Page 185 of The Mafia King's Reign
We walk to the kitchen together, my hand never leaving the small of her back. Past the cozy living room with its new throws and softer lighting. Past the hall where she hung artwork that actually has color. Past our bedroom with its blue curtains and excessive pillows.
She has made this house a home.
And I never want her to stop.
When we arrive, there's a plate waiting on the counter. Something that might charitably be called food.
Valentina picks up the fork, a proud smile on her face. "Here babe, I made breakfast. Happy six-month anniversary."
I look at the plate. Then at her. "Thank you, tesoro. What is this?"
"It's corned beef hash."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes! Oh my God, Salvatore!"
Before she can finish, the doorbell rings.
I know who it is before Raffaele even announces her. There is only one person who would show up at my estate unannounced at nine in the morning with the audacity to expect entry.
Lindsay Beaumont walks into my kitchen like she owns it.
"Valentina," she says, not even glancing at me, "What’s this I’m hearing about you making breakfast? We both know you don’t boil eggs properly. Please don't kill the man before I get a chance to throw him in prison for his crimes."
Valentina laughs. I do not.
"Lindsay," I say evenly. "Always a pleasure."
She turns to me then, all sharp edges and that particular smile prosecutors get when they think they're winning. "Pleasure's all mine."
She crosses the room and goes straight to Valentina, taking her hands like she’s been waiting to do it all day. “I stopped by to congratulate you on publishing your soon-to-be bestselling book. I hear you’re already making noise.”
“Aww, you two spoil me. We both know it’s not bestseller material.” Valentina smiles, brushing it off, like she doesn’t already know how brilliant she is, how easily it could be.
“Maybe not this one,” Lindsay murmurs, giving her hands a gentle squeeze, “but the next will be.” Her eyes sweep the room, then settle back on Valentina with quiet certainty. “We can start next month. Me, you, the beach house, long writing days, no distractions.”
Her gaze shifts to me. Intentional.
“Leave the criminal at home.”
I step between her and my wife. "My wife has to go. Go annoy some other legitimate businessman with billion-dollar companies."
"Oh, I'm going to have so much fun putting you away, Vitale."
I lean against the counter, arms crossed. "Catch me if you can."
Her smile widens. "That's the plan."
Valentina touches my arm. "Sal. Be nice."
"I am being nice. She's still breathing."
Lindsay snorts. "Charming as ever." She turns to Valentina. "Call me later. We need to catch up properly. Without," she waves a hand at me, "all this."
"I will," Valentina promises.
Lindsay leaves the way she came, quickly, with one last pointed look in my direction that promises future inconvenience.
