Fight Me Little Pearl

Chapter 36

Chapter Thirty-Six

FRANCESCA

W hen I wake up the next morning, the room is dim and the space beside me is empty. I frown, climbing off the bed, I head for the door. Did Valentino forget about lunch with my family this afternoon? Usually, when he leaves this early, he doesn’t return until late at night. Before I hurry out of the room, I pick up his shirt from the floor, pull it over my head, then remembering his wrath the last time he saw me wandering around downstairs in his shirt, I grab a pair of shorts and slide into them.

I don’t want to risk his reprimand in case he’s still at the house. He’s so possessive, but honestly, I love it. He may not love me, but he wants me, and for a man like Valentino and in a world like ours, that’s enough.

At least for now.

Ignoring the pang in my heart at the thought that he may never love me the way I love him, I jog down the steps, hoping there’s an explanation for why Valentino is away. Although he didn’t explicitly give me his word or anything, he said he would try.

That counts for something.

I relax when I round the stairway to see three men at the dining table, quietly talking while they have breakfast. My gaze flits over Roberto and Federico and alights on Valentino. And a lovely glow spreads through my body. He looks so good. Clad in a suit, like always, but this morning with the sun shining in through the windows, he looks extra good.

As if he can sense me, his gaze glides across the expanse of the room and lands on me. His eyes widen, drawing the attention of the other two men. They glance at me, but when Valentino shoots them a glare, their heads snap away. Valentino turns to me again, his expression flitting from desire to annoyance and back to desire.

I continue to walk down the steps, taking my time as my husband devours me with his eyes. His gaze slides up my legs, up my body, and settles on my face. I keep walking until I reach the dining table and slide onto his lap. His arms immediately come around me with protective fierceness. I kiss his lips.

“What did I tell you about walking around in my shirt?” he whispers in my ear. His breath flames my skin, causing a shudder to roll through me.

“I have shorts underneath.” I raise the hem of my shirt, and Valentino yanks it back down. Laughing, I twist in Valentino’s lap until I’m facing his cousins.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning,” they answer gruffly, not even looking up at me. I roll my eyes. The shirt comes halfway down to my thighs, but anyone would think I’m naked with how crazy they are all acting.

I turn to face Valentino again. “Are we still going to lunch together?”

“Of course. Are you going to join us for breakfast?”

I can’t think of anything worse than sitting here in Valentino’s shirt trying to eat breakfast while everybody behaves as if I am naked.

“Nope. I’ll have a shower and come down later.” I kiss him again and quickly go back upstairs.

When I come down in a demure dress hours later, I find Valentino leaning against his Black Audi. He is talking on the phone, but his eyes roam my body as if he’s been starving for me for ages.

“You look beautiful,” he murmurs.

“Thank you.” His compliments always melt my heart.

“Let’s get going then.” He places his hand on the small of my back and helps me into the backseat before climbing in after me. Dutch and Vance are in the front seat, as usual. I wait until the car moves before I turn to him.

“Don’t you like my grandfather?”

He shrugs. “The Barones and Barbieris have always been arch enemies.”

“I am a Barbieri.”

He scowls impatiently. “No, you’re a Barone now. Don’t forget that.”

I narrow my eyes at him.

He reaches for me. “Check that attitude, bella ; I don’t like it.”

“You can’t upset me and then tell me to check my attitude like it’s not your fault.”

He looks at me with surprise. “You’re upset because I said you’re a Barone now.”

“I’m upset because of how you said it. I’m not a child.”

“Ah, Francesca.” He pulls me into his lap. “You drive me crazy.”

He kisses my lips. “I’ve committed to spending hours in Marco’s company. Surely, I deserve something for that.”

I smile slowly. “I’ll have enough time to show you my gratitude tonight. All night.”

His body tenses. “Don’t say things like that now. You know I’m not a patient man.”

I chuckle. “I know about the family feud, but I feel that you particularly don’t like my grandfather. Why?”

“Because he gave your father to the world,” he says dryly. “That’s enough to condemn the man.”

I smile. “Come on. I’m serious.”

Valentino sighs. “He was merciless when he was in power and he saw my father become weak. I was a teenager and I had just arrived from Italy, but I never forgot the things he did to my father.”

“Really?” I frown, not remembering any of this. I was too young. “What have you done to get back at him?”

Valentino’s gaze hardens. “Nothing.”

“Why?”

“I am not motivated for revenge. Unlike him, I do not go after the old, the weak, and the infirm. He is all three. It would be a waste of my time.”

He leans his head against the headrest. “Contrary to what you think of me, my dear wife, I’m not a monster. If you don’t come for me, I don’t come for you. The problem is, a lot of people just love to try me.”

“So what will happen if my Nonno tries you?” I ask.

He stares at me for a moment and his eyes are hard. “For his sake, let’s hope he doesn’t.”

My family fawn over Valentino as if he is royalty or a celebrity. My mother hovers around him and leads him to the dining table, ready to cater to his every whim. As we take our places at the table she looks like an excited child at a Christmas party. She smiles widely and often.

Only my grandfather doesn’t look happy with all the attention Valentino is receiving. Thankfully, he sits on the other side of the table, with my mama beside him. Valentino is on my left, while Louisa is on my right. Moments after we’re seated, a woman my mother has hired specially for the occasion serves the food.

“Thank you for coming, Valentino,” Nonno says stiffly.

I touch Valentino’s knee, and to my surprise, his hand curls around mine and our fingers twine. “I’m only here for Francesca.”

Nonno purses his lips, he is offended by the response to his welcome.

