Chapter 7: Meeting The DELGADOS’

WARNING SIGNS:

LANGUAGE THAT IS UNAMBIGUOUS

CURSING

VIOLENCE, GUN VIOLENCE

SELF-INFLICTED HARM

BLOOD, DECEASE, and GORE

VALENTINA’s POV

"This is my daughter, Valentina Moretti," Father said, gesturing in my direction. She oversees the Italian mafia. I saw the malice in his words, but they didn't.

All of a sudden, I became the center of attention. Since Father never introduced himself, I have to assume that he knew these folks.

As the woman examined me, she smiled. "Hello Valentina, I am Marco Delgado and this is my wife Camila," her husband said first.

As he spoke, he gently lowered his harsh voice. He wrapped an arm around Camila's waist, and I noticed how Camila's first impulse was to withdraw.

I gave a little smile while keeping my lips closed.

I noticed a young guy standing against the wall behind Marco and Camila. The way he stood there showed that he didn't want to be here. As the tall man approached the door, I took a good look at him. He smiled and extended his hand as if to be rather pleasant.

"Hello Miss Moretti, I am Nico Delgado." I said as I observed the different rings on his fingers and gave him a handshake. "Hello," I said.

"Nico is my youngest son, and he is twenty-one years old.

The elder is your fiance, Marco stated while observing me. Future spouse. As I came to terms with my destiny, the foreign term whirled around in my head and startled me once again.

Shit. I wanted to go for a run, but I am unable.

Marco led us all into a dining room, and I gave him another polite grin. They must believe I'm bashful or introverted, but I didn't mind. My big mouth, which told the truth, would soon be discovered by them.

The room was huge and exquisitely furnished. We were given dinner on china plates and a choice of three different old wines to sip. It wasn't the right time or place to become intoxicated, so I just had a glass.

Marco and Camila were having an uninteresting conversation with Father. For some reason, I was let down that Luca wasn't around.

After all, this was his home, and he had no interest in having supper with visitors. Like the fool he was, he may have been hiding upstairs.

At least I learned that he is only twenty six years old, and based on his brother's appearance, he ought to be respectable.

I glanced over at Nico, who I've enjoyed chatting with all night. His chestnut hair, which was neatly combed back and reached to his ears. He was well-shaven and had a defined jawline. He had an undeniable youthful attractiveness in his dark eyes and brows. Nico wore a lot of smiles, which fit him well.

"Although my brother isn't a bad person, he can sometimes be a moron. On his behalf, I apologize, Nico stated while sipping his wine. "I'm simply bummed that he didn't even bother to come to this dinner," I replied, grinning at his sincerity. I now felt less worried and licked my lips.

"I'll locate him and force him to improve his behavior.

Because you, Valentina, will be the greatest thing that has ever happened to him." He gave a knowing nod. "You know how to make a girl blush," I said, smirking. Do you have a girlfriend?

Should I say wife? I asked him.

He wiped his lips with a napkin while grinning lazily. "Unfortunately, none." I set my fork down while tilting my head at him. "Why not?" I questioned. He appeared to be a decent young guy.

It would be unwise for women to allow him to get away. He grinned.

Camila turned to us with a frown on her face. She quickly turned away. I don't know what that bitch's deal was, but she had a beef with me.

"Can't find that one special woman for me. I can tell you'll like Luca. You two have a lot in common." He smiled.

I put my hand over my mouth to suppress a yawn. "How so?" I inquired. He grinned, and his bright dark eyes seemed to sparkle.

"You'll see...Remember Valentina, If he acts like a dick. Tell me and I'll fuck him right up."

"You don't think I can handle myself?" I chuckled.

"I think you can. But I'd like to fuck him up regardless," he hummed.

After dinner, father enjoyed a little privacy with Marco and Camila as they went out for a few beverages. One to which I wasn't invited. I didn't mind though.

I chose to take a peaceful moonlight stroll instead. Vix followed me, and she stayed by my side. "The parents seemed nice and the son," Vix said, as my heels crunched on the gravelled route.

"There was something off about them. Nico was genuine but the parents, I can't figure them out," I responded as Vix hummed in agreement. There was always a reason.

I sat down on a bench in front of a magnificent water fountain. The water from the birds' mouths poured into a pool below, which I saw.

The full moon was reflected in the shimmering white water. As I got lost in my thoughts, I looked around me without purpose.

I had a crazy load of work to complete. And I was just sitting here, wasting my time. Luca didn't even show up.

Maybe he felt the same way as I do. He certainly did.

Suddenly, a deep voice shattered the quiet. "I'm here to see my fiancé," the bastard said. I came out of my fog and saw Vix holding her gun out, aiming it at a man.

"It's okay," I said, and Vix lowered her weapon.

A tall, well-built man approached and sat next to me. I could smell his musky aftershave combined with cigarette smoke as soon as he did.

I gave him a quick look. He was the perfect example of someone who was tall, dark, and attractive. Despite being combed, his mahogany hair remained unruly, with a few wisps of hair flying about. If I ran my hand through it, I wonder how soft it would feel. His brown eyes were captivating, and his sharp jawline was neatly covered with stubble.

Not to mention those lips that beg to be kissed.

Valentina, get yourself together!