Page 24 of Valentino

In that moment, everything I thought I knew changed, so much so that in the beginning I thought it was all a mistake, that he was forced against his will to do this. But now, day by day as the secrets unfold I’m realizing that everything they say about Carlo Bernetti is true.

The rain pours down as I stare through the windows from my office block.

Down on the road my car is waiting, along with two bodyguards that now accompany me everywhere.

My best friend, Francesca, and Giuliano are on their honeymoon on their yacht. It’s been a long three weeks without them….

My phone beeps a text and I frown when I see the name light up the screen

Carlo.

What the….

No.

Can you talk?

Good God.

My heart speeds up, it’s been eight weeks and I haven’t heard from him once.

Why is he texting me now?

I shouldn’t answer, but the masochist in me wants to hear what he has to say for himself.

Without hesitation, I text back.

Yes.

I’m alone.

My phone rings and with my heart in my throat I answer, “Hello.”

“Anna,” he whispers.

Emotion overwhelms me at the sound of his traitorous voice, and I screw up my face in tears. “What do you want?” I whisper.

“Don’t cry.”

Damn it, I hate that he can tell he’s upset me. I get a lump in my throat as I try to stay silent.

“I miss you.” His voice is deep and hushed.

“Don’t lie,” I stammer.

“I’m telling you the truth. By the time we were together I was already too far in, I had to go through with it.”

“No. You didn’t,” I whisper angrily. “You should have walked away. How could you kill Giovanna? How could you do that to Valentino?”

“I didn’t kill Giovanna,” he snaps.

“Yes, you did.”

“No I didn’t. I didn’t kill anyone, I promise you. I held my gun up at them but someone else shot them from afar. I swear to you, Anna, it wasn’t me.”

We fall silent.

“I never meant to hurt you,” he whispers.