Page 45 of The Agreement

“No, it’s not that. It’s the fact that you think they are after me when no one knew where I was. And yet you are the next boss, not I. To get to you, taking me out would not be a big deal when you could find another beauty to marry.” His jaw clenched and she had to smile to herself. That was rather sweet, at least in the context that she wanted to take it, which meant he cared enough for her to not want to think like that.

“You seem to think that you mean so little?” Enzo asked, shocked by the thought.

“I am Enzo, in the scheme of things. Take me out, I’m just a daughter, I really have no meaning in this world.”

“You don’t think your father would be upset and start to crumble?” Enzo asked to which she only shrugged.

“I’m sure he would as I am his only child but as he has handed more off to his next in command, the family would not go down. I would just be another soul lost to this world that is ours.”

“She’s right,” Vinny said as he stood up. “Taking me out would be better than her. So it’s me they are after or it’s personal. I already know she’s had personal attacks but the person behind those, at least that I think is behind them, knows of nothing about this trip.”

“Which takes us back around to someone tracking you,” Frankie said as he crossed his arms. “I still think showing face will be a good thing.”

“I agree,” Val said, standing up too. “In fact, I believe I know of a few ways to be seen.” Enzo glanced at Vinny and they shared a look; one she could probably read all too well. They knew she was smart, she had proven that already but it was probably shocking to hear that she was brave enough to not only go along with their plan but to have an idea or two as well.

“What are you thinking?” Val smiled at Vinny.

“Think you could put some money to good use?”

“What like a shopping trip for you?”

“Hardly, and thanks for that. There is an opera tonight and I believe the senator will be there as well, who also happens to be hosting a gala tomorrow night that I’m sure will garnish a lot of media attention.”

“And you, my dear Valentina, think you can charm the senator and get on his guest list for tomorrow night?” Vinny asked to which she only smiled.

“Don’t doubt me, future husband.”

“Doubt you? Never. But be amazed by you, that’s a whole different story.” Val smiled at him; she could admit she liked keeping him on his toes.

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“What could be taking her so long? The senator is a certain type of man, he makes an entrance and he will always be the only one who does,” Enzo said, checking his watch yet again. But before he could start pacing, all heads turned to the vision in white that was walking down the stairs.

Val’s hair was pinned up but came down in ringlets down her back and she knew the floor-length white gown only helped her stand out even more for the color was very flattering against her golden skin. And with the subtle makeup, one would never think the woman standing before these men was not a mafia princess.

“Waiting on me?”

“God damn Val, you look fucking incredible.” Vinny elbowed Enzo in the stomach. “Sorry man, but she does.”

“Thank you Enzo. I figured that I needed to beat the senator at his own game to get his attention.” The three guys surrounded her as they walked to the limo. And she almost rolled her eyes as it was Enzo who couldn’t seem to stop his question.

“What do you mean?”

“No one knows me here. Some beautiful woman walking in with three good-looking men, one I’m sure who is known in these parts is going to raise eyebrows and cause questions. And of course, the senator will be curious and would want to know who is staging him up.” Enzo stared at her for a second before shaking his head.

“How?”

“I’m my father’s daughter. I wasn’t part of the ugly side of his world but that didn’t mean I didn’t have to charm others. Besides, as a businesswoman, you better be able to find angles others didn’t see to get what you want.”

“I am telling you, Vinny, that if you really don’t want this one…” Vinny punched Enzo’s arm before he could finish that sentence. After they shared a laugh, though, Vinny turned his attention back to Val.

“Though we kept things under wraps, I’m sure word got back to your dad about what happened. And you know there will be all kinds of media so he will probably be even more pissed to see you out right now. I haven’t asked you to play a part yet, and I hate I have to put you out here like this when I know you could be in danger.” She cupped his cheek to stop him.

“You know that no matter what, you can’t protect me every second of the day. I’m a big girl, I can hold my own.” She smiled as she leaned over and gave him a quick kiss, right as the limo pulled up to the opera house.

“By the way Valentina, when I got this dress for you and said I was taking you out, this is not what I meant,” he told her as he stepped out and buttoned his suit before holding his hand out for her to take.

“Yeah, the best-laid plans always go astray.” She stepped out, followed by Enzo and Frankie, and just like she suspected, the media was curious to see who she was, although no names were to be given. And of course, she planned it right that she would show up right after the senator, causing him to glance around at who could possibly be upstaging him. The group walked up the stairs, never once pausing for pictures, and made their way inside, Enzo pointing the way to his box. And as Val was about to follow, someone stepped in her way.

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