until it rested against the cool window. The vibration of the car beneath her cheek was a small, humming comfort, the kind that almost—almost—lulled her away from herself. She was proud, in a quiet, aching way, that it didn't pierce as deep as it once did.

But it still hurt.

And some nights she wondered if it would ever stop—if the haunting would ever quiet, if she'd ever stop feeling like a pathetic little girl, trembling beneath a shadow that should have faded long ago.

The hydroxyzine she'd taken earlier and the exhaustion of the day softened the edges of her mind, a gentle haze slipping over her. The warmth of the car, the faint scent of Valentina wrapped around her like a hush, and she could have so easily, so sweetly, drifted into sleep.

But before her eyes even had the chance to flutter closed, Valentina's voice threaded through the air, low and steady, pulling her back.

"Oh god," Valentina murmured under her breath, her eyes catching on the figure leaning casually against the car parked in front of the house.

Chiara.

Perfect timing.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, could you wait for a second?" Valentina turned towards Lilith, voice soft, before switching off the engine and stepping out into the night.

Lilith sat in the car, watching through the window as the two women greeted each other.

There was something striking in the way they mirrored one another—the sharp curve of the jaw, the graceful sweep of their hands as they moved.

The other woman looked a bit younger than Valentina, her smile quick and frequent, lighting up her face.

Did Valentina get out alone because she didn't want Lilith meeting the woman?

The thought tugged at Lilith's chest, uncertain and small. But the weight of curiosity was stronger, and almost before she realized it, she was slipping out of the car, stepping lightly across the drive to stand behind Valentina, her hands fidgeting at her sides.

"And who is that pretty girl?" Chiara's voice rang out, warm and teasing, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she glanced past Valentina.

Valentina's gaze softened when she turned, her eyes falling on Lilith like a quiet landing. "Lilith, this is my sister Chiara."

"Hi," Lilith murmured, almost inaudible, her voice a delicate thread in the night air.

Chiara was quick to beam, clapping her hands together. "Driving by without stopping in? Wow, I see how it is."

Valentina let out a soft sigh. "We weren't planning to—"

Chiara gave a mock gasp. "Weren't planning to? Excuse me, royalty. Come inside before I drag you in by that fancy coat." She tipped her head playfully toward the taller woman. "Mom will be so happy to see you, Valentina.''

"Mom?" Valentina echoed, her voice edged with a sigh, eyes flicking toward Chiara.

"And Dad," Chiara added with a grin, winking lightheartedly before looping an arm through Valentina's and another through Lilith's, tugging them gently but firmly toward the front door.

In that small, sudden moment, Lilith thought that Chiara reminded her a little of Amber—something in the easy brightness, the effortless pull of people towards her orbit.

Lilith glanced up at Valentina's face, stern and composed, and the contrast made her let out a quiet giggle, the sound slipping past her lips before she could stop it.

Inside, Chiara disappeared down the hall as they shrugged off their coats, Valentina leaving her heels on, elegant even in the soft shuffle of homecoming.

And then Lilith heard it—voices drifting from another room, quick and musical, wrapped in a language she couldn't quite catch.

Valentina heard it too. "They can be loud and nosy," she stated, a faint smile pulling at the corner of her mouth. "Don't worry too much about it."

It was a soft reassurance, like a hand brushing lightly down Lilith's back.

Lilith tilted her head. "Did I hear Italian?"

Valentina only nodded in reply, already moving further into the house. "I am Italian," she said simply, her voice smooth as silk, slipping away down the hallway.

Valentina Salvatore was Italian.

And if that didn't make her even hotter, Lilith honestly didn't know what else could.

But... there was no accent. Not on Valentina, not on Chiara. Lilith wondered about it for a passing moment, her brows faintly pulling together in curiosity, before her feet carried her forward, trailing behind Valentina with a nervous flutter low in her chest.

She could hardly believe it—just a few hours ago, she was wondering if Valentina even wanted to talk to her, and now, here she was.

