Crowned In Shadows

Valentina's POV:

Enzo and I enter the restaurant, he had a big ass smirk on his face and I was scowling but was still happy anyways. I mean he didn't hold back and I was about to kick his ass. 

That means that I gave him hell, and I am happy about my performance. But the worst thing is that the bitch knows that.

I feel a hand sneak around my shoulders. I throw a questioning glance at Enzo, but he just shrugs with an unapologetic expression on his face. I roll my eyes.

A squeal comes from behind us startling the both of us. Guess what? It was my dearest friend.

Bailey.

She comes in front of him with a smug smile. I narrow my eyes. Enzo sights next to me removing his hand from my shoulder. 

He turns to me with a silent question in his eyes, saying 'I will find you later.' . I raise a single brow, before winking and turning around choosing a table in the far corner.

They talk and all the while Bailey is smirking and, while I am practically burning holes in their heads. 

Lorenzo POV:

Bailey leans casually on the table, her tone sweet but with a sharp edge."You know, my dad thinks we'd make the perfect power couple. He says it's about time you stopped... playing around and started taking things seriously."

 I stop, my smile instantly chilling, my voice dropping dangerously low. "Careful, Bailey. You don't know what you're talking about."

She laugh mockingly. "Oh, I know exactly what I'm talking about. I've heard things about her family. A few threats here, and a little show of power there, but they're not real. They just like to play pretend."

I lean slightly, my eyes narrowing as my voice softens, dripping with menace "Pretend? Is that what you think? That Valentina's family isn't 'real' enough for you?"

 She rolls her eyes, though she looks slightly nervous now "What's real is that you should be with someone like me. Someone who understands you, who can handle your world. Not some spoiled princess who—"

I cut her off sharply, my voice cold as ice "If you say one more word about her, Bailey, I promise you'll regret it. Valentina's family doesn't need to 'play pretend.' They could crush yours without breaking a sweat, and you'd never see it coming. And don't forget mine."

Bailey stiffens, her bravado faltering, but she forces a bitter laugh "You're defending her now? Please. She's just using you, Lorenzo. You're smart enough to see that, aren't you?"

I smirk, my tone dark and mocking "The only one using anyone here is you, Bailey. But unlike you, Valentina doesn't need to manipulate anyone to prove her worth. She's more powerful on her own than you'll ever be, even with Daddy pulling your strings."

 Her voice rises, defensive "You'll regret this. Both of you will."

My smirk turns cruel as I step closer, my voice dropping to a whisper "The only regret here is yours, Bailey. Walk away. Before you make a mistake you can't take back."

She hesitates for a moment, then storms off, her heels clicking angrily against the floor.

I sigh before making my way to Val, settling into my seat my tension already increasing when I lock eyes with her.

 She stares intently at the menu, not looking up "The lasagna sounds fine."

I lean back in my chair, studying her carefully "You've been quiet since we sat down. Not like you. You were watching, weren't you? Noticed every word, every move. What was it, Valentina? Couldn't take your eyes off me—or couldn't stand the sight of her?"

She narrows her eyes, her voice icy "I wasn't watching. And if I was, it was only to see how long it would take for her to start throwing herself at you. She's predictable like that."

I lean forward slightly, my voice dropping to a smooth, teasing murmur "Predictable? Sure. But you, on the other hand... I didn't expect you to care so much. Don't tell me you're jealous."

She lets out a short, humorless laugh, tilting her head "Jealous? Of her? That's cute, Lorenzo. Really."

My smirk widens, my tone dark and provoking "You can say you're not, but your face tells a different story. The way your jaw tightens every time her name comes up. 

She leans forward, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone "You think too highly of yourself if you believe I'd waste my energy on someone like Bailey. If anything, I'm embarrassed for you. Letting her hang onto you like some desperate leech? Doesn't exactly scream strength."

My smirk falters briefly, stunned she is jealous "Careful, Valentina. You're starting to sound possessive."

I lean in the table adding "Aren't you going to say anything."

She flips the page of the menu without looking at me "Maybe I just don't have anything to say."

I tilt my head, smirking "That's new. You're never short on opinions. Especially when you're annoyed about something."

She finally looks up, her tone sharp "I'm not annoyed."

Grinning, unfazed by her tone I a "Oh, really? Because you've been stabbing the menu like it owes you money since we sat down."

She glares at me, her voice clipped "I said I'm not annoyed."

"You know she is just jealous of you right," I say with a soft smile.

Her expression softens slightly but she quickly hides it behind a huff "You're still infuriating."

I laugh, picking up my menu "And you're still terrible at pretending you're not jealous."

She mutters, glancing back at her own menu "Just order your food and stop talking."

I chuckle settling into my seat and changing to a better subject. I came here to distract her from tonight's meeting anyway.