Merciful Vows: A Bittersweet Second Chance Romantic Suspense (The Giannotti World Book 1)

by Vanessa Luisa

  I check underneath Slonne’s bed, the closet, and then in her chest of draws. “There’s no monsters here, carina, but we have to make sure.”

  Slonne inches by my side and points at the bottle. “That’s one of Mommy’s perfumes!”

  “Yes. Do you know what else it is?”

  Her adorable face forms an innocent smile. “Nope.”

  “Something very special!”

  “Tell me! Tell me!”

  “This right here is not only a perfume.” I take off the lid and ignore the tightness in my chest at the familiar aroma. “This is also a bad dream spray. All we need to do is spray it a few times and you won’t have any nightmares. It only works if you think of nice and happy thoughts.”

  “Wow! That’s so cool! I want to do it.”

  And so the erratic spraying on Slonne’s behalf begins. She runs up and down the room, spraying at every angle. She tells the monsters to leave and go into Oscar’s room instead. I ward against that and say how we simply want them to perish, not relocate.

  It’s a little white lie that doesn’t intend to hurt anybody.

  I want her to feel secure and have something to cure the heartache in her chest. I know it’s there and even though the group therapy is helping, it will take time to reach ‘normal’ again. Fortunately, our twins have some form of refuge from this madness. Life works differently for me. There is no spray to resolve the questions circulating in my mind.

  Who would want to hurt Addilyn?

  “If you do have any nightmares, then we need to re-spray it. It helps.”

  “Thank you. It smells like Mommy.” A cheeky grin overtakes her and then I’m being sprayed to death. “There you go! Now you smell like Mommy too. Haha, you smell like a girl!”

  I can’t help but belly laugh.

  Slonne is feeling much better after we slip into bed. Well, partly because she managed to spray my bedroom while I was away to check on Oscar. Welcome to reminder central.

  It’s just past eleven o’clock when she lays her head on my bare chest, her fingers fanning across my abdominal muscles. “Wow, you have six! Are you Superman or something?”

  “Not quite, darling. I just want to be a good person.”

  “I think you and Mommy are the best people in the world!”

  “That’s very kind. I love you, Slonne.”

  “Love you.” She giggles and pulls the sheets up higher mid yawn. “I miss Mom and Addilyn.”

  A knot forms in my throat. “Let’s try and get to sleep, okay?”

  “Okay. Will you save me just in case the monsters still come in?”

  “I promise you they won’t come in, but if they do, I’ll turn into Superman just for you.”

  That sets her off in a fit of laugher triggering mine.

  “Yeah, and Mommy can be Wonder Woman!”

  The knot intensifies.

  “Sounds good to me. Goodnight, carina.”

  “Night, Superman.”

  I already know I won’t sleep tonight. A persistent tightness renders me too uncomfortable to simply lie here. To be still and stable, without resistance. But I need to push right through it for Slonne; she needs to get some rest even if tomorrow isn’t a school day.

  My fingers thread through her soft waves and just like that, every single moment of our past comes crashing down. It has me holding onto her tighter. I want Slonne to know that I’m never going to leave her. That she is safe.

  Right here.

  In my arms.

  In her mom’s.

  With all of us.

  Valencia’s scent lingers in the air around me. It torments my every breath and has me yearning for an escape. Some type of way out of constantly thinking of her. Yet, all I’m capable of doing is thinking of her and that platinum diamond wedding ring. Just the thought is enough to transport me back to when I promised her a lifetime of my love and reverence. I would do anything to witness that diamond sparkle on her finger now, for it to catch a glimpse of the luminous moon creeping through the French doors’ sheer drapes and fill the ceiling with rays of kaleidoscopic shapes of the night.

  It’s here where the persistent ticking of the alarm clock terrorizes my mind. Tick tock. Tick tock. Tick tock. The same fastidious sound is resonating in my chest. Thud. Thud. Thud.

