Chapter 33: Valentina

Valentina's POV

My brother Dante moved through the house with practiced precision, checking each room methodically. I found myself leaning against the doorframe of my bedroom, watching his broad shoulders as he inspected every corner, every shadow.

"Clear in here," he said, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. His gray eyes scanned the room one final time before landing on me. "You sure you haven't noticed anything strange lately? Anyone watching the house?"

I shook my head, trying to ignore the way my body responded to his proximity. "Nothing. It's been quiet."

Sheila appeared behind me, her arms folded across her chest. "I told you, we're fine. This neighborhood is boring as hell."

Dante raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Then explain why someone's been watching this place."

"Maybe they're checking out Valentina's virtual boyfriend," Sheila said with a smirk."Some girls need a little help relaxing before bed."

I froze.

A deep crimson blush spread across my cheeks and down my neck. I wanted to disappear through the floor. That vibrator was mine. I'd bought it months ago when the loneliness of nights became too much to bear, when the stress of everything—my father's death, my mother's remarriage, my uncle's betrayal—left me desperate for release, for even a moment of escape.

"Is that right, Val?" he asked, his voice dropping an octave. "You need help relaxing?"

The memory of last night flooded through me—his hands on my body, his lips against my skin. The way he'd made me feel things I'd never felt before.

"I—" My voice faltered. What could I possibly say?

His smirk widened, and I knew he was remembering too. The look he gave me was heavy with meaning, as if to say I wouldn't be needing that vibrator anymore. As if to promise that what happened between us wasn't a one-time thing.

Would there be more nights like last night? My heart raced at the thought, desire pooling low in my belly.

Sheila glanced between us, clearly sensing the tension. "Did I miss something?"

"No," Dante and I said in unison, a little too quickly.

"You're cute when you blush," Dante murmured, just loud enough for only me to hear.

I rolled my eyes, trying to regain some composure. "Shut up."

His low chuckle made my stomach flip. Somehow, this ridiculous, embarrassing moment had broken through the heaviness that had settled over us since he'd shown up at the door.

Dante pulled out his phone and checked something on the screen.

"Pack your bags," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Both of you. It's not safe here."

Sheila spun around. "What? No way. I have work tomorrow."

"Call in sick," Dante said flatly. "This isn't optional."

I knew that look in his eyes. Something had spooked him, something he wasn't telling us. "Dante, what did you find?"

He hesitated, then sighed. "Nothing concrete. But my gut says something's off, and my gut is rarely wrong." He moved closer, lowering his voice. "I've learned to trust my instincts, Val. They kept me alive in places where others died."

The reminder of his military past, of the dangers he'd faced, sent a chill through me. If Dante was concerned, there was good reason to be.

"Where would we even go?" Sheila asked, her resistance beginning to waver.

"The club," Dante replied. "The Devil's Forge has security, and my men are loyal. You'll be safe there."

Sheila's eyes widened. "The motorcycle club? Your uncle will be there, right?"

I shot her a questioning look, surprised by her sudden interest.

"Just asking," she mumbled, but there was a hint of color in her cheeks.

Before I could question her further, the sound of a car pulling up outside caught our attention. Dante moved to the window in one fluid motion, his hand instinctively reaching for something at his waist—a gun, I realized with a start.

"It's just my uncle," he said after a moment, his posture relaxing slightly. "I called him for backup."

Sheila rushed to the window, trying to appear casual as she peered out. "Your uncle's here? Now?"

Dante gave her an odd look. "Yeah. Is that a problem?"

"No," she said quickly, running a hand through her hair. "No problem at all."

I watched as she subtly checked her reflection in my mirror, straightening her shirt and pinching her cheeks for color. What the hell?

"Fine," Sheila announced, surprising me. "I'll stay at the club for a while. Just until we're sure everything's safe."

Dante nodded, satisfied. "Pack light. Essentials only."

As they left the room to give me privacy, I pulled out my duffel bag and began throwing in clothes, toiletries, my laptop. I saw the vibrator my brother had just thrown away, and after a moment's consideration, I quickly stuffed it into the side pocket of my bag.

Just in case.

Though as I zipped the bag closed, I couldn't help but wonder if Dante was right—if I wouldn't be needing it anymore. The thought sent another wave of heat through my body, and I took a deep breath to steady myself.