Page 30 of Tilly
“Anything for you, Little V.” Emilio winks, turns on his heel, and reluctantly slides in beside Alessandro.
“Oh my god, what is happening? Why are they following you around like a pack of lost puppies?” Kinsley asks.
Shit. What do I say?
“I… uh… I’m not sure how I can explain,” I admit.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to tell us anything,” Rosa says.
“Thank you.” I sigh in relief. These two girls are my best friends. The two people I trust the most in the world whose names don’t end with Valentino, but I can’t admit to them what’s happening. I can’t ever tell them the rumors are true. About me. My family. Antonio.
“So, tell us everything about this future fiancé of yours.” Kinsley nudges my shoulder.
“Boyfriend, not future fiancé. And what do you want to know?”
“Is he…?” She holds up her index fingers slowly moving them apart to create more and more space between them.
“You are not asking me how big my boyfriend’s you know what is, are you?” I gasp.
“I am. So how big we talking?” She grins.
“Nope. Not going there.” I shake my head at her.
We spend the rest of lunch talking about everything and anything else. I’ve needed this. I’ve been spending so much of my free time with Antonio that I’ve been slacking in the friend department. The girls and I promise to catch up again soon before parting ways outside the coffee shop.
And, of course, my three large chaperones follow me to my next class. I’m ready for this day to end. Like really, really ready. I’m starting to think I should have just stayed home.
Chapter Sixteen
Lying here with Tilly sleeping in my arms might just be the closest thing to heaven I’ll ever get. I’m not a fool. I know the things I’ve done… the choices I’ve made in life are sending me to one place and it’s not anywhere near where this girl is going. But I have her now, and I’m going to cherish every fucking second I have left on this earth with her.
The thought of something happening to Tilly sends a cold chill down my spine. I’ve experienced loss. In our world, it’s hard to avoid. But I don’t think anything can prepare me for losing her. Not now that I know what it’s like to have her, to be loved by her. She loves with her whole heart. She doesn’t hold back. And when it’s just the two of us, I see a side of this woman she doesn’t show to anyone else.
I had a meeting with her father and uncle while she was in class today. Emillio was pissed I went without him. But I needed him to be with her. I couldn’t be there, and I don’t trust anyone else like I trust my brother and Rafe.
I don’t want to get up, but I have to. I need to catch up with the Valentinos again and cut this threat off at the head. Literally. We have a plan to draw the fucker out and that plan involves me dragging my ass out of this bed.
I shift myself from underneath her. She stirs a little but doesn’t open her eyes. I kiss her forehead, pull the blankets up over her, and make my way into the closet. Where I get dressed and then walk out of the room without looking back. It’s better that I don’t.
By the time I make it downstairs, everyone is waiting for me. “I need you to stay here,” I tell Emillio. “Ten of you are to be stationed around the perimeter at all times. Surround the place. I don’t want anyone getting in. Or out. Five on the stairs. No one other than my brother gets up those stairs on your watch. Do you understand me?”
There’s a collective murmur of “yes, boss.”
I look at my brother and can tell he wants to argue with me. He won’t, though. At least not in front of my men he won’t. He knows the hierocracy and respects it enough to keep his mouth shut in public.
“Okay, let’s do this.” I push out the front door, with Rafe hot on my heels.
“Make sure you come back in one piece. I wouldn’t put it past those fuckers to accidentally aim a stray bullet your way,” Emilio calls after me.
“That’s not going to happen. I’ll be fine. Just look out for her,” I remind him. My tone dark. Serious. “I can’t lose her, Emillio.”
“I know,” he says.
I climb into the car and spot Alessandro and Enzo on the doorstep. I almost forgot they were here. I let them stay purely because they’re Tilly’s family and this is going to be her home. She doesn’t know that yet, but that doesn’t make it any less true. I’m also not going to say no to anyone who has her best interests at heart. I know those two will jump on a grenade for her. Literally. Which is why I put up with their annoying-as-fuck asses hanging around my estate.
“You good?” Rafe asks as he pulls the car down the long drive and out the metal gates.
“I’ll be good when this shit is over and Hernando is no longer amongst the living,” I tell him.