  It beats wildly for several different reasons. All of which are significant. All of which I love. All of which hurt so deeply, that it has me hopelessly whispering into the dreary darkness.

  “I miss them too.”

  Valencia

  “I heard on the news that last week marked six months. It must’ve been so hard on you.” Zoe smiles sadly, observing her freshly red manicure against the sunlight. “Do you think I should have gone for a brighter color?”

  “No. I think it looks good.”

  “Hmm…true. So, have there been any more leads that the press won’t reveal?”

  “Not currently, the case is virtually cold due to the lack of clues. It’s just been a nightmare!” I push through a smile, ignoring the bitter taste pooling in my mouth. “I’m sorry. I have to go, Zoe.”

  “I can imagine it’s tough for you and your husband. Well…separated husband, yeah?”

  I nod.

  I had just dropped off the twins at school and was about to get inside my car when Samuel’s mom, Zoe, stopped me. It’s not my intention to cut her off, especially since the twins only started first grade under a week ago and I do want to get to know everybody, but being late this morning, my first day working for Giulio, isn’t in my plans.

  “Is he seeing anybody?”

  I arch an eyebrow. “Who? Giulio?”

  “Yes! Who else?” She deadpans with a wicked smirk. One that makes me uneasy. “Yes, of course I mean Giulio. We’ve never spoken but I’ve seen him a few times during pick up and drop off. Samuel and Slonne are friends after all… Damn, he’s sure a heavenly sight!”

  I’m taken aback.

  Okay…how do I respond to that?

  “Oh come on, I thought you guys were separated anyway. What’s yours can be mine too, right?” Zoe throws her head back with a laugh. It reels me in for all the wrong reasons.

  Since we first met last year there’s always been something about her that was odd. Something I couldn’t quite pinpoint, and to be frank, I don’t appreciate her having her cake and eating it too.

  A gust of cool breeze fans her perfectly curled blonde hair. She’s gorgeous and from our brief conversation last year, married. She had moved to Seattle with her family ahead of the kindergarten year from San Jose when her husband was transferred. Weeks after settling in, his work needed him back in California and Zoe hadn’t wanted to move and so he’s been flying back and forth on weekends for the past year.

  So, it’s understandable when Zoe looks at me with those perfectly curled lashes and tight pink bodycon dress asking about Giulio, I don’t get the best feeling.

  “Look…I’m sorry, but I have to go now.”

  Her glowing expression dims. She crosses her hands over her chest, spilling more cleavage than I needed to see. “I wasn’t joking, Valencia. Some days are tough. I’m not going to steal him from you…just a little something something. I want to organize a play date for Slonne and Samuel with him. You know, so the kids can play together on a Friday afternoon. You’re not together anyway and it’s just a play date for the kids, Valencia.”

  What?

  A little something something?

  Hell no. I’m sensing ulterior motives for this ‘play date’ cover up.

  “I don’t think he will be interested, Zoe.”

  “In me?”

  She seems offended and I suppress the urge to roll my eyes. This entire situation is ridiculous! She’s married! “No, I meant in general. We both have a lot on our plates and—”

  “And Giulio can be the judge of whether he’s interested or not. This is for the kids; don’t you want Slonne to have a friend beside her brother? Come on! Now, are you going to give me his number, or
do I have to wait until I catch him picking up your kids one day?”

  There’s no way in hell!

  I’m not jealous, but Giulio will see right through the ‘play date’ motive with her protruding love heart eyes and far from subtle wedding ring. He would decline any offer simply because it’s not our objective. Technically we’re still married and we made a deal to not venture into new waters until we formally decided if this separation would resume or end in divorce.

  My heart beats furiously as I grip my car handle. Never have I had to associate with anyone like her. “I don’t think it would be a—”

  “Are you really that delusional, Valencia? Can’t you see it?” Zoe hisses coldly. The space between us narrows until her cheap perfume runs through my airways. “Giulio doesn’t want you. That means he can go around seeing whoever he wants. That woman can be me. That woman can be somebody else. I’m sorry about Addilyn’s disappearance, but freaking pull yourself together, girl. You have to move on sometime, and for god sakes, smile more often!”

