Tempted By My Uncle In-law

09| An unexpected gift.

09| An unexpected gift.

I stand at the tip of the bed, brows pressed together in annoyance, or is it frustration? I really shouldn't be doing this, I should be staying às far away from him as I can.

“Let's just get today over with." I mutter, walking over to the walk-in closet to rummage through it. I will need something to wear to the stupid party.

If only Briana was here, she's the one who picks up my clothes for me. ' I wonder how she is.' I just hope the people after me haven't gone after her.

To be honest, it was stupid of me to insult or fight with Valentino, and it was more stupid of me to come here or get myself in this mess, but here I am— there's no escape.

I can't seem to find the right clothes, no matter how hard I try.

After a while of contemplating, I decide to sit it out. It's not like it's that important anyway. What help can a stupid event do for me when my life is still hanging by a thread?

So I sit on the bed, gaze fixed on the floor. My thoughts drift back to Mom, she wants me to find Valerie? I scoff, my life seems to be going in a very messy direction.

I can't imagine what would happen if Valerie were to return, she's not the same elder sister I once used to sneak into the Ned with.

The same person I used to cover for whenever she snuck out to meet Russell. I am not stupid.

I knew from the onset that the two were f*****g, even before I caught them at a party, then, I thought it was sweet, but now, all I feel is a deep defeat.

I don't love Russell, hell, I don't even remember how he looks like, but that doesn't change the fact that he's my husband who has f****d my sister while we have never even met.

A knock on my door pushes me out of my reverie. With a frown, I make my way to the door, not too surprised when Valentino's face comes into view. With a gulp, I question. “What?! “

Valentino watches me without a word, while my patience begins to thin, I open my mouth to speak, but he shuts me up by taking my hand and handing me a bag. His action is surprisingly gentle, compared to how he had acted earlier.

I clear my throat, ignoring how his touch made me feel, instead I shot him a look, brows raised.

“Wear that to the party." He says.

“Oh." I blink.

“Your secretary picked it for you." He adds, and a gasp escapes my lips.

“Y- you know Briana?"

“They tried to get to her, but she's safe now."

I blink again, heart constricting. 'Why would he help me?' I eye him from beneath my lashes, he still has the cold air around him, but God, how I want to pull him in and hug him.

No one has ever done something like this for me, no one has ever protected me without me asking or doing it myself.

Ocean blues stare into my eyes as if stripping my soul bare, and even though I try hard to not waver, goosebumps begin to crawl up my skin, so I have no choice but to look away.

I clear my throat. “I—”

" Go get dressed, you have only an hour left. “ He commands in his monotone voice, then he's gone.

I watch him go, feeling a weird twist in my heart. I hold the bag in my hand tighter as I close my door.

Things are starting to get complicated. Shutting my mind of all thoughts, I take out the box from the bag and open it to reveal a purple and white off shoulder dress and white stiletto heels.

As I pull out the dress to check it out, a small piece of paper slips to the floor, and I pick it up.

It reads.......

(Do you like it?

I figured you would want something sexy since I heard you are attending an auction.

You don't need to worry about me, I am at a safe house.

I hope you are safe wherever you are, please do not forget to sleep and don't stay late painting again.

I hope we meet again soon.

Bri)

My lip stretches into a bright smile, it really is her. I press the paper to my chest. It is indeed her. Thank God she's okay, I can't imagine her getting hurt because of me.

I send a glance towards the door. “Thank you, Valentino." I whisper.

Then I put on some make up, pick up the dress and change into it.

“Perfect."

I can't help but smile as I examine my figure by the mirror. The dress is made of satin, light and soft on my skin, my neck is bare, showing off the red birthmark by my collarbone.

It hugs my hourglass shape like a second skin, from the shoulder, down to my bellybutton, is a white color that fades into a lilac, then into a deep purple.

I pack my hair into a messy bun, letting little strands frame my face, with a pearl necklace. For a moment, I wonder what Valentina would think when he sees me, will he be thrilled or shocked?

My cheek heats up while I put on the pearl necklace. But then I realize what I am doing and my smile falls. “You shouldn't be so shameless Amber."

Have I been so starved of affection and touch that I am now thinking of other men instead of my husband?

My brows pinch together, and I stand from the vanity and put on my stilettos, and a small purse, then I am out of my room, steeling myself for what's to come.

Or...

What he would think.

However, on getting to the living room, he's nowhere to be found, I look around but he's nowhere. Has he left already? I am not that late am I?

I didn't really take him for the impatient kind.

I make my way out of the house, dialing his number. Cold air caresses my skin as I walk further into his estate.

Come to think of it, I have been staying here for three days and I never for once went past the house and the little garden at the back.

His number goes to voicemail, making me frown harder.

Something is wrong somewhere, just when I am about to go back to the house, a hand grabs me from behind and I am pulled into a warm chest at the same time I let out a startled scream.

“Let me-"

The person turns me around, and I am met with familiar ocean blues. My breath comes out shaky, eyes wide. “V- Valentino." I breathe out.

He pauses to examine me, then he looks back into my eyes. “Why are you so startled?“ He questions, brows raised.

"I-” I pause to calm my raging heart." I didn't hear you coming, where did you go?“

~P-Lia~