Page 13 of Naked Truth

Chapter Eight

Raoul

“She looks nothing like her.”

“Who does she think she is?”

“She’s no Hernandez, I can tell you that.”

Those comments and more by the extended family aren’t whispered, nor are they meant to be kept from Valentina’s ears. I sweep the room with my gaze, taking mental note of those now on my shit list. It’s no surprise who they are—the same ones who covet Dom Hernandez’s vast assets, hoping that one day they’ll benefit from the death of a great, great man.

Once the DNA results prove Valentina is truly who she claims to be, there will be no division of assets. She is the sole heiress to the entire Hernandez empire. Her very existence cuts the rest of the family out of inheriting anything upon Dom Hernandez’s passing. That alone is reason for me to never leave her side, regardless of my sworn promise to my employer.

“Come, little bird. Allow me to have the first dance with Louisa Rosa Valentina Hernandez.” I lead her to the center of the courtyard and twirl her so she’s facing me. The crowd parts to allow us room and we settle into position. Once the music begins, a beautiful waltz that we clearly both know judging by the bright smile on Valentina’s face, we execute the moves flawlessly.

Gone are the negative comments, the frowns from the rest of the family. There is only Valentina and me in this world we create for each other when our souls connect as they connect now.

Has there ever been a more exquisite sight? Valentina dancing in my arms, the beautiful red dress twisting around her as she spins. I dip her, leaning in, and rest my forehead to hers. I’m aware of the audience we have, applauding as we complete a fluid move, our footwork in perfect sync as if we’ve been dance partners our entire life.

“You dance like a master, Raoul.” She allows me to lead her backward and spin her around to dip her once more.

This, I know. I had lessons as a boy and then again as an adult when I dated a dancer for a time. “Having you in my arms makes me feel like a master, little bird.”

The music ends and we bow to Dom Hernandez as those around us applaud. He claps enthusiastically. “Muy bien, mi amor. Muy bien!”

“Gracias, abuelo.”Valentina curtsies gracefully, lowering her head in honor to the head of the family. Her actions please my employer, as well as me. I stand even straighter, the pride I feel for my woman swelling in every part of me—and I do mean every part.

“The rest of you, join in praise. Let us celebrate the return of my precious nieta. Familia is everything. Tonight, she joins us as a Hernandez. To Valentina!” Dom Hernandez raises his glass and drinks immediately go up around the room.

“To Valentina!” The rest of the family chants in return. Most of them, anyway.

“I wonder how long it will take this one to be caught in her lies,” I hear a woman whisper snidely behind me. I turn and stare her down, conveying exactly what I think of her unkind words. She quickly darts her attention away as embarrassment darkens her cheeks.

I return my gaze to Valentina to see her smile is no longer as bright. I take her hand. “Pay no mind to her. She is jealous she is not in your shoes.”

“I don’t think she’d fit in them. I barely do.” She winces and then smiles through her obvious pain. “My mother’s feet were also thinner than mine.”

“Would you like me to escort you to your room for you to change into shoes that fit?”

She shakes her head. “I don’t want to miss a minute of this party.”

“Or of our money, I’m sure.” One of the cousins speaks up, and Valentina’s striking smile wilts once more.

“Don’t be cruel, Felix. She looks just like Rosa. If Dom is certain, who are we to question the head of the family?” At least the woman dancing with Felix the idiot has a good head on her shoulders.

“The old man has been certain the last several times, as well.”

“You’d be wise to leave my side, good sir.” I glare at Felix until he leads his partner away. I twirl Valentina away from the crowd in the hope of returning that smile to her face. “Please don’t let their doubts get you down, little bird. It’s not important to them who you are. It’s only important to you and Señor Hernandez.”

“Is it important to you?”

I think about my answer. If I say yes, she may misinterpret my answer as me not trusting her. If I say no, it discounts how much she means to me, how much my life has already changed because of her. “What matters to me is that you’re happy. Tell me, Valentina. Are you happy?”

“Right now? Very,” she purrs and rests her head against my chest, warming my heart.

I dance us outside the crowd and onto the grass. “Remove your shoes, little bird.”

“With pleasure.” She kicks them off and we resume our slow, comforting dance. “Tell me something about you, Raoul.”

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