VALENTINA'S POV
I finally stopped, my hands dropped to my sides. I threw up everything bit of the drink until I was certain, nothing was left. Exhausted, I looked at my reflection in the mirror.
My eyes were red, my hair was disheveled and my makeup was smeared. A bitter smiled edged my lips.
I took a deep breath and stared back at my self in the mirror. Why exactly am I upset? The three years wasted or the illusion I was under thinking Matteo wasn't as heartless as people viewed him to be?
I looked back in the mirror. The tears I was holding back finally spilled. The pain, the humiliation of these past few days came weighing on my shoulder.
I fixed my makeup, straightened my hair and my dress, pulling myself together and walking out of the restroom. I approached a waiter and he directed me to the private room for my meeting. I pushed the door open, only to bump into a wall or rather someone.
“Miss Felucci, you're here finally! I was beginning to wonder if you canceled on me.”
“My apologies, Mr. Romano. I was held up my something on the way.” I said, smiling politely.
If it any better, I'll take care of our bills tonight.” I offered.
The man, Alexander, placed a gentle hand over mine. “Don't worry about that. Besides, we men should learn to wait for ladies.” He said with a charming smile.
“Let's talk about the project. Meet my assistant, Daniel.”
His assistant handed him a file. My father had a pending project with the Romanos. Years ago, they moved abroad, where he was handling the overseas company, and now he's finally back and as the CEO of the cooperation. I was just notified yesterday that he was back in the city. And he agreed to meet for a meeting.
“Thank you for meeting here on a short notice.”
“I should thank you, it will be my greatest honour to continue this project with you. And also for making this meeting a success.”
“If you don't mind, I'll drop you home.” He offered.
“Sure! Thank you.”
Just as we were about to leave the lounge, the door busted open. “Valentina! There you are.” Alana said, grabbing my hand.
“Where did you go? We've looking all over for you! We were getting worried!”
I pulled my hand out of her hold. “You guys enjoy yourselves, I've a lot to do, I'll take my leave now.”
“Aw, don't be such a spoil sport. We were just having fun earlier, no need to take it personal.”
“Miss,” Alexander stopped her. Pulling my hand from her hold. “Why are you insistent? It's clear she doesn't want to go with you.”
“Well, well, well, who do we have here? The almighty Alexander Romano himself.” She said her voice suddenly seductive and more polite.
“It's Mr. Romano to you miss.”
“Well, Mr. Romano, we were just having fun and Valentina here just couldn't handle it. You know, joke among friends. You know, she's very sensitive.”
Sensitive my foot. I thought.
Out of nowhere, Matteo appeared, dragging me back inside with him. Alexander tried to follow but Alana blocked him. When he left, Alana was behind us. We went to the lounge and Alana opened the door and Matteo shoved me inside, locking it.
“Matteo, let me out.” I banged on the door. The door opened and five thugs waltzed in.
“Open the door, Matteo!”
One of them whistled. “Damn, we got some motherfucking luck, aye?”
I trembled, my hands clutch my bag tightly. I didn't plan for this but clearly, nothing goes as planned. “Don't come any closer.” I said, backing away.
The men kept coming forward. I removed my heel and held it as a weapon. “Relax darling, we just want to have some fun.” One said, as they circled me.
“Wh..what do you want? Money? Name your price, I'll pay you double the amount they gave you.” I said, barely able to keep my voice grounded.
One lunged at me. I hit him in the jaw with the heel. “Damn, she hits hard.” he growled.
“Well, if they're feisty, they tasted best.” Another said. Two came up from behind me and held me tightly. One was already unbuckling his belt and the other two, trying to unbutton my shirt.
“Let me go. If my brother finds out, you all are dead.” I screamed at the top of my lungs.
“Please, don…don't do this to me. I beg you “
My blouse was removed, my bra was torn. “ Ple…please…I beg you.” But my plea fell on deaf ears.
Nobody came to my aid. Who would? It was all a plan.
My dignity was about to be ripped off me. I laid there naked, in despair.
Just as I was about to succumb to darkness. A loud crash burst through the door and it opened with a bang.
