Valentino's footsteps echoed softly through the ornate hallways of his penthouse as he walked the short distance from her room to his, his mind consumed with thoughts of the events of the day. Spending time with the lovely moth down the hall was interesting. She was different, unlike the other sinners he'd entertained and used. There was a genuine sweetness and naivety to her that intrigued him. He entered his bedroom, he closed the door behind him, his thoughts still lingering on Lula. Valentino shed his coat and hat, tossing them casually onto a nearby chair. He strode over to the bed and sank down onto the edge of his bed, running a hand down his face.
He found himself reflecting on his time spent with Lula. Cooking for her had been a surprisingly enjoyable experience, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction from showing off his culinary skills. He replayed their conversations in his mind; her wit, her intelligence, and her stubbornness had intrigued him. There was something about her, a light that he found himself drawn to like a moth to a flame. He knew he had to be cautious, to temper his desires and not push her too fast. But the sight of her flushed cheeks and trembling voice had stirred something deep within him, a primal urge to claim and possess.
He imagined what it would be like to have her by his side, to see her switch seamlessly from innocence to assertiveness, or to witness her soft vulnerability against her inner strength.
His musings turned to the vandalism that had happened to her shop and home. He scowled at the thought of some lowlife demon coming in and wrecking her livelihood angered him deeply.. He already made some calls to have the repairs done. Now he just needed to deal with security. He needed to have eyes on her shop during the repairs. It wouldn't be good for the construction team to fix everything just for that prick that's bothering Lula to come in and wreck it again
The protective instinct flared within him, the urge to shield her from harm growing stronger with each passing second. Thinking about that low-life mongrel harassing his little moth made his jaw clench. The fucker didn't know how to take 'no' for an answer. Valentino would make sure he learned the hard way. Though, he couldn't be too angry. The irony wasn't lost on him; the ruthless and brutal way he treated the souls he owned.
"I'm no better than that bastard,," he admitted, with no guilt or shame. "I can't really say that I 'no' for an answer either..." He fell silent for a moment. He never cared about the souls he gained and how he used them. They were his to do with whatever he wanted. No desires or actions were off limits regarding him and his toys. He took pleasure in using his power to control them, to make them submit to his every whim. It was how he ran his studio, how he maintained his position at the top. He was a dominant force, and he relished in the thrill of it.
Lula's face flashed in his mind, her eyes full of fear and what he now realizes was disappointment. His chest tightened at the thought of her being disappointed in him. Clutching at his chest where the tightening feeling was and growled at the sensation. He wasn't used to this feeling of disappointing someone. He did what he wanted, when he wanted, consequences be damned.
He had always put himself and his desires first, never giving a second thought to who he hurt in the process. But now, sitting there on the edge of his bed, he was consumed with thoughts of Lula, of the disappointed expression on her face when she spoke to him about his business. It was a feeling he had never experienced before, and it both terrified and intrigued him. He cursed loudly, his voice filled with frustration. "Fuck," he growled. "Why am I so fucking affected by her? I treat those whores however I want, I own them...but one look at those big eyes and I'm second-guessing everything. Estoy jodido!"
Valentino fell back on his bed, and ran his upper set of hands down his face in frustration. " I fucking hate this!" Valentino clenched his teeth, his expression dark and conflicted. "Treat them nice," he muttered to himself, the words sounding like a foreign language on his lips. "Yeah, because that's what I'm fucking known for. Kindness, compassion, and treating them like actual people." He let out a humorless laugh. "Hell no, I can't do that. I'd be a laughingstock. A joke. No one would respect me anymore. No one would fear me anymore." He exhaled a long, frustrated breath, his mind grappling with the internal conflict.
"Is she even really worth all this shit?!" he said to no one. But as soon as the words left his lips, the delectable face of his pequeña polilla. Her soft smile, the way she carried herself, the way her eyes glimmered with determination. He pictured her there beside him, her hand on his chest, her voice whispering to him. And the most unnerving thought of all: he realized he didn't want to disappoint her. He sat up abruptly, his expression shifting from frustration to determination.
"Yeah, I guess she's worth it," he admitted with a defeated sigh.
He stripped out of his clothes, tossing them carelessly onto the floor, and slid into bed naked. And as he lay there, staring up at the ceiling, thoughts of Lula continued to plague his mind. As he closed his eyes, he found himself wondering what she was up to, if she was thinking about him as well.
