Page 8 of The Agreement

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“Thank you for coming, Susana,” Sofia said, kissing the woman’s cheek. Valentina pulled her lips between her teeth to keep from cracking up. Sofia was a beautiful and smart woman, but Susana did not like to be played, and that was what this party felt like; like Sofia thought she had the upper hand. But Valentina knew her mom; this was not going to fly.

“I wouldn’t miss my own daughter’s PRE engagement party. Thank you for a lovely time.” With that, Susana turned on her heel, both Rafael and Valentina following. But before she left the room, her head turned to look back over her shoulder, trying to spot Giovanni. And when she did, her eyes narrowed. He was back in the corner, a group of gorgeous ladies surrounding him.

“Don’t glare at him.” Valentina blinked a couple of times and looked at the man who had come up beside her. “I’m sorry, I’m…”

“I know who you are, Salvatore. I’m only questioning why you told me not to glare. As Vinny’s best friend, I would think you know the conditions of the contract.”

“I do, which is why I’m informing you that one of those ladies is his sister, while the other three are our cousins; in fact, one is my very own sister.”

“You’re his cousin?”

“Yes, soon to be yours.” She slowly smiled and a slight blush tinged her cheeks.

“I apologize for my behavior, that’s not like me,” she offered.

“Oh no Val, it is. I’ve watched you enough to know. But, how about I promise to keep it between you and me?”

“Thank you. If you’ll excuse me, Salvatore, I was leaving with my parents.”

“Of course. I know he was been busy, but he does bid you a good night. But the ladies aren’t letting him leave.” Valentina’s eyes drifted back to him. He offered a small nod in the way of good night, which she returned.

“Thank you again, and good night.” She turned back around and followed her parents to the awaiting car.

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The blue eyes watched the pair from a distance, his jaw hard and his hands fisted. He had wanted her, longed for her; and to end up denied! He was furious, and even that was an understatement! He had always hated Giovanni; the man was arrogant and an asshole and he would take the fire that was Valentina and extinguish it, there was no doubt in his mind.

His eyes drifted to the man who was always surrounded by women. They would be his downfall. He knew that Vinny couldn’t stay away from them, ever. And to be tied to one female, fucking only her day and night? No matter how pretty she was, Vinny would never do that. But, he knew the truth. And he knew he would have to bid his time till the right moment, allowing him to claim what was his all along.

~ Chapter 8 ~

“What are you doing?” Valentina looked at the man through the mirror and smiled.

“Getting my hair done. As you know, I have an upcoming party to get ready for.”

“You mean the one that’s coming up on Friday at your parent’s place?” Giovanni took the empty chair by Valentina and she smiled.

“I’m sorry, but my mom doesn’t take well to being underhanded.” Vinny tilted his head to the side as he regarded her in the mirror.

“You know, you would think our moms knew that this war was over.” She couldn’t stop the laugh that came out and she couldn’t deny that she liked the smile he was sporting by her laugh.

“Yeah, tell that to my mom.” He let out a soft chuckle and then glanced around.

“Where are your guards?”

“Are you worried, Vinny?”

“Well, the party…excuse me, parties, are dropping and the announcement will be in that Saturday paper. It’s bad enough you are a mafia daughter, but having your name now tied with mine means you are even more likely in the eye of sight.”

“Are you worried I can’t take care of myself?” She lifted a brow but rather than look in the mirror, she turned her head to look at him.

“No,bella, I know you can.”

“Those two men you always see with me?” she asked and he nodded. He always thought they were friends, or love sick puppies. “Those are my cousins, Tony and Xander; also my guards. Most of our stuff is kept within the family, it makes jobs easier.”

“You can walk around and not be questioned.”

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