~ Chapter 13 ~

Valentina swallowed hard and looked up at her father before looking back at Vinny, who stood at the doorway, with his arms crossed over his chest and a murderous glint in his eyes.  His eyes took notice of the cut on her lip and on her arm, but also of the hands prints.  But before she could say anything, the doctor came in and checked out her wound, shooing everyone but Rafael and Vinny out.

                “De Luca, can you excuse us please?” Vinny asked as the doctor finished bandaging the arm.  Rafael glanced at her and slowly he shook his head.

                “I’m very disappointed, Val.”  And in all her years she had never felt so small.  And it wasn’t like she made a habit of it.  In fact, she was the one attacked!  Vinny hunched down and she stared at his jean clad legs, not w