In the same house as her sister. Her parents.

It felt surreal.

Lilith stood quietly beside Valentina in the spacious living room that opened into the kitchen, her fingers brushing nervously over the sleeve of her coat. She barely had time to take in the details of the house—it was undeniably beautiful, though it felt so different from Valentina's style.

Then came Valentina's mother, her accent unmistakable as she greeted both her daughter and Lilith with warmth that swept into the room like sunlight.

Even though her age was unmistakable, she was beautiful—elegant in a way that made it impossible not to notice.

And if Lilith had to be honest, she was such a milf.

Her father followed, giving Lilith a gentle nod, and in that moment, she saw Valentina reflected in him—the shape of the gesture, the quiet strength in his eyes.

It was kind of cute, Lilith thought, how Valentina kept the greetings brief, as if she were trying to spare her from feeling awkward.

All four of them, Valentina, Chiara, their parents—they shared something, something deeper than just features or mannerisms.

And maybe that was what made Lilith's chest ache a little.

Because when she thought of her own family, all she saw was a tangled web of exhaustion and wounds that never closed.

The only thing she seemed to share with her parents was emotional instability—and maybe a little of her father's mind, but it was never enough to feel like home.

Valentina's mother wrapped her in a soft, short hug. "Are you hungry, bella?"

Lilith shook her head quickly, a polite smile fixed on her face. She hadn't eaten all day, but it was the last thing on her mind.

"Oh, come on," her mother tutted, waving her hand and gently steering her toward the large table where Chiara was already perched with a glass of white wine.

Lilith eased into a chair, the sounds of Valentina and her father's conversation—a low murmur about business—floating in from the living room. A moment later, a warm plate of orecchiette con cime di rapa was set before her, and as soon as she took the first bite, it hit her: she was starving.

Not just for food, but for this—this softness, this feeling of sitting at a table where women gathered, laughed, offered second helpings without asking. She'd never had that. Her house had been a quiet war zone.

It had been a long time since she'd eaten a home-cooked meal made by someone else.

Lilith could cook—she did it often, out of necessity, sometimes even beautifully—but there was something about someone else cooking for you, the quiet care folded into every plate, that softened something inside her she hadn't realized was clenched.

"From where do you know our Valentina?" Chiara asked, swirling her wine, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"She's my brother's boss," Lilith answered, careful and polite, wondering if that was the right thing to reveal.

"Ohh," Valentina's mother chimed in, delighted. "And what do you do, Lilith?"

"I study... psychology," Lilith said, her lips curling in a shy smile. God, when was the last time she'd introduced herself to someone new? She felt out of practice, like she was fumbling through a language she once knew.

"You must be a smart girl," her mother beamed, already reaching toward Lilith's plate. "More?"

Lilith's eyes widened. "No, no, thank you—"

But Valentina's mother, clearly not a woman who accepted no for an answer, swept her plate away with a cheerful hum and headed back to the kitchen to refill it.

"She's always like that," Chiara sighed, rolling her eyes fondly. "How old are you, Lili?"

Lilith smiled softly at the nickname. "Twenty."

"So young," Chiara murmured with a grin. "And what were you doing with Valentina?"

Lilith opened her mouth, unsure how to explain, when Valentina appeared like a shadow at her back—rescuing her from the weight of the question.

"We were planning on robbing you," Valentina deadpanned, plucking Chiara's glass of wine and taking a sip with a glint of mischief in her eyes.

"Lilith, blink twice if you need rescuing, babe," Chiara teased, shooting an exaggerated eye roll at Valentina as she watched her swipe her wine glass.

Thankfully, Valentina only took two languid sips before placing the glass back on the table, murmuring something about driving tonight.

Lilith let out a quiet giggle, warmth rising to her cheeks as she twisted in her chair to glance up at Valentina. Valentina leaned in slightly, her hands resting on the back of Lilith's chair, her presence wrapping around her like a shadow and a shield all at once.

