05

VALENTINE

“Give me some time to find out if she is a spy," I demanded from Rossetti when we entered his study.

“You don't need any more time. What if much damage is done before you get a proof…"

“Then, I will kill her."

He heaved. He sat on the chair behind his table, “Fine."

I bowed slightly and left. I stopped at Cleopatra's room. She sat on the bed staring blankly into space.

“Cleopatra," I called her and placed my hands on her shoulders.

She flinched. She rose up from the bed. Her eyes sent fiery bolts at me.

“Why?"

“I don't…”

"Why didn't you kill me? Why aren't you killing me right now?” She hollered, her hair falling over her shoulders and covering a part of her face.

"Because I don't think you are what he claims.”

I heard her inhale gently. She ran her hands over her hair pulling it behind her shoulders.

"Why do you think so? I could be what he claims, "Why are you so sure?”

My lips warped in a smirk, my hands sank into my pockets. Would this kind of soft girl be able to gather intels? She looks naive, innocent, sweet, charming and pretty.

But, I don't say any of that.

"You aren't smart enough.”

“What?" Her cheeks blushed red in embarrassment.

“A spy should be smart, heartless and violent. You are not any of that," I spoke with sincerity laced in my voice.

“I am not. How do you know that?"

You are easy to read, darling.

“You don't look well fed. Have you been skipping your meals?" I diverted. Her eyes widened at the smooth diversion.

“Don't ignore the questions, Mr," she waved a finger.

She looked amusing. My smirk stretched across my face.

“Amusing," I mumbled gently.

"What did you say?” She charged at me.

"You look amusing,” I repeated.

Her face burned red. She gritted hard and tried to hold my shirt. She stood on her toes and grasped the collar of my shirt. Her eyes lingered on my face, " Are you teasing me?”

Her breasts pressed hard against my chest. I felt my groin throb at our close proximity. I released a hand from my pockets and circled around her waist, pulling her body into mine.

"What does it look like?” I returned, my gaze lowered to her tempting lips.

She became soft instantly. Her grip around my collar loosened. She went back down on her legs. She lowered her face. A small laugh tore at the base of my throat.

I lifted her chin. Her eyes flicked softly.

"I won't hurt you, Little one.” The promise weaved out of my lips before I could think twice.

Her lips fell slightly apart. I fought the urge to claim her lips and leave my mark on her.

"Eat up. I will get someone to take you around,” I said and let her waist free. She scouted away from me.

"Don't try to act smart, Little one,” I whispered and brushed my finger over her ears.

I turned around and left the room.

~~~

I met Adelina on my way out.

"Hey Boss,” She saluted.

Adelina is my cousin from my maternal home. She is one of the soldiers that works for our family.

"Adelina, Can you help me?”

She was surprised, lost of words and stared with her eyes open, “Help? I will always help you out, boss."

“Cut the formalities, Lina," I gave her a smile that didn't reach my eyes.

“Okay, bo… Valentine."

“I want you to help me. Take the girl in that room around for a walk."

“A walk?" Her brows quirked high.

“Yes. Just for three hours. Escort her back to the room. Make sure she doesn't leave the recesses of this mansion," I called out the orders and she listened with rapt attention.

She nodded and bowed slightly, “Anything for my big cuz."

She walked out.

The clothes Cleopatra wore weren't the right size for her. It made her look amusing.

“And," Adelina halted and turned around, "After the wall, get her some feminine clothes. I will see them before you hand them to her.”

"Alright,” Adelina nodded and walked off towards Cleopatra's room.

"Boss, the reports are out,” Marcelo ran to me with a brown envelope.

"Have you handed it over to Rossetti?”

"Yes. This is your copy. He asked to see you as soon as you are done with the reports,” Marcelo bowed.

"Okay,” I walked down to my room.

~~~

I was sitting before Rossetti in his study with just a flicker of light giving light to the room.

"This isn't enough.” He slammed the reports Marcelo gathered on the table.

"That is the most we could do…"

“Stop," He raised a palm, he was visibly angry, “You could have done this better than this if not for that girl."

My fist curled. I snapped my eyes shut, “Don't bring her up in our discussion. Cleopatra has nothing to do with this."

“Cleopatra? Is that her name?" He stroked his beards and watched me keenly. I rose from my seat and moved away to the window. I opened up the curtains.

From there, I saw Cleopatra walking side by side with Adelina. Even her steps were gentle. How could such a gentle soul harm anyone?

"If she turns out to be lethal, I will crush her bones." He threatened. It was as though he was indirectly throwing threats at me.

"Fine. Can we go back to our discussion?”

"We will strike again.”

"La spacan is having a big audition. Break down all his major sources.”

I released a heave. Another mission ahead.

"We move out tomorrow,” He passed the final order and rose up.

I nodded and began to saunter out of his study.

“Valentine.."

I halted.

He walked up to me, placed his hands on my arm, “Don't get distracted this time. Do this for father and mother."

My gut twirled for revenge. Don Rossini is the reason our mother isn't with us. He is also the reason father is away in Rome receiving treatment for the huge hit he gave us three years ago.

I reached out for his hand around my arm, “Sure."

With that, I left.

I returned to my room. It was dimly lit. I made my way to the king-sized bed. I laid on the bed, snapped my eyes shut and began to recall the pretty face of my sweet mother. She had high cheek bones, a charming smile, a velvety voice that could coax one to sleep. She was full in all places and very supportive.

Why am I thinking of Cleopatra now?

I opened my eyes and drew a glass of water which I sipped gently. A knock came on the door.

The door opened. It was Adelina.

"Boss,” She bowed and placed four bags on the floor close to the foot of the bed.

“Here are the clothes you asked for."

“Okay. You can leave," I gulped down the remaining water.

She bowed once more and turned to leave.

I opened the bags. They were all filled with feminine clothes, toiletries, colognes and perfumes.

“Are they for her?" Adelina’s voice burst in through my thoughts.

“Yes." I picked all the bags and made my way out.

A slight push on her door and I am in the room. I could hear sobs. I walked in stealthily and dropped the bags on the floor.

Cleopatra curled on the floor, tears flowing down her face.

"Cleopatra,” She raised her head up.

My chest twisted with pain. I held her shoulders and raised her up from the floor.

"Why are you crying?” I inquired, she stood before me. Her hair was disheveled and her eyes swollen. Who knows how long she has been crying?

"I miss my Aunt and cousin,” She croaked, her countenance turned morose as she played with her fingers.

Could this sweet soul be a spy?

I reeled her in and embraced her warmly. Her tears soaked my shirt.

I wrapped my hands around her waist and carried her in my arms. I walked to the couch and sat down, letting her down on my thighs. I felt a bulge in my groin area when she sat close with her hands wrapped around her neck.

"Why are you helping me?” She asked amidst sobs.