The Agreement (Complete)

~ Chapter 7 ~

                Giovanni and Valentina watched the retreating back for a few moments before Giovanni turned to look at her.

                “One of your many admirers, huh?”  Valentina rolled her eyes and stepped away from him.  With his loud mouth, she recalled Jennifer and his wonderful conversation.

                “Yes, Dante had tried to get me to go out with him plenty of times.  In fact, I think he was waiting for me to graduate before talking to my dad about pressing for my hand.”

                “Ha, your dad wouldn’t have aligned with that family.”

                “Yet he aligned with the Constantini’s, go figure.”  Valentina shot him a glare and all he could was smile.  Yes, it was still amazing to him, and many others, that those two families had called a truce and were actually marrying.

                “Dimmi, mia cara (tell me, my dear), what were you doing down this way?”

                “Well, since our host,” she shot him a nasty look that rivaled the tone in her voice, “left us without a word, I was stuck finding the bathroom on my own.”

                “My apologies, I had something come up that needed my attention.”

                “Oh, lo so, quel buono per niente zappa (oh, I know, that good for nothing hoe),” she muttered, turning her head away from him.  “If you excuse me, I do need to get back to my parents, since they have been so rudely ignored all night.”  He watched her go, a smile tugging at his lips.  He didn’t always like feisty women, rather have someone a bit more demure and refined, but he was enjoying that little spunk in her.

                “You like her.”  Giovanni slowly turned around to stare at his cousin who only shrugged.  “It’s my, cugino (cousin), you don’t have to lie.”  Salvorte laughed at the look on Vinny’s face.  “Fine, I won’t go there.  How did things go with Jennifer?”

                “I believe she has the understanding now, but I don’t trust her; I need to find a way to keep an eye on her.”

                “Good luck.  Your dad won’t allow that.”

                “I know.”  Salvorte sighed.

                “I’ll see if I can find someone to keep a discreet eye on her,” Salvorte offered his next in line boss.

                “Thank you.  As well, check the catering staff.  She managed to sneak in with them and I am not happy with that.”

                “Yes boss.”  They both shut up as Sofia Constantini stepped into the middle of the room, a glass in her hand.

                “Excuse me guests, please, may I have Giovanni and Valentina join me.”  The couple walked up to the woman and Giovanni took Valentina’s hand.  “Thank you all for coming to this little get together.  We are offering our congratulations to these two newly engaged young people,” she said, lifting her glass in a salute to them.  They glanced around the room as the air filled with many toasts.  Yeah, according to his mom, this was not an engagement party, but he should have known better.  And as he could feel the waves of annoyance coming off of Valentina, he knew she was not happy by this.

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                “Thank you for coming, Susana,” Sofia said, kissing the woman’s cheek.  Valentina pulled her lips between her teeth to keep from cracking up.  Sofia was a beautiful and smart woman, but Susana did not like to be played, and that was what this party felt like; like Sofia thought she had the upper hand.  But Valentina knew her mom; this was not going to fly.

                “I wouldn’t miss my own daughters PRE engagement party.  Thank you for a lovely time.”  With that, Susana turned on her heel, both Rafael and Valentina following.  But before she left the room, her head turned to look back over her shoulder, trying to spot Giovanni.  And when she did, her eyes narrowed.  He was back in the corner, a group of gorgeous ladies surrounding him.

                “Don’t glare at him.”  Valentina blinked a couple of times and looked at the man who had come up beside her.  “I’m sorry, I’m…”

                “I know who you are, Salvorte.  I’m only questioning why you told me not to glare.  As Vinny’s best friend, I would think you know the conditions of the contract.”

                “I do, which is why I’m informing you that one of those ladies is his sister, while the other three are our cousins; in fact, one is my very own sister.”

                “You’re his cousin?”

                “Yes, soon to be yours.”  She slowly smiled and a slight blush tinged her cheeks.

                “I apologize for my behavior, that’s not like me,” she offered.

                “Oh no Val, it is.  I’ve watched you enough to know.  But, how about I promise to keep it between you and me?”

                “Thank you.  If you’ll excuse me, Salvorte, I was leaving with my parents.”

                “Of course.  I know he was been busy, but he does bid you a good night.  But the ladies aren’t letting him leave.”  Valentina’s eyes drifted back to him.  He offered a small nod in the way of good night, which she returned.

                “Thank you again, and good night.”  She turned back around and followed her parents to the awaiting car.

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                The blue eyes watched the pair from a distance, his jaw hard and his hands fisted.  He had wanted her, longed for her; and to end up denied!  He was furious, and even that was an understatement!  He had always hated Giovanni; the man was arrogant and an asshole and he would take the fire that was Valentina and extinguish it, there was no doubt in his mind.

                His eyes drifted to the man who was always surrounded by women.  They would be his downfall.  He knew that Vinny couldn’t stay away from them, ever.  And to be tied to one female, f*****g only her day and night?  No matter how pretty she was, Vinny would never do that.  But, he knew the truth.  And he knew he would have to bid his time till the right moment, allowing him to claim what was his all along.