Racing Rivals, Racing Hearts ☆ [Diego Brando x Reader]

Unique Talents (61)

A couple days into the 7th stage— you and Diego sat across from Funny Valentine in a dimly lit office.

The president went over the maps, strategies, and tactics for his and Diego's plan on obtaining the corpse parts but your attention drifted away. You were getting bored of this conversation and it wasn't like you had any say in any of the planning. You stood up and went over to the bookshelves lining the walls, observing the different books.

More of Valentine's men filed into the room, ready to be assigned roles. Diego exchanged words with them, discussing the logistics of the next move. Meanwhile, Funny Valentine approached you, standing by you at the bookshelves.

"Y/N, is it?" Valentine's tone carried a certain subtlety, a hint of something more beneath the surface.

You nodded, maintaining a guarded composure. "Yes, that's my name."

Valentine's gaze lingered a moment longer, his words low so only you heard. "Diego has spoken quite highly of you. He mentioned your... unique talents."

You raised an eyebrow, "Unique talents? What kind of talents...? I'm just here to help him achieve the corpse parts."

Valentine chuckled, "Of course, of course. But sometimes, achieving one's goals requires a certain set of skills. A willingness to go beyond the conventional."

Diego, sensing the tension, glanced in your direction briefly, his eyes narrowing slightly. You kept your responses short, "I'm here to get the parts and nothing more." You picked a book off the bookshelf.

Valentine's smile widened, his gaze never leaving you. "We all have our roles to play in this grand performance, my dear. I'm sure you'll find yours."

Your unease grew, but you masked it with a stoic expression. What did he mean by "unique talents"? You didn't want to think about it too much, but part of you couldn't help but feel curious.

You started to get a little uneasy, not sure what to do or say. Valentine looked at the book you were holding, "Ah, 'Jane Eyre,'" Valentine remarked with a knowing smile. "A story of resilience and self-discovery. A fitting choice for someone like you, Y/N."

You were taken aback by his comment. "How did you...?"

Valentine interrupted, "Oh, I make it my business to know the tastes and inclinations of those working with me. Diego told me plenty about you."

You looked down at the book you were holding.

Valentine continued, "Jane Eyre, a tale of a woman overcoming societal norms and finding her own path. I believe we can all learn something from such stories, don't you think?"

You nodded cautiously, not entirely comfortable with the turn the conversation was taking. "I suppose so."

Valentine's eyes gleamed with an unreadable intensity as he stepped closer and leaned lightly on the book shelves. "A woman with a taste for the classics, yet involved in this Steel Ball Run race. Quite the mystery, aren't you?"

You couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to his interest in you than met the eye. "My... Father had quite the library in our estate so I was really fond of reading." You spoke softly.

Valentine nodded as he picked off a book from the shelf, "Have you read 'A Scarlet Letter'?"

"Of course I have." You chuckled lightly as you put 'Jane Eyre' back on the shelf.

Valentine chuckled softly, "I should've known better since you had a library at your estate. Well, I have a book that might pique your interest that I bet you haven't read before."