He closed his eyes and tried to sleep. After a few minutes, his eyes flew open and he quickly sat up. "This is all Vox's fucking fault!" Valentino shouted. It was a good thing that the room Lula was in was a little ways down the hall. He didn't want her hearing him losing his mind.
"Damn it," he growled, slamming all four of his fists on the bed. "Why the hell did I listen to Vox? If he hadn't suggested going to Lula's shop for those damn glasses, I wouldn't be in this mess! But no, here I am, in bed, tossing and turning because of a woman I barely fucking know, all because I'm faced with changing my entire persona, my entire identity, for her." He let out a humorless laugh.
He fell back onto the bed, his expression softening slightly. "But dammit, there's just something about her that draws me in." His eyes narrowed as he thought about Vox again. He let out a dark chuckle, his expression turning wry. "If Vox knew the trouble he's caused me, he'd owe me big time."
He chuckled darkly, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "You know, now that I think about it, this situation might actually work in my favor." He leaned back in bed, a plan forming in his mind. "Vox owes me, that's for sure. And what better way to make him pay up than by asking him to keep an eye on her shop repairs as repayment?"
At first, Valentino had wanted to keep Vox and Velvette out of this. The last thing he needed was them meddling in his business and potentially getting their hands on Lula for any reason. Velvette might not be too much of a problem. She was usually busy with her fashion shows and post shit. That would be a problem though. She posted about everything and she worked fast. She would notice him acting strange and she wouldn't stop until she got what she wanted. He'd have to think about how to handle her, but for now, he'd focus on Vox. He'd be the best choice for watching over the repairs at Lula's place.
"Vox is the best at keeping tabs on things," he muttered to himself with a begrudging sigh. "He's got eyes everywhere." But the thought of involving Vox in something this personal made Valentino's stomach churn. "Ugh, why did it have to be him? Out of all the souls in Hell, why did it have to be that meddling, know-it-all bastard?" he grumbled to himself. He paused for a moment, his expression hardening. "But if Vox does anything to mess this up, I'll tear him apart myself."
With that settled, his thoughts turned to the other Vee in the group, "Velvette.." he said to himself. "She's usually too busy with her fashion shows and posting bullshit. I don't think she'll cause too much trouble, but she's quick and observant. She'll notice if I start acting differently." He paused for a moment, his expression growing thoughtful. "And if she gets suspicious, she'll hound me until she gets what she wants."
Out of habit, he reached for his phone, ready to text one of his whores to come to his room. He stopped himself, curling his outstretched hand into a fist. He couldn't do it. All he could think was how Lula would react.
All of this was pissing him off and he needed something to take it out on. He sat in his bed with the blanket pooling around his waist. His hand instinctively reached for his phone to contact one of his whores to take out his frustration on. His Angelcakes was his favorite toy, but he was at that shit hotel. Before he could pick up his phone, he froze with his fingers hovering inches above the screen. He caught himself just in time, clenching his hand into a fist instead.
His thoughts drifted to Lula, the memory of her face vividly in his mind. He could almost hear her voice, chastising him and questioning his actions. He knew deep down that if he went through with his old habit, Lula would be disappointed and perhaps even hurt. So he sat there, alone in his room, fighting against his instincts and old habits. Anger and desire for a distraction still simmered within him, but...he couldn't bring himself to do it.
"Damn it," he muttered to himself. "This is all her fault. She's got me all twisted up inside. I can't even think straight." He ran a hand across the top of his head, his frustration and pent-up desire making him feel like he was going crazy.
He forcefully pushed himself off the bed, the blankets falling away from his frame. Without a word, he grabbed his cigarettes and stalked over to the balcony attached to his room, a dark scowl on his face.
With a deft flick of his lighter, he ignited a cigarette, bringing it to his lips and drawing in a deep, smoke-filled breath. The nicotine hit his system, momentarily calming the storm of emotions stirring within him. Taking another drag from his cigarette, he tried to clear his head. The cool night air did nothing to soothe his turmoil. His mind was racing, filled with thoughts of Lula and the conflicting emotions she stirred within him.
The pink smoke billowing out of Valentino's lips curled into the air like tendrils, mingling with the night sky. A bemused chuckle escaped his lips as he exhaled, the cigarette still pinched between his slender fingers.
"She's already getting me to change," he mused, a hint of amusement in his voice. "This woman has me wrapped around her little finger without even trying. Damn it, Lula."
