Page 58 of My Unexpected Surprise
Valentino takes the lead with calm authority, directing me with precise instructions. His hand settles at the small of my back as we navigate the marked path through the gardens.
The touch is professional for the observers, but it burns through the thin fabric of my blouse. I feel every point of contact. My skin feels like it's on fire, and warmth pools low in my belly.
I remember his finger tracing my neckline, the way my nipples had tightened instantly. I clench my jaw and focus on the exercise, but my body refuses to forget.
We repeat variations of the drills throughout the morning. Each time Valentino stands close, his body heat wraps around me, and by lunch I'm too wired to even sit still.
My thighs press together under the table as I try to ignore the persistent ache between them.
We don't talk about what happened last night. Though I suspect that's mostly from me avoiding him except I absolutely have to be around.
The afternoon session takes us down to the private marina at the edge of the property.
A line of sleek black boats rocks gently against the dock while instructors brief us on emergency water extraction procedures. The lake glitters under the early afternoon sun, deceptively calm and beautiful.
I stand beside Nico near the back of the group, grateful for the breeze cooling my overheated skin. Valentino is speaking with one of the security coordinators a few feet away, his sunglasses hiding his eyes, but I still feel unnervingly aware of him.
Always aware of him.
Nico tugs on my hand. “Mama, can I sit in the boat?”
“One of the boats,” I correct automatically.
His little face scrunches in concentration. “One of the boats.”
I smile despite myself. “We’ll see after the briefing.”
Valentino glances over at the sound of Nico’s voice.
Just one look.
That’s all it takes for me to start panicking.
Because the resemblance is there even now. In the sunlight it’s impossible not to see it. The dark hair. The shape of the eyes. The stubborn little line between Nico’s brows whenever he concentrates.
For one horrifying second, I wonder if Valentino sees it too.
But his expression never changes.
The instructor claps his hands sharply to regain everyone’s attention.
“Scenario three,” he announces. “Simulated hostile interception during lake transfer. Family units will board in assigned groups and respond according to instructions from your security lead.”
Security lead.
Of course that means Valentino.
The group breaks apart toward the docks. Before I can maneuver myself to the opposite side of the crowd, Valentino appears beside me. “This way,” he says calmly.
I ignore my slight tremble as his hand settles lightly against my back again and follow him onto the dock.
Nico chatters happily as Valentino helps him into the boat first. He crouches slightly to adjust Nico’s life vest, his large hands gentle as he checks the straps.
“Too tight?” he asks.
Nico shakes his head solemnly.
“You sure?”
