Italian Obsession

Chapter 1

Valentina

Here I am, wrapped up in the sheets with a man who was by far out of my league and forbidden, hesitantly hearing his request. "We need to tell people about us. I am tired of keeping you as my dirty little secret."

"This has gone on too long as a secret, and I want to keep it that way."

"Val, listen to me. I am in love with you, and I am tired of keeping you as my secret." His eyes searched mine, desperate to make me see it as he does but I knew deep down how wrong it was to be doing this.

Danny was absolutely everything to me, and I couldn't give this man up, even if I tried.

*** Two years earlier: As I pulled out the blouse and dress pants I chose to wear for my job interview this morning, I spoke to my friend on the phone at the same time. "Aren't you excited to have a fresh start?"

"I am, but I feel like I'm a burden staying at my brother's."

"Would you rather have stayed back in Nashville, living closer to the wicked witch of the west?"

Caroline identified my sister, Natalia, as the wicked witch of the west. My sister was everything to me at one point. We had a strong relationship, but it all changed once the divorce took place. After we had found out about our mother's secret marriage, my sister and I drifted apart after our father left without saying goodbye.

I chose to make the change of moving to Texas, but I had no choice but to stay with my brother. After several years of not seeing Juan, I had finally reached my breaking point. It was never a surprise dealing with my sister's arrogance and drama, but Juan was my last option.

I hated staying with another family member, but my brother was my only hope for now.

"Just the thought of being 18 and still living with my brother seems... pathetic, I guess. I haven't seen him in 7 years."

"You'll get your own place eventually, Valentina. Just think of it this way: it's just temporary."

"Yeah, you're right. It's better than being around my sister."

"I absolutely agree. She is a raging bitch, Valentina. She does not deserve to have you in her life. I mean, turning against you after your parents split, what kind of sister is she to do that? Any normal person would stick by their sibling's side."

"Well, that's Natalia for you, the only person she cared about was herself."

"It is unfortunate, but I highly doubt that she would ever change."

"Probably not, but I have to get going, I don't need to be late."

"Of course, let me know how it goes."

"I will."

"Good luck, Valentina."

"Thank you." I got off the phone with Caroline and grabbed my purse, meeting my brother in the kitchen. "I want to thank you, Juan. This means a lot to me, you have no idea."

"For what?"

"Well, considering the fact that we have not seen each other for 7 years and..."

Juan nodded. "I apologize for that. I should have been there for you, but I just didn't think about it at the time."

"Despite that, I want to thank you for allowing me to stay here."

"Of course, I would do anything for you, Valentina."

"I really appreciate it."

"If you want to go out to get some drinks later, I am open to do so."

"Definitely. But I should get going."