Page 93 of Arturo's Temptation
“Arturo… There’s a chance my father won’t believe you.”
“That’s what the video evidence is for. He has no choice but to believe it,” he winked, looking back over his shoulder.
The momentwe stepped into the kitchen, all eyes fell upon us. Most of them seemed confused by our current state, others were just amused. My father however couldn’t be read at all.
“Wow, your hair’s nearly as bright as mine, kid,” Red laughed, elbowing Arturo in the arm. His laughter soon stopped the moment he noticed my father’s irritated gaze.
“Why the fuck do the pair of you look like that? You’re supposed to be training, not fucking about at paintball,” his voice was stern, and quite frankly a little cold.
“Lorenzo, with all due respect, calm your fuckin’ tits so I can explain.” I bit my tongue to prevent a snort of laughter. Arturo had no filter, and I loved it!
I adored my father, yes, but seeing someone like Arturo not giving two shits if he upset him caused my inner rebel to cry with laughter.
“Well, I’m all ears, smart ass,” he leaned back against the island as Arturo handed him his phone. “What’s this?”
“Press play and find out.”
Unamused, my father stabbed the screen. Arturo’s words from the range soon filled the room. The timbre of voice and his calm tone still managed to sooth me in ways I never thought possible. I waited with bated breath until my father glanced up at the pair of us, his eyes wide.
“You—?”
“Yes, Papa,” I stood tall and proud as he played it back once more, this time being joined by Red and Tyler.
“Fucking hell, Bells!” Tyler gasped, snatching the phone from my father. “Arturo, dude you got some serious balls, because I sure as hell wouldn’t trust Bells with a— Ow!”
Scoffing, I thwacked Tyler around the back of the head. “Choose your next words wisely.”
“Bella, I am beyond proud of you,” I was suddenly pulled into my father’s arms. “I always knew you’d handle whatever Arturo threw at you. And judging by that video, you really are tackling every challenge head on.” He rested his chin on the top of my head as he draped his arms around me. “Now, explain to me why you are both covered in powder?” He cocked his head towards Arturo who let out a low chuckle.
“I-uhm… wanted to see if his aim was as good as the rumours.” I buried my head into my father’s chest, knowing he was about to go nuclear about me putting myself at risk.
“Tell me that’s a fucking joke…” His voice remained calm, but I could feel his anger simmering beneath my cheek.
“Lorenzo, I could have made that shot with my eyes closed. I’d never have harmed a hair on her head.” I felt every word he said, the truth behind it was as clear as day.
“Still, I don’t appreciate you aiming bullets at my daughter’s head.”
“Lorenzo, lighten up will ya? Bells is fine. Aren’t you kiddo?” Red asked from the other side of the island. “And she’ll sure as hell face a lot worse than this. You know it. I know it.” Red’s statement shook me to the core. I knew I’d face worse than a bullet from Arturo’s gun, but for the most part I’d been able to shut that part of the job away.
There is no shutting that away, B. You’re soon to be head of the Rich empire.
I frowned as my father cupped my face, checking over every inch of it.
“Pa, seriously? I’m fine. And Red’s right, you need to lighten up. It won’t kill you,” I teased, wriggling out of his hold. “Now, I’m going to leave you boys to chit chat or… whatever it is you do…” I circled my fingers in the air toward them before making my way to the exit.
“Uh, where you off to?” Tyler quizzed.
“To try and shower this shit off, and then picking Theo up from school,” I clapped my hands together in delight. It felt like an eternity since I had last picked Theo up, and Luca practically jumped at the chance of me collecting the little man.
I felt Arturo’s eyes watch me as I left the room, and my heart fluttered at the thought of him not giving a shit about someone seeing, especially my father.
“I don’t give a flyin’ fuck what your father thinks. Nobody, and I mean nobody is standin’ in the way of you and me, not anymore.”
31
“Seriously kid,your hair’s almost as bright as mine,” Red laughed.
“I like how you saidalmost.” I rolled my eyes, as Tyler laughed and Lorenzo narrowed his on me.
