Beautiful Seduction

Molly wrinkled her nose, giving him the pouting look that had never failed on the man. “Do we have ta?”

“Have to and yes.” His answer was firm, but far too compliant. She had him wrapped around her pinkie.

“You’re spoiling her,” I said, lifting a single eyebrow when he gazed at me, grinning.

“Nonsense.” He moved closer, sweeping me into his arms. As always, he looked fantastic in a suit, although in truth, I still found myself wanting to rip it off him. Not today. Today was special.

“You are truly a bad man.”

“Be careful, sweet angel, or I’ll have no problem showing you just how bad I am.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” When he lifted me off my feet, I groaned.

And Molly giggled.

“Don’t tempt me,” he muttered, winking as he did often lately, a little reminder that I belonged to him.

“I’ll do what I want.” As he put me down, he shook his head.

“You look fabulous.”

“So do you, but we’re late.”

“Then I guess we need to get going.” Valentin grabbed my hand, pulling it to his lips and kissing my ring finger before reaching out for Molly. “Come on, girls. We’re headed to an adventure.”

Adventure. I shivered from the thought. Meeting the rest of his family at a huge party wasn’t my idea of fun, but I had no other choice.

Especially since it was my engagement party.

The thought continued to amaze me.

As usual, there were soldiers following Valentin’s car, but they never made it apparent that they were keeping a close eye in deference to Molly. She had no idea that her future stepfather was a dangerous man and wouldn’t until absolutely necessary. That had been one of the first conversations Valentin and I’d had after he’d proposed on one beautiful night. I’d made him wait for my answer until he’d answered several questions, which he’d found amusing.

As he drove, he kept his hand firmly planted on my knee, as if ensuring I’d know there wasn’t a chance I was getting away from him.

Did I know that my life would never be the same, that there would always be a heightened level of danger surrounding us? Of course I did. I was a reporter after all, something I continued to believe was my calling. I’d even accepted an interview with the Today Show, although Valentin wasn’t keen about the possibility.

At least he knew I was my own woman and that would never change.

Molly continued to chatter away even as he headed into the parking lot of La Travitorria, her happy little chirps always a source of amusement.

“Are you ready?” he asked after cutting the engine.

“I’m terrified what to expect.”

He leaned over, wrapping his hand around the back of my neck. “Don’t worry, dolce angelo. My family may be formidable, but they know better than to cross me. Besides, my cousin Giovanni had prepared a special feast in our honor.” After pressing his lips against mine, he rolled out of the car as if he owned the joint. After opening my door and waiting until I eased onto the pavement, he grabbed Molly, carrying her against his hip.

As we headed toward the entrance, I took a few seconds to study the building. So many things had happened since that now infamous night three months before.

And I wasn’t certain I would change but so much.

Christopher had been true to his word, an account set up in Molly’s name that Valentin had found. Perhaps it had been his way of attempting to say he was sorry for the deceit and maybe to show me that he’d loved her after all.

Valentin had allowed me to make the house he’d had built special, including Molly’s room, although he’d been the one who’d insisted on picking out her canopy bed.

Most of all, he’d enjoyed time alone without interference, allowing us to explore our passion.

When we walked in, the restaurant full of people, a loud cheer went off.