FEATURING VALENTINA SAXE
Valentina couldnât believe it but she was actually nervous. She had become so desensitized to going on dates with strange men, their pockets overflowing with money but their lives lonely enough to keep calling a gang to bring them an escort for a night, that she knew she shouldnât be so nervous but she was. She was used to being picked up by cars and limos but never a bike, and sheâd never admit it but she definitely was terrified, solely because she never had much experience being on one. That terror eased to excitement eventually, though, as she allowed herself to enjoy it, the cool wind in her hair, the sounds of the rest of Charming muted until all she could feel and hear was Robert. âAll good,â Valentina said before realizing that she should be louder so he could hear her over the engine and the wind. âAll good! This is pretty great!â Valentina said, unable to let out a loud, carefree laugh. This definitely hadnât been how she expected the night to go but it was so, so, so much better.Â
Even better when the bike slowed down to a stop and she realized she had taken him back to his place, and a thrill rushed through her at the thought of just being able to talk to him without the fear of anybody else finding out. No guilt, no judgment, just her doing what she wanted, with the benefits of alcohol sheâs also pretty excited to consume. âWould it be weird of me to say that Iâm actually pretty excited to see your book collection?â Valentina murmured, letting out a soft laugh as she hopped off the bike, tugging at the ends of her dress before self-consciously running a hand through her hair. âPlease tell me I donât look like a scarecrow right about now?â She asked, giggling as she reached out and slipped her hand onto the crook of his arm, letting him lead the way. God, she couldnât help but think. Were those actual butterflies? Wait, no, maybe that was just hunger. She started to internally panic at the mere thought of her stomach grumbling in his presence and Val knew that was not sexy at all, hence why she hesitated slightly near the door. âThis is going to sound like a really weird request since itâs your house, but⌠you think I could whip some food up for the both of us?â
As he guided the bike into the small stretch of pavement in front of his house, Rob smiled and looked over his shoulder towards Val as she hopped off. The sound of her soft laughter made him feel warm... Not that heâd ever admit that to anyone but himself. âNah, definitely not weird. I do have quite an extensive book collection. Itâs impressive, if I do say so myself. Iâd be more weirded out if you didnât want to see it.â He joked while getting off the bike himself and pocketing the keys. Robâs eyes gave Val a once over and at the sight of her, he couldnât help but let his lips move in an appreciative smile. Her cheeks were flushed, most likely due to the wind biting them while they rode the bike and her hair a bit in disarray, probably for the same reason. âYou donât look the least bit like a scarecrow. If you did, itâd be the most beautiful scarecrow Iâve ever seen.â His words were honest, while he placed his elbow out for her to be able to place her arm into it and guided her towards his home.Â
Heâd never admit it, but he was nervous. It wasnât like he hadnât invited women back to his place before, but there was something about Valentina that caused him to feel this had more meaning than any of his previous encounters. When she asks him about cooking, Rob cocks a brow as he unlocks the door to his place, âSure thing. I canât promise how much edible food I actually have in here, but go nuts.â A chuckle leaves him as he ushers her through the door, sparing a look down the street to make sure no one followed them before closing it behind them. âThe kitchenâs right through there.â He points while removing his kutte and moving towards the living room to play some music. Itâs sheer habit and something he does every time he comes home. Music to drown out whateverâs happened throughout the day. âYou mind some music?â He calls out over his shoulder, while he looks through his CDs to find something calming.Â














