[Book 2: Bound by honor]
"Jennifer Scuderi has always rebelled against the Mafia's strict rules, and nothing enrages her more than the idea of being tied down in an arranged marriage. But when Valentino Vitiello, the dangerous and relentless enforce...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Jennifer
The next morning after I'd showered and dressed, I enjoyed my newfound freedom, even if it was small. Valentino had kept his promise and stashed the ankle monitor in a drawer. I didn't have to wear that stupid thing, at least for now. I doubted Valentino would still keep his promise if I tried to run again.
We'd both lost our bets and yet we both felt like winners. Life with Valentino was an enigma. He was already leaning against the kitchen counter, drinking coffee when I came out of the bedroom. His smile was so smug I had trouble stopping myself from wringing his neck. I grabbed a cup for myself, then leaned across from him. "Do you ever feel regret or guilt?"
Valentino's eyebrows climbed his forehead. "Regret?"
"Yes, you know that feeling normal people have when they've done something wrong?" I took a sip. I wasn't even sure why I was asking, except to wipe that annoying smugness off Valentino's face.
For a long time Valentino only looked at me until I couldn't stand it anymore and pretended my coffee was really interesting. Why did I suddenly feel guilty for asking that question?
"There's little time for guilt and regret in my life," Valentino said. His voice was quiet and devoid of humor; I couldn't help but look up, trying to gauge his mood, but as usual he was making it difficult.
"So you do feel it sometimes?"
"Occasionally. But I've learned a long time ago that it's not clever to dwell on the past. I prefer to focus on the future." With that, his usual charm was switched back on. He strode toward me, set his cup down on the counter, and braced his arms beside me. "Do you ever regret running?"
I opened my mouth to say 'no' but for some reason I hesitated. That moment of hesitation was all the answer Valentino needed.
"Why?"
"Because it got someone killed," I said quietly. I'd managed to forget Kai and his horrible end, but now it all came back. I could have kicked Valentino for bringing the memory back. Especially because I'd come to realize that the life I'd run from wasn't as horrible as I'd wanted it to be.
Valentino's expression said he didn't give a fuck about that, and it was pretty much what I'd expected. "I can tell you without a doubt that I don't feel guilt over that guy's death," he murmured. He ran a hand down my side. "I would have killed every guy that touched you. But we both know I don't have to because despite plenty of opportunity you were a good girl."
The way he said 'good girl' made my blood boil. I was still trying to come up with a clever comeback when the elevator rang, announcing a visitor. Valentino pecked the tip of my nose with a superior expression before staggering off toward the elevator. I couldn't believe him.