But Mama beams happily. “Oh, how sweet,” she coos. “The two of you make a lovely couple. Absolutely lovely.”

“Thank you,” Valentino says suavely.

“Don Barone-,” Mama starts saying.

“Please, call me Valentino,” he invites softly.

My mother nods. “Valentino, then. I haven’t had the chance to personally thank you for giving us this home. It’s beautiful.”

“I did it for Francesca. Her happiness is my utmost concern. How can she be happy when you’re not safe?”

“You’re a perfect gentleman,” Mama answers, her hand fluttering to her heart.

“I try.” Valentino’s fingers squeeze mine, and I suddenly feel a great rush of emotion for him. This is my husband. Mine! I look into his eyes and smile. At that moment it feels as if my heart will burst with happiness.

“ Buon appetito ,” Nonno says and we all echo the words and begin to eat.

Nonno pats the corners of his mouth with his napkin. “News is spreading like wildfire that you took Joseph Catalano to Terra de Barbieri yesterday. I know it’s none of my business, but may I ask why you chose to ally with him?”

I look at Valentino and feel him tense next to me. So that’s where he was when he didn’t pick up my calls. He went to visit the Terra de Barbieri. My land, which has now become his by marriage. I wonder why he never mentioned it. I’m not an empty, pretty doll, I’m a human being with a brain and he can trust me with a bit of information.

“The answer to your question is already framed within the question, Franco,” Valentino’s voice is hard as steel. “It’s not your business what I choose to do with my land.”

His land? He’s technically right, but how annoying to make such an arrogant statement. I try to pull my hand away from his, but he won’t let me. He sends me a warning glance, but I look away.

“Looks like the men want to discuss business,” I say, forcefully yanking my hand from Valentino’s hold, and rising to my feet. “Louisa, will you come with me? I have a lot to talk to you about.”

I feel Valentino’s gaze burn into my back as I leave the dining room. When we’re out of earshot, Louisa grabs my arm. “I want to find a husband who cares that much about me.”

Unable to bear being in the house any longer, I lead her outside.

“I don’t know why, but Nonno seems to be on edge far more than Valentino. As if he is afraid or resentful about something. Sometimes I even get the impression he secretly hates Valentino so much he wants to tear his head off. I know he cannot be any of those things or he wouldn’t have married his granddaughter to a man he detests so much.”

“Where did all this come from?” Louisa asks, astonished.

“Just from watching Nonno tonight.”

“I never saw any such thing. You’re just being paranoid. Your grandfather did right by you. He chose diplomatically and without emotions. That’s why you’re married to the head of- Damn. Who is that ?”

I follow the direction of Louisa’s widened gaze to where Dutch is leaning against Valentino’s car. He isn’t looking in our direction, but I’m pretty sure he’s aware of our presence.

“That’s Dutch. Valentino’s trusted guy.”

“Oh my! He’s fine as hell.”

I suppose she is right. Dutch is fine if you like huge men. He looks like he can crush a human being with a hug.

“Let’s go to him.”

“What? No.”

She takes my hand. “Come on. I want to meet him.”

I pull back. “No, Valentino will have my head. He wouldn’t want me fraternizing with his men.”

“Well, guess who isn’t married to Valentino?” she asks with a giggle, as she starts walking in Dutch’s direction. “Me!”

“For goodness sake.” I roll my eyes. “Louisa.”

“Relax. You can stay over there while I talk to him. Give me a few minutes, and I’ll break through his armor.” With that, she’s gone. I watch her sashaying towards him for a few seconds, then I go back to the house and go to the kitchen where I help my mother put stuff away.

Louisa comes back in after about fifteen minutes.

“Well?” I ask.

She shakes her head in defeat. “The man’s a brick wall. I haven’t been able to get a full sentence out of him.” I hand a kitchen towel to her and we start to dry the dishes.

Less than an hour later I say goodbye to my mom, and get into the car. As it pulls away Valentino’s hands are on my body, pulling me to himself.

“I know you’re upset that I didn’t tell you I went to Terra de Barbieri yesterday, but?—”

“It doesn’t matter, Valentino.”

His eyes flare. “I don’t buy that. Don’t lie to me, Francesca. It does matter.”

“At first, I thought it did, but I realize now that it doesn’t. You came home and made it up to me by coming to lunch when you didn’t have to. You also agreed to go see Matteo even when you didn’t want to.” I smile appreciatively. “So… I don’t mind, for real.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “You’re such a puzzle. I’m going insane trying to figure you out.”

“You have me figured out. Just one kiss, one touch, and I’m a mess for you.”

He hits the button to pull up the partition that blocks the back from the front and pulls me onto his lap. I rock my hip into his crotch.

Valentino’s hands wrap around my waist. “You know, you’re going to get fucked all night long, don’t you?”

Heat rushes to the apex between my thighs.

“Why not start the night now?” I ask cheekily and arch harder into his body, dragging out a groan from him.

“Francesca, don’t force my hand. I’m not a gentleman. I’ll take you here and now, with Dutch and Vance in the front seat.”

God, I love this man so much.

My eyes never leave his as I nuzzle his hand. “Do it.”

The intense desire in his eyes proves that he desperately wants to, but then he shakes his head firmly. “No. We’re almost home.”

“So you are a gentleman, huh?”

“No. I’m no gentleman. I’m a fucking caveman,” he whispers against my mouth. “Sometimes I want to take you in public, so no one will have a fucking doubt in their mind about who you belong to. But I’d die first before I let anyone see your naked body. It’s all so fucking crazy.”