  “You better—”

  “What? Watch my mouth? No, babe, I won’t. But you better keep an eye on those windows. Ha!” She taunts with a victorious snarl. “One of these days I’ll invite Giulio to a play date with the kids and then you and I can have a little chat. Goodbye, Valencia.”

  Buh-bye.

  I’m too taken aback by her words to say anything. I despise confrontation, and although Giulio and I have stepped over the line, I would never make a scene with somebody I barely know.

  My jaw remains on the ground as she proudly sashays to her car.

  What the hell just happened?

  “For the third time, I cannot permit you to enter the premises any further.”

  “Sir, you don’t understand. I don’t have my ID because this is my first day!”

  “I’ve heard that before.”

  I clench my fists at the security guard. His stare degrades me, threatening everything I pushed aside on the way here. After Zoe, I had managed to calm myself down. Some people aren’t worth the time and if she likes insulting others, that’s her issue to deal with.

  Just when I thought today could be looking up, the guard won’t allow me access to Notti Designs. He stopped me at the downstairs lobby, right by the elevator. I already flashed my license but what he seeks is a keycard. One I don’t have! I’ve never seen him before, meaning he must be a new guard with no clue that I, in fact, am Mrs. Giulio Giannotti.

  Nerves drill at my weak spots. It happens whenever I’m on edge.

  The guard remains calm during the entire altercation, his hands never once straying from his hips. I should know better than to push my luck. His fingertips are brushing his holster and I’m not looking to start any chaos, but I do need to get through him.

  “I’m technically married to the man who owns this company. You have got to believe me when I say this is my first day!”

  “I’ve heard that one before too. Look lady, why don’t you go home and start a fan club for Mr. Giannotti instead. Okay?”

  My jaw involuntary drops.

  He can’t be serious!

  What is wrong with people today?

  “I don’t know what else to say.”

  The guard glares at me pointedly. “How am I supposed to know you truly work here? Oh, that’s right I don’t. I can’t help you without a keycard. Is that clear?”

  “But I—”

  “I said is that clear?”

  “No.” Giulio’s voice comes from behind. “She’s with me. That’s the only proof you need.”

  An aggravated Giulio approaches from behind me, gripping a leather suitcase. The guard wordlessly allows him entry and I finally feel secure enough to step through behind him.

  I thought wrong.

  The guard reaches out a hand towards my shoulders. “Lady, you can’t enter.”

  Giulio’s narrowed gaze drills deep into the man’s shaven head as he grips his outstretched wrist, preventing the guard from touching me. “And I said she’s with me.”

  “Sir, when you hired me you specifically stated security was a crucial factor. My conditions are every employee needs identification. Every client or associate must present confirmation of their meeting. She could be a fraud! I—”

  “I am very well aware of the conditions as I am the person who made them. I have three things for you. One…” Giulio whips out his phone and begins to scroll. “Do not ever make the mistake of nearly touching her again. Two. You’re fired. And three…” The security guard tenses as the device is shoved in his face. “Valencia Giannotti is no fraud. She is my wife.”

  “Oh…” The man glances between the phone and me. “Oh, I’m extremely sorry.”

  A glimpse of the white lace is enough to launch my trembling hands inside my coat pockets. The photo Giulio showed him was one from our wedding day. Holy…my heart is pounding.

  Breathe.

  Giulio disregards the apology and only reiterates that this is the man’s final day.

  Well…I didn’t expect that.

  I’m glad Giulio’s hand falls to the small of my back as he guides me to the elevator because if it didn’t, I would still be standing in shock. After our discussion the other night, I felt we took a progressive step forward and now I feel the same inside this elevator. Although I can’t quite meet his eyes and my lips are pressed shut, our tension is eased—peaceful almost.

