Page 38 of Bulletproof Baby

17

LIA

Kidnapped by a mob boss.

Whose life is this?

Valentino drinks wine from a glass while I desperately cling to my sanity. I feel fine for someone who's been knocked out, but the amount of questions I have is nearly double from my first time meeting Valentino.

There's no denying how lethal he is. I remember the ease of him disarming and defeating the men who tried to take me. The way he fended off Frankie, and probably would have killed him if Frankie weren't so important to me. As the fog lifted, dosed by more competent kidnappers, Valentino cradled me effortlessly in his arms.

Well, maybe it wasn't as effortless as it felt. Still, he cares for me in ways I want, but there's so much danger around him, me, this stupid situation that's burying my parents. I'd stay in this beach house forever if I could. Refuse to return to the life where my parents ache for a freedom they're likely never going to get.

"So you and Saul are related?" I ask Valentino.

"Fuck no," he scoffs. "Stefano Barrone's mother was Rosario Caputo's first wife. Saul comes from whoever came after Great-Grandmother Maria. She stole money from Rosario. That's what the feud is about truthfully. Having his wife stolen bruised his ego, having a few million dollars snatched from the Caputo coffers…that nearly ruined their family."

"La Familia, you all condone this behavior?"

Valentino shrugs. "Deception and theft from wives is a risk. It's like a curse, sometimes more like a guarantee."

"Is that why you're not married?" I ask him. "Or are you?"

"Not married and never have been. My mother, Hera, walked out on us when I was a kid. Pop bought this place for her as an engagement gift. He was just starting to make money, and it was before he was a don. That's why it's so small compared to the other places out here."

"I'm sorry, Valentino. It's the perfect size for me."

He sighs, changing the subject back to marriage. "I've never wanted to be tied down to anyone. But, having met you, I can see the appeal."

"The appeal? So you're not head over heels in love with me by now?" I ask with a giggle.

"You're growing on me," he quips with a smirk. "Lia, I do care about you. I want you safe. At least without Saul's interference, we can figure things out on our own terms. And what about you, my sweet Lia? Why is a woman like you still a virgin?"

That makes me laugh. "I'm not exactly a virgin anymore. I also have to say that sex with you is beyond what I ever imagined."

"We're two of a kind, Lia. Why are you ignoring my question? What's taken you so long to get swept off your feet?" he prods.

"I'm not exactly easy to carry?—"

"Don't disrespect the woman I'm falling head over heels for. Besides, it seems that I'm the right kind of guy since you're easy to carry in my arms."

Heat blooms across my cheeks as I turn away from him. Embarrassment ripples through me. "That was cheesy, but it was good."

"It was good because you know I'm good for it." He flexes his muscular arms and prowls toward me from his end of the sofa. Valentino has a way of disarming me, making me comfortable in his embrace. He slips behind me so I'm leaning against him.

"Seriously, Val." I nuzzle against him. "No one's been able to get my attention long enough for a conversation, let alone have them talk me out of my jeans. Besides, I spend most of my days at work."

"You've been with Frankie these past few weeks. Have you ever thought about doing something other than working as an office manager? What do you want to do with your life?"

I shrug. "Would you be surprised if I told you that I actually enjoy managing the construction sites? There's something empowering about bossing a bunch of guys around to build something beautiful."

"Okay, so you stick with construction. What do you like to do for fun?"

"You."

Valentino stifles a laugh, mixing with a snarl as his mouth kisses the lines of my neck. "Don't start with me. I'm still recovering from this busted lip. Do you know how many clients I had to tell that I got into a bar brawl from the last one you gave me?"

"You're the one who likes it rough. Can I ask you what that's about?"