"I wouldn't be surprised if she kidnapped you," Chiara smirked, lifting her wine glass again just as their mother appeared with impeccable timing.

"You both, don't even start," their mother warned in a singsong voice, setting down yet another heaping plate of pasta in front of Lilith, then bustling back with one for Chiara.

She cast a glance towards Valentina, who was already shaking her head with a quiet, almost imperceptible smile, signaling she didn't want a plate.

Lilith's heart squeezed unexpectedly—at the quiet affection in this house, at the easiness of it all, at the way Valentina and her family seemed to know each other so effortlessly, something that felt strangely unfamiliar to Lilith, who had never experienced such seamless understanding, even when it came to a simple plate of pasta.

Chiara smirked, her voice lilting with amusement. "Look, Mom, she's gracing us with her presence."

Without missing a beat, Valentina shot back, her tone dry but playful, "Look, Mom, Chiara's still trying to be funny."

Their mother let out a long-suffering sigh, shaking her head before reaching out and giving both of their noses a quick, affectionate pinch. "No wonder why your dad didn't even come in here," she muttered lightly, making her way out of the kitchen.

Both women cracked soft smiles, the sharpness of their banter softened by the warmth beneath it.

Chiara downed the last of her wine in one go, setting the glass down with a satisfied little clink before standing up and calling after her mother, "Mom, wait for me—I'm leaving before Vale tries to boss me around!

" And with that, she almost ran after her.

Valentina let out a long sigh, sinking into the chair beside Lilith. Lilith giggled softly. "I like your sister."

Valentina crossed one leg over the other, her voice dry. "She's drunk."

"I'm way worse than her when I'm drunk."

"Trust me, I know," Valentina murmured clearly recalling the night at the bar. But then her tone softened. "Look, sweetheart, I'm sorry," she said quietly, probably meaning for bringing Lilith into this family chaos without warning.

Lilith shook her head, smiling. "No, it's okay." She reached out, her fingers resting lightly on Valentina's arm in a quick, instinctive gesture—reassurance—but she quickly pulled back, not wanting to cross any line.

"Finish your food and we'll get going," Valentina said, nodding at Lilith's plate.

Lilith picked up her fork. "You don't want some?" she asked, tilting her head as she stabbed a bit of pasta and held it out toward Valentina.

For a second, Valentina looked like she was weighing the most serious decision of her life—then she leaned in, her fingers wrapping lightly around Lilith's wrist as she took the bite from the fork Lilith held.

Lilith let out a soft, surprised laugh at how even in this, Valentina couldn't help but take control. She felt flustered—she had just fed Valentina Salvatore.

But all of that scattered from her mind as she suddenly felt something wet on her bare ankle. She glanced down—and there, licking her ankle, was a cat.

Lilith immediately put the fork away, pushing the plate towards Valentina. She wasn't interested in finishing the food anymore—not with the adorable cat climbing up her leg. "Kitty," she said, her eyes bright as she looked up at Valentina, waiting for permission to touch the cat.

Valentina gave her a nod, and Lilith excitedly helped the cat make its way onto her lap. The moment it settled there, it started purring contentedly, making itself comfortable as Lilith gently stroked its soft fur. "So cute," she murmured, utterly captivated by the little creature.

"Her name is Seraphina," Valentina said quietly, watching Lilith pet the cat.

And in that moment, it only made Valentina even more sure how absurd it was for Lilith to think a cat wouldn't love her—when she sat there looking like she could sacrifice her own comfort, even her life, just to make sure the little creature was comfortable.

Lilith's eyes softened as the cat licked her hand. She couldn't help but think that the name truly suited her—the little cat was like a friendly angel, radiating warmth in its quiet, innocent way.

Valentina finished her pasta in silence, then stood up, signaling that it was time to go. Lilith pouted, gently wrapping her hands around Seraphina and placing her on the floor. The cat sat at her feet, unmoving, its big eyes looking up at her.

"I think I'm going to cry," Lilith said softly, watching the cat stay right where it was, clearly content and unwilling to leave.