  But how long will it last?

  I needed to get my feet back on the ground after losing my teaching job and although working for him could be another mistake, the appeal is blinding. Giulio was right. Nobody else will understand my uncontrollable outbursts of emotions. Nobody else will say; talk to me, I don’t want you to go through this alone. Nobody else will understand the intensity of my heartache like he does. He will accommodate me and as selfish as it may sound, I agreed for those exact reasons.

  I want to be a better mother and woman; that means stepping up and taking opportunities that scare me. I haven’t taken many steps into the unknown during my life and the first is always the most frightening one.

  I only hope everything works out as planned.

  “Valencia?”

  I turn to Giulio, blinking away my thoughts. “Yes?”

  “The first thing you can kindly do for me this morning is contact backup security guards on the system. I permit you to hire the most proficient guard to commence effectively immediately.”

  “Of course. I’m sorry to have caused so much trouble already.”

  “None of this is your fault.”

  I massage my throat. “Maybe you shouldn’t have been that tough on him. He was irritating me, but in the end, he was only doing his job. Are you sure you want to fire him?”

  When Giulio rushes a hand through his dark tousled hair, his bicep tenses through his black button up. The coat he wore seconds ago is draped over his right forearm and I get lost in his perfect morning stubble.

  Giulio takes a good look at me and nods. “Yes, I’m sure of it. He deserved it. The moment he made the mistake of even thinking he could touch you, he deserved it.”

  I have nothing further to say because I’m mesmerized by just how electrifyingly potent his gaze is. It’s a tug-of-war between what my head says and what my heart wants. It’s for all the wrong reasons, and as much as I know it, I also can’t look away. So, while I’m ogling the hell out of him, I make a mental note to contact security on the system and obtain a keycard before I cost someone else their job.

  God, I never wanted anything like that to happen.

  Notti Designs HQ is located in the heart of downtown Seattle on 5th Avenue, inside a modern twelve floor building with exterior glass wall panels. The company shares the building with two other businesses, coincidently both in the real estate field. Each business owns four floors with Notti Designs occupying the top floors.

  The last time I stepped inside of Notti Designs was half a year ago. Most of the furniture is different. Giulio is a perfectionist
and strives for change, especially with weekly new hot items and seasonal design trends.

  Aside from an Italian marble interior accent wall with a golden business sign, glass wall hallways run through the entire company. An emerald velvet couch and matching armchairs are the statement pieces in the open plan waiting area and surround a glass table styled with eccentric gold pieces.

  Further along, the area blends into reception. Kayla is at her sandstone desk, typing away on her Mac in unbroken concentration. Her straightened dark hair is short, one side curled behind her ear to reveal a classic golden hoop earring. It complements her glowing medium dark skin and perched purple glasses. This is exactly how I remember her. She’s been here since Giulio founded the company and we have become close through the years, which is why it has been so tragic that our friendship is yet another thing that has waned during the separation.

  Kayla waves as I pass and I mirror the action with a smile.

  “She’s missed you,” Giulio informs me.

  “I’ve missed her.”

  He simply nods, his vision zoning straight ahead as we continue to his office.

  Notti Designs HQ is divided into five departments across three other floors of the building; the design center on the eleventh floor, the development and marketing team on the tenth, and the construction administration, management, and human resources on the ninth.

  There’s also a warehouse less than ten minutes away that I’ve only been to a handful of times. It holds their stock, staging items, and additional storage. Giulio controls just over one thousand employees across twelve successful global firms, assisting clients in achieving their dream homes and commercial businesses.

  We stop short at the end of the hall and Giulio begins explaining that this will be my work station. His office phone begins blearing and when he doesn’t make an attempt to move, I urge him to take the call before he misses it. Giulio seems reluctant to leave me at first, but eventually gives in and promises he’ll be less than two minutes before rushing into his office.