Page 76 of War Within
“Valentina, you're not supposed to be out here alone.”
Startled, she jumped, but did not turn around. “I know.” She reached up to her face, wiping her cheeks.
“Do you want me to stand back so you can have some privacy?” I folded my arms over my chest. “I can’t leave you alone out here, especially at night.”
She spun around.
“What?” I placed my hands on my hips.
“Something isn't right.”
“What do you mean?” I arched a brow.
“Well, let's see.” She scoffed. “First of all, why I'm not allowed to talk to my brother?” She balled her fists, resting them on her waist. “Second, why haven't I heard from my boyfriend? And third, why did you fly all the way here, towatchus.” She threw her hand out at me.
“Valent—”
“Listen, I know what my dad does for a living but come on.” She folded her arms over her chest, adjusting her posture to appear taller, though she could not have been more than five feet, four inches if that. “I’m not stupid or a little kid anymore.”
I nodded, smirking. “I think you and your father will have a long talk when you see him.” It was all I could say.
“You’re damn right we will!” Valentina was a firecracker. She reminded me so much of her father when she was upset. Her facial expressions were identical.
“Listen, I know you're upset right now, but—”
“Upset?!” She gasped. “You think I'm upset?! I'm worried. I'm pissed! I'm...I'm…” She took a great, shaky breath. “I'm just so scared.” She blinked away a few glistening tears.
“I'll tell your father that he needs to talk to you.” I sighed. “It’s all the comfort I can offer you.”
“Just tell me this.” She averted her gaze for a moment then glared directly into my eyes. “Is Emir alive?” Taking a deep breath, she braced herself for a response.
“Yes,” I nodded. “Emir is definitely alive.” Thankfully, I did not have to lie.
“Good.” Tears welled in her eyes as she hung her head. “I’m going to bed.”
She marched passed me, sobbing. Gnawing the inside of my lip, I yanked my phone out, dialing Giovanni. I glanced back over my shoulder to confirm she was out of ear shot.
Carmine, what can I do for you? What's going on?
Off the record, I think Valentina is starting to suspect a lot about Emir’s condition.
Can you distract her until I’m done?
About that. She is just like you. I respired.She's smart and it's only a matter of time before she puts all the pieces together then attacks me because he’s in the hospital.
Emir gets reevaluated tomorrow morning. If he's clear to travel, we will leave immediately. The other incident is being handled shortly.
Thanks, and see you soon.
Carmine, thank you for keeping an eye on things there.
No problem Gio...uh, I mean boss. That was going to take some getting used to.
It's fine. It's off the record, remember?A low chuckled reverberated in the phone.I have to call Celia.
Right. See you soon.
Pulling my hair out of its bun, I let it flow in the nighttime breeze as I sat in the sand, looking out across the ocean. I ran my fingers through my mane, thoughtful about life and how I got to this place.
