Valentina

2| Gianni

A LOUD RING JOLTS me out of my sleep. My eyes open enough for me to reach blindly for my phone on the desk beside me.

I throw off my covers, answering the phone sleepily, "Hello?" I begin the small trek to the living room.

"Is this Valentina Palermo?" A gruff voice asks. I look at the time on my phone, it is 7:48 AM, no wonder she sounds pissed off.

"Yes it is, good morn-"

The phone clicks off, a pre-recorded song plays in the background as I pace around the living room. "Valentina?"

I stop in my tracks, recognizing Gianni's voice instantly, "Speaking."

"What a pleasure," She answers snidely. "You have passed the interview, congratulations."

A smile blooms on my face and I throw a fist in the air, fighting to contain my excitement. "Thank you so much Gianni, you won't regret it."

"I know I won't," She replies quietly, "Anyway, I would like you to meet me today at eight AM. I want to introduce you to my husband and my son, Rene."

I choke back a response. Husband? Was he the man I ran into during the interview? I look at the clock, 7:50 AM.

She dictates her address to me, a penthouse in the upper side of Seattle. I say my goodbye and hang up the phone, calculating exactly how long it would take me to reach her house. Since Jake is still sleeping, I leave a sticky note on the fridge explaining where I'm headed. I pick up my car keys and head out the door.

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"Damn," I breathe, walking up to the gate of the estate. A video camera is set at the top, moving every few seconds to capture the area.

I walk up to the call box, pressing the small diamond that connects me to the intercom in the house. A muffled sound occurs, following a man's voice, "Who are you?"

"Good morning sir, my name is Valentina Palermo. I'm here to meet Gianni Bucci." I step away from the gate as it opens inward, allowing me to enter.

My mouth opens in awe as I stare at the golden bricked mansion that surpasses the height of the trees. Beautifully trimmed hedges surround the landscape of the house, the rich green lawn sparkling as the sprinklers rain down on them. The intricately designed gates close again, bringing attention to the dog home that houses two Dobermans and a Husky.

The Husky wags its tongue happily, its white fur glinting in the morning sun. I wave a little hello at him, shyly moving towards the front door.

Without so much as a knock, the front door flies open, showcasing a thin man dressed in an expensive black suit. His dark brown hair is combed back with gel, allowing his angular face to jut out menacingly. His ice blue eyes look at me with disdain, "Valentina?"

Damn, how many more times did I have to reintroduce myself? I bite back my retort, answering tightly, "Yes, I am."

"Follow me." He turns around suddenly, and I trail after him, heading past the foyer and up the grand staircase.

After passing many glamorous rooms and furniture, we reach a yellow-painted room. The furniture obviously caters to that of a young child. There are toys strewn about the room, its disorder a treasure in such a spotless home. A small boy with a head of blonde curls sits in the middle of the room, playing with a red firetruck.

Gianni sits across from him, a look of disinterest plastered on her face. She looks up as I enter the room, grimacing as she scans me.

Since I was in a rush this morning, I threw on the first things I laid my eyes on, ripped black jeans and a blue flannel. Now that I think about it, the clothes I'm wearing are not professional in the least.

I fidget under her stare, "Your son is absolutely adorable. How old is he?" I start the conversation.

She looks back at Rene blankly, "He turned three a few days ago." She motions to the toy he is playing with, "That's what I got him."

She stands up, "I will be leaving for Milan to attend a fashion event with Chanel and I need you to stay and care for Rene."

I inhale sharply, I had heard that she had recently returned from a trip in Dubai. And now she's leaving again? She continues, "You don't have to be a live-in nanny; however, I want you here from eight to six. That is when my husband will be working."

"Where does your husband work at?"

"Roman works as the CEO of Belluci Enterprises, so as you can imagine, he is a very busy man," She pauses, reaching into the bag beside her for a sticky note.

She hands it to me, pointing to it as she continues speaking. "That has Roman's number, his work address and work number. It also has my phone number, and Rene's kickboxing instructor."

"Kickboxing?" I laugh, looking at the smiling blue-eyed boy. "He's only three."

She looks at me dryly, annoyed by my feeble attempt at comedy. "It's never too early to prepare children for success."

A knock sounds against the door. I turn around, expecting the rude butler that opened the front door for me.

Instead, I look up to meet light brown eyes framed by long, dark lashes. Instantly, I knew that it had to be Gianni's husband, Roman. His dark brown hair had lost the firm hold it had the first time I'd seen him. It is now loose, falling into his eyes as a big smile lights up his face.

"Good morning. You must be Valentina," He reaches out his hand, and I accept it. "Nice to meet you."

His hand feels warm in mine, solid. "Nice to meet you too Mr. Belluci." I stop there, unable to think of anything else to say.

"The pleasure is all mine," His eyes linger on mine and Gianni clears her throat.

Roman looks behind me, his eyes masking his feelings as he goes over to Rene. The small boy squeals in joy as his father spins him in the air, skillfully ignoring Gianni's presence.

Gianni walks out of the room and I follow her. "Oh, and one more thing Valentina," She makes her way downstairs, dragging a Givenche suitcase with her. "I'm leaving for Milan right now."

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Author's Note-

Thank you for reading the second chapter of Valentina! I appreciate it more than you know! I hope you are enjoying the book so far!

Xoxo,
Aanu 💋