He stepped back into his room and flopped back onto the plush mattress, his arms behind his head. The night air and the cigarette had calmed him slightly, but his mind was still racing with thoughts of Lula. He had a lot to do in the morning, but for now, he closed his eyes and let exhaustion drag him into a restless sleep.
Lula's eyes snapped open violently as she was jolted awake from a nightmare. The haunting vision of the demon tormenting her and the devastating destruction of her shop flickered in her mind, leaving her trembling and disoriented. Her heart raced, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to shake off the nightmare's lingering grip. She sat up in bed, her body still shaking slightly from the residual effects of the dream. The room was eerily quiet and the early morning hours cast shadows across the space. As she tried to catch her breath, Lula silently cursed the demon that continued to torment her. The image of her shop, vandalized and ravaged, still fresh in her mind. "No... no..." she whispered to herself in a shaky voice. "It was just a nightmare. Just a nightmare..." She sat there for a moment, her body trembling, trying to slow her racing heart and steady her breathing.
She took a few deep calming breaths, her heart rate slowly returning to normal. Despite calming herself down, she knew that falling back asleep was unlikely. The nightmare had shaken her too deeply, leaving her wide awake and restless. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, feeling the soft touch of the plush carpet against her bare feet. The house was eerily quiet as the early morning hours lingered in the air. Lula knew that a hot shower was just what she needed to wash away the remnants of her nightmare and clear her head. With a weary sigh, she pushed herself out of bed and padded across the room towards the adjoining bathroom.
She grabbed a towel and some fresh clothes and headed to the bathroom. Lula stood under the hot stream of water, allowing the heat and steam to envelope her. The water cascaded over her skin, caressing her curves and rinsing away the remnants of sweat and stress. The temperature was just right, leaving her skin slick and warm as the water cascaded over her body. The steam fogged the bathroom mirror, creating a misty veil that obscured her reflection from view.
As she lathered up her hair and rinsed away the soap, her thoughts turned once more to her vandalized shop. She mentally made a list of everything that needed to be done to repair and restore her beloved business. New furniture, new inventory, and a complete overhaul of the security systems seemed necessary.
She needed a plan.
Frustration and determination swirled within her as she pondered how much it would cost her. She couldn't afford to be without a working shop for much longer, and the thought of the demon that was still out there, plotting against her, only fueled her resolve to act fast.
Lula turned off the shower, the last few droplets of water falling from her skin. She stepped out of the steaming shower, her body still warm and flushed from the hot water and let out a long, weary sigh. She wrapped a fluffy towel around herself, the white fabric gently embracing her curves. She stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at her reflection. The glass was still fogged over from the hot shower, distorting her image in a haze of steam. But despite the distorted view, she could still see the exhaustion etched on her face. The bags under her eyes and the weary slump of her shoulders spoke volumes about the weight of her current situation.
Lula entered the room standing in nothing but a towel. She noticed an issue that hadn't occurred to her before - she had no spare clothes. The realization sank in, and another sigh escaped her lips. She'd been so focused on her nightmare and her thoughts of repairing her business that she hadn't even considered this crucial detail. She didn't fancy the idea of putting on the clothes she had been wearing earlier. She looked around the room, as if expecting some kind of miracle to appear. Her belongings were back at her shop, and she could hardly walk around in Valentino's penthouse wearing nothing but a towel.
Her gaze fell upon a gift box sitting atop her dresser and curiosity got the better of her. She stepped closer and lifted the lid, revealing a pleasant surprise. Inside the box lay a brand new outfit - something that was both elegant yet casual, a perfect blend of style and comfort. As she pulled it out, she found that it was composed of a loose-fitting, charcoal-colored blouse and a pair of dark denim jeans that hugged her curves in all the right places. The blouse featured a subtle v-neck and sleeves that ended just above her elbows. To accessorize, a pair of comfy, ankle-height ankle boots and a leather belt with a simple buckle were included.
Lula carefully examined the outfit, appreciating the blend of comfort and style. The loose-fitting blouse offered ease of movement, while the jeans provided a snug fit that accentuated her best features. The v-neck of the blouse was tastefully modest, showing just enough skin to add a hint of allure. The ankle boots were the perfect casual accessory, providing solid footing and a rugged chic appeal. The leather belt cinched in her waist and enhanced her silhouette. Although she was certain the box hadn't been there when she went to sleep last night, she shrugged it off, attributing it to her fatigue. Perhaps she had simply overlooked it in her exhaustion, and it had been there all along.
