The Fall Of Lombardi (GxG)

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Belladonna's point of view

"So, what do you think?" Valkery asked.

I tapped my talons against the council room table. My smirk was undoubtedly hard to conceal.

"Your ideas never cease to amaze me, Val," I responded.

"Good, it's official," she said playfully. "Now about those maids I mentioned earlier before your mate interrupted us."

"My apologies on her behalf, she's the headstrong type," I said. "But yes the help would be appreciated."

"No need," Val assured me. "However, I am curious to know what's gotten between you two. Years ago you couldn't keep your hands off of her. What's happened?"

I sighed. Valkery caught on to just about anything and everything that goes on around her. One of her many talents.

"Look, Odette isn't here anymore," Val said carefully. "You need to talk to someone. Something is bothering you, I can see it."

"I just don't want history repeating itself," I mumbled.

"And your plan to make sure it doesn't is being a bitch?" She asked bluntly.

"No," I said rolling my eyes. "If I can just manage to keep some distance between us then..."

"Then it won't hurt as much the next time," Valkery finished my sentence for me.

I nodded softly.

"Look, I understand where you're coming from," my friend said to me. "However, you and I both know very well that pushing her away is only going to hurt you in the long run. Even more than how much it hurt when blondie took her."

"I don't know that," I muttered.

"For heaven's sake, stop torturing yourself!" She fussed at me. "No wonder Odette was always having to set you straight. Stop listening to that tragic filled head of yours and start listening to your heart."

The door pushed open suddenly causing us both to jump a little.

"Bird!" The child giggled and ran to me.

Dianely ran in after her and paused when her eyes caught mine.

"I'm sorry," she said frantically. "She wanted to see you."

"Quite the heir, Belladonna," Valkery teased.

I was caught off guard by her comment.

"Oh, come on," she said. "Did you really think you could keep that a secret from me? The resemblance is uncanny."

"Of course not," I mumbled.

"Come see, tot," Valkery called Kailia over to her.

The small girl happily bounced over to the woman and let Valkery lift her into her arms.

"How about you and Nanny Val go find a book to read in the library while your momma and..." she paused to look at me.

"Bird," I said rolling my eyes again.

"And Bird have a little chitchat?" Val continued while beginning to swing them out of the room.

She stopped at Dianely and whispered something into her ear before leaving us alone. Not exactly where I wanted to be.

"Are you okay with her just leaving with Kailia?" Dianely asked.

"Bain should be outside the library," I said in a low voice. "They'll be okay."