Page 263 of Valentino

“From where I’m standing, Anna.” My eyes hold hers. “Your body likes my bossy tone.”

“Only in bed,” she mouths.

“What about the shower, you seem to like it in the shower.”

The air crackles between us.

“Agreed.” She nods as she drinks the last of her wine. “The shower is an acceptable location for that tone.”

“What about on your kitchen table?” I frown. “If my memory serves me right, you more than loved it there.”

“I do admit.” She laughs. “It was very well received.”

“And the couch?” I add.

“Also an excellent location.”

We stare at each other, electricity bounces between us and I smile, and she does too.

“I love you,” she mouths.

A lump forms in my throat and I rearrange my napkin on my lap as I grapple with emotion.

“I’ve waited so long to hear those words,” I murmur.

“And now that you have?”

“I’m never letting you go.”

“Don’t.”

ANNA

The car weaves through the traffic, my hand is on Valentino’s thick quad muscle.

“What’s this?” Luigi says, his eyes flick up to the rearview mirror. “Siren.”

Gino turns and looks. “They want us to pull over.”

Val turns and looks out the back window. “Who is it?”

All three of them scramble to feel under the seats, Gino pulls out a handgun.

“What’s going on?” I stammer.

“It’s fine.” Val puts his hand onto my leg. “What kind of car is it?”

I can now see the flashing of lights.

“Police car,” Luigi replies, distracted.

“The fuck do they want?” Gino snaps.

“Pull over.” Val sighs.

They all bend and put the guns back under the seats, our car pulls over to the side of the road and an officer walks up beside the car.

Luigi winds down the passenger seat window. “What seems to be the problem, Officer?” He smiles.