chapter 5

The Promise

Rain drummed steadily against the leaves.

The beam of the flashlight remained fixed at Valentina's feet.

She didn't move.

Neither did the man standing beneath the black umbrella.

Don Alessandro De Luca watched her as though this meeting had been arranged hours ago.

Perhaps it had.

The thought sent a chill through her.

"You've been waiting for me."

His mouth curved slightly.

"I have."

"For how long?"

He glanced at his watch.

"Twenty-three minutes."

Her stomach tightened.

"You knew I'd try to escape."

"I was counting on it."

The words struck harder than she expected.

She folded her arms, lifting her chin.

"So what now?"

"You come inside."

"No."

A corner of his coat fluttered in the wind.

"You've made your point."

"I haven't started making my point."

The guards shifted behind him.

No one spoke.

No one dared interrupt.

Valentina took another step backward.

"I'm not marrying you."

"I know."

"I'm leaving."

"No."

She laughed.

"You don't own me."

His gray eyes remained steady.

"Not yet."

Her temper snapped.

She turned and ran.

Wet grass slipped beneath her shoes.

Branches whipped against her face as she sprinted toward the stone wall.

Ten feet.

Eight.

Five.

Her fingers caught the top of the wall.

She pulled herself upward.

A gloved hand wrapped gently—but firmly—around her ankle.

She kicked hard.

The grip never loosened.

Another guard caught her before she hit the ground.

She twisted, elbowing him in the ribs.

He grunted.

She shoved him away and broke free.

For two glorious seconds...

She was running again.

Then Alessandro stepped into her path.

She crashed into his chest.

Strong hands caught her before she fell.

She pushed against him with all her strength.

He didn't move.

She shoved again.

Nothing.

"Let me go!"

His hands fell away immediately.

She stumbled back, surprised.

"You were never in my arms because I wanted to keep you there," he said quietly.

"You were there because you ran into me."

Her cheeks burned.

She hated that he was right.

"I'd rather die than marry you."

The words hung in the rain.

Every guard stiffened.

One reached instinctively toward the pistol beneath his jacket.

Alessandro raised a single finger.

The guard stopped instantly.

Silence returned.

Alessandro looked at Valentina for a long moment.

"I've heard many threats."

His voice was calm.

"That one..."

He took one slow step closer.

"...don't repeat unless you mean it."

Lightning flashed across the sky.

For a heartbeat, his face was illuminated.

Not angry.

Not amused.

Something older.

Something tired.

Valentina refused to look away.

"You think you can frighten me."

"No."

"Then what?"

"I think you're frightened already."

Her breathing caught.

"I'm not afraid of you."

"Good."

His answer came too quickly.

"I'd hate to marry a coward."

She stared at him.

"What is wrong with you?"

A faint smile appeared.

"That's the question everyone asks."

The smile vanished as quickly as it came.

He turned toward one of his men.

"Nico."

"Yes, Don."

"Bring the car."

The guard hurried away.

Valentina took another step back.

"I'm not getting in."

Alessandro looked at her.

"I know."

"So stop acting like I will."

The black Rolls-Royce rolled to a stop beside them.

Its rear door opened.

She stayed exactly where she was.

Rain soaked through her sweater.

Cold drops slid down her face.

She didn't care.

Alessandro removed his umbrella.

Without a word, he held it over her instead.

Within seconds, rain soaked his own suit.

Valentina blinked.

"What are you doing?"

"You'll catch a cold."

She stared at him.

"You've practically kidnapped me."

"And yet I'd still prefer you healthy."

She slapped the umbrella from his hand.

It landed in the mud.

Water drenched them both.

Several guards inhaled sharply.

No one...

No one...

Touched the Don.

The umbrella rolled across the grass.

Alessandro looked at it.

Then back at her.

He didn't react.

Didn't shout.

Didn't even frown.

Instead, he bent, picked it up, shook the rain from the fabric, and handed it to one of his guards.

"Go inside," he said to Valentina.

She laughed bitterly.

"Or what?"

He studied her face.

When he finally spoke, his voice was almost gentle.

"Or tomorrow won't be a conversation."

The words settled heavily between them.

He walked past her.

Not waiting.

Not forcing.

Certain she would follow.

Valentina looked toward the estate gates.

Locked.

Toward the wall.

Guarded.

Toward the woods.

Floodlights swept across every path.

Marco appeared on the mansion steps, his face pale.

"Val..."

She closed her eyes.

For the first time...

She realized this wasn't a battle she could win by running.

Not tonight.

She walked toward the mansion.

One step behind the man she refused to call her future husband.

Behind them, Alessandro spoke without turning around.

"You have until sunset tomorrow."

His footsteps never slowed.

"After that..."

He opened the front door.

"...I'll stop asking."