Chapter 42

Valentina Dawn hits my mind like a slap as my eyes blink, still adjusting to the morning light pouring through the window. On the same day I began fighting my father, I quite literally slept with the man who could become everything in my life—or just another enemy. I get ready for lunch with the family, thanking heaven we were excused from breakfast. At least I can avoid another performance of smiles and small talk—and gain more time to figure out how to act when I see him again. “Hello, good morning, did you torture anyone today besides me?” would be an excellent way to start a conversation. I go downstairs, my expression calm, and find part of the Vitale family and Graziela already at the table, waiting for me. Fiamma plays the perfect hostess, trying to make me feel at home—and only