Valentina
For someone who was supposed to hate Matteo now, I sure was so brave in saying…
“I have to get back to him.”
My room felt colder than usual, the chill creeping into my bones as I replayed the conversation with Reed. My fists throbbed from the relentless training earlier, but it was nothing compared to the ache in my chest.
Reed’s words after my declaration lingered, sharp and unyielding. “You can’t go back to him, Valentina. It’s too dangerous.”
What did he know?
He stormed out after our argument, his jaw tight, his hands clenched so tightly. Now, the echo of his voice clashed with my racing thoughts.
Matteo was in danger. I couldn’t sit here and do nothing.
But what exactly would you do?
I stood by the window in my room, watching the dark outline of the woods that surrounded the safe house. The air felt oppressive, the walls too close. I needed to act, and I I needed to act now.
My plan wasn’t perfect, but it was all I had.
Why was I trying to help Matteo again? After all he did to me.
As silently as possible, I slipped on a dark hoodie and jeans, grabbing the small bag I’d packed earlier. The phone Marco gave me was tucked into my pocket, fully charged. It wasn’t much, but it would have to do.
I crept down the hallway, every creak of the floorboards making my heart leap into my throat. Reed had a habit of being everywhere at once. I couldn’t risk him catching me now.
The garage door was unlocked, just as I’d hoped. The air inside was damp and cold, the faint smell of oil lingering. My breath fogged the air as I stepped toward the car, my fingers trembling as I reached for the door handle.
A low voice sliced through the silence like a blade.
“Going somewhere?”
I froze. My hand hovered over the car door, and my stomach dropped. Slowly, I turned toward the voice.
Reed stood in the shadows, leaning casually against a workbench. His arms were crossed, his expression unreadable, but the tension in his posture was unmistakable.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
He stepped forward, the dim light catching the sharp lines of his face. “I should be asking you the same thing.”
“I need to leave,” I said firmly, straightening my back. “I need to get to Matteo.”
Reed scoffed, his lips curling into a bitter smile. “Of course, you do. Because running back to the man who doesn’t protect you is the smart thing to do.”
“It’s not about protection,” I snapped. “It’s about saving him. He’s in danger, Reed. You heard me earlier.”
“And what, exactly, do you think you’re going to do?” he countered, his voice rising. “Walk in there and throw yourself in front of a bullet? You’ll just get yourself killed.”
“That’s my choice to make.”
His jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought he might let me pass. But then he moved, blocking my path entirely.
“No,” he said, his voice low and firm. “You’re not going anywhere.”
“Move, Reed,” I said through clenched teeth.
He shook his head. “Not happening.”
What was wrong with this man?
“Why do you care so much? Why can’t you just let me go?”
“Because I care about you, dammit!” he shouted, his voice echoing in the empty garage.
Yeah. That was still there.
The weight of his words hung in the air between us, heavy and suffocating. I stared at him, my chest tight.
“Reed…”
He ran a hand through his hair, his expression pained. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to watch you do this to yourself? To see you throw yourself into danger for a man who doesn’t deserve you?”
“It’s not about him deserving me,” I said, my voice shaking. “It’s about what’s right. Matteo may not be perfect, but he doesn’t deserve to die.”
“And you do?” Reed shot back. “Because that’s what’s going to happen if you go back there. Luca and Isabella won’t hesitate to use you as leverage. You know that.”
I swallowed hard, my resolve wavering. “I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”
“Then let me help you,” he said, his tone softening. “We can figure this out together. But running off on your own isn’t the answer.”
I looked away, the weight of his gaze too much to bear. “I don’t need your help, Reed. I can handle this on my own.”
“You don’t have to,” he said quietly.
The vulnerability in his voice caught me off guard. When I looked at him again, his usual confidence was gone, replaced by something raw and unguarded.
“I like you, Valentina,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve liked you from the moment I met you. And the thought of losing you…”
He trailed off, his eyes searching mine.
My heart twisted painfully. “Reed, I…”
“Don’t,” he said, cutting me off. “Don’t say anything. Just… think about it. Think about what you’re doing and who you’re doing it for.”
The silence that followed was deafening. I wanted to say something, anything, to break the tension. But no words came.
Reed sighed, stepping back. “If you still want to leave, fine. But I’m not letting you go alone.”
I blinked, surprised. “What?”
“You heard me,” he said firmly. “If you’re dead set on throwing yourself into danger, then I’m coming with you.”
I shook my head. “Reed, you don’t have to…”
“I’m not arguing about this,” he said, cutting me off. “It’s not up for debate.”
His determination left me speechless. For a moment, I considered refusing his help, but the truth was, I couldn’t do this alone.
“Fine,” I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.
Reed nodded, his expression softening. “Good. Now let’s figure out a plan before we do anything stupid.”
As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. Charging in without a plan would only get us both killed.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “Okay. Where do we start?”
Reed smiled faintly, the tension between us easing slightly. “First, we figure out what we’re up against. Then we go from there.”
For the first time that night, I felt a glimmer of hope. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to keep me going.
“Thank you,” I said softly, meeting his gaze.
Reed’s smile widened, a hint of mischief returning to his eyes. “Don’t thank me yet. We’re just getting started.”
Despite everything, I couldn’t help but smile back.
Whatever came next, I wasn’t alone anymore. That should be enough.