Page 42 of Days Of Valentino

“No, Graycee. We don’t ask people for things like that,” Kathryn reminds her daughter.

I laugh. I know my dad and he’s a sucker when it comes to kids. There’s a reason I never wanted for a single thing growing up.

“Sorry, Mama,” Graycee says.

“It’s okay, but we are visitors in Mr. and Mrs. Valentino’s home. We don’t live there,” Kathryn explains.

“You’re family, not visitors,” I’m quick to interject.

When the car pulls into the estate, Graycee stares out the window. “Wow, it’s like a palace. Does Cinderella live here too?”

I’ve lived here my whole life. Which means I don’t notice the grandeur of the place. But looking at it through Graycee’s eyes, I can see why she’d think my childhood home is a palace.

“It’s just a house, Graycee. Come on, I’ll show you around,” I tell her at the same time my door is tugged open.

“Welcome home, Miss Valentino,” one of my father’s guards says.

“Thanks.” I don’t bother correcting him. None of my father’s men will use my married name. I think he’s threatened them not to. I wouldn’t put it past him.

My mom rushes to the front door before we make it up the steps. “Oh my god, you’re finally here!” She squeals as her arms wrap around me in a vise-like grip.

“Hey, Mama. I’ve missed you too.” I return her hug while struggling to breathe.

“Okay, you’re done. Now let me see this one.” She bends and holds out her arms for Graycee. My mom has taken on the grandmother role, considering the poor kid doesn’t have any living grandmothers of her own.

“Nonna Maddie, I’m staying at your house,” Graycee says excitedly.

“You are, and we have a room all set up just for you,” Mom tells her. “Want to see?”

“Yes.” Graycee jumps up and down excitedly.

“I’ll come with you.” Kathryn follows my mom and Graycee inside the house, while I head straight for my father’s office.

I might have left out the fact that my dad was shot a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t want Gray or Kathryn to stress unnecessarily. My father says he’s fine and he’s got it under control. Whatever that means. I do know that whoever was stupid enough to try to take out my dad will regret it. I know my family and they don’t take threats or attacks lying down.

The door is open when I get there. Alessandro is sitting in the chair opposite my father. “Liliana, you’re finally home.” My dad stands and walks towards me. My arms wrap around his waist. I’m a daddy’s girl. Always have been, always will be.

“I’ve missed you,” I mumble against his chest.

“There’s an easy way to fix that. Move back home,” he says.

I laugh. I might miss my family, but no way am I leaving my husband. “I know, but Vancouver has my heart.”

I pull back and walk over to Alessandro. He stands, kisses my cheek, and sits back down. “Did you get me a jersey?” he asks.

“Nope.” I smirk. My brother wants one of Travis’s old signed jerseys from when he used to play for New York. The same team he and everyone else in my family roots for. I won’t be wearing New York colors tonight, though. Nope, my allegiance is to Travis and whatever team he’s playing for.

“Come on, sis. What’s the point of having Travis as a brother-in-law if I can’t get a signed jersey?” Alessandro groans.

“He makes your sister extremely happy?” I suggest.

“He has to. If he didn’t, I’d have to put him down.” Alessandro smiles. It’s an evil smile, almost like he’d actually enjoy killing my husband. “I gotta go. I’ll see you at the game tonight. I’ll be the one wearing the right jersey color. Unsigned,” he grumbles before walking out of the room.

“How long are you in town?” Dad asks.

“Just the weekend. Are you coming to the game?” I tell him.

“I am. We all are.” He nods his head.

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