She put on the new outfit, the soft fabric of the blouse and the smooth material of the jeans feeling comfortable against her skin. She tied the belt around her waist, adjusting it to fit snuggly. She decided to leave the boots off, as she was indoors. The plush carpet in the guest room was soft under her bare feet, a pleasant sensation. It was still quite early in the morning, and Lula wanted to express her gratitude to Valentino for his kindness in letting her stay the night. She decided to make a simple yet delicious breakfast for both of them, hoping to surprise him with a small token of her appreciation.
Lula made her way towards the kitchen, humming to herself softly. The cool of the morning was still lingering in the air, and the house was quiet, save for the occasional sounds of the regular cacophony of the Pentagram. Lula entered the kitchen and looked through the fridge and cabinets to see what Valentino had on hand. She began gathering the ingredients for the simple breakfast and the counter was soon filled with various items, each one ready to be transformed into a delicious meal. She turned on the coffee pot, the rich aroma of freshly brewing coffee filling the kitchen air in an instant. As she waited for the coffee to finish, she chopped up a few vegetables for an omelet, the sound of the knife against the cutting board slicing through the quiet air.
The sound of cooking and the smell of food drifted into the bedroom, rousing Valentino from his sleep. He blinked several times, taking a moment to orient himself before the smells of breakfast wafted into his nostrils. He inhaled deeply, recognizing the scent of a freshly made breakfast. His stomach growled in response, a reminder that he was starving. With a soft groan, he sat up and pushed the covers off, his feet landing on the cool floor. He sat up in bed, running a hand over his face. A yawn escaped him and he stood up and smells emanating from the kitchen were making his mouth water, and he couldn't resist the pull to get up and investigate further.
Valentino scratched his head, yawning again as he padded into the kitchen. The aroma of food enveloped him, making his empty stomach growl once more. The sight of Lula busying around the kitchen, preparing breakfast, greeted him as he walked in. Valentino stood in the doorway, taking in the sight before him. The domestic scene of Lula cooking in his kitchen stirred something within him that he hadn't felt before. The way she moved around his space, cooking and preparing food with such ease, seemed to fit right in. It was a strange but oddly comforting feeling, one that he couldn't quite put a finger on. He watched her for a moment more, taking in the way she hummed softly to herself as she cooked, completely immersed in the task at hand. The warm, buttery scent of the omelet and the sound of vegetables sizzling in the pan was a stark contrast to the usual neon-lit chaos of the Pentagram. For a brief moment, Valentino felt a strange sense of peace.
He cleared his throat, making his presence known. Lula turned around in surprise, but smiled when she saw him.
"Hey, you're up," she said, a soft smile on her face. "Breakfast is almost ready."
"Smells good," he replied, his voice still gruff from sleep. He ambled over to the counter, his eyes drifting over the spread of food laid out. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble, pequeña polilla." Lula chuckled softly, giving the omelet in the pan a quick flip. "It's no biggie. I wanted to show my appreciation for letting me stay the night. Thought a little breakfast would be nice."
Valentino leaned against the counter, watching her work. "Appreciation, eh?" he teased, his voice taking on a slightly flirtatious edge. "I could think of other ways for you to show your appreciation, pequeña polilla."
Lula rolled her eyes at his tone, used to his constant flirting and teasing. "Save it, Casanova," she said with a smirk. "Let's get some food in your stomach before you start thinking with your...other head."
Valentino was surprised by her sassy response. He chuckled, his gaze raking over her, not-so-subtly devouring her form. "Can't help it, doll. You look too damn good in my kitchen, cooking for me. It's hard to think of anything else," he drawled, his voice a low murmur.
Lula blushed slightly, feeling the heat of his gaze as it traveled over her. She quickly turned her attention back to the omelet, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest. "Hush and sit," she said, gesturing to the small dining table. "Food shouldn't go cold while you're trying to sweet talk me."
Valentino chuckled at her reaction, clearly amused at her attempt to stay focused. He walked over to the table as she suggested, not trying to hide the way his eyes roved over her. "Alright, doll, I'll play nice. But only because I'm starving."
In fact, the combination of Lula's presence in his kitchen and the prospect of food was stirring something far deeper in him than mere hunger.
Lula placed a plate of omelet and vegetables in front of Valentino, the steam rising from the freshly cooked food. She then served herself and sat down across from him. The two dug into their food, the silence filled with the sounds of eating and drinking. For a few moments, the only sound was the clinking of silverware and the occasional sipping of coffee. He found himself watching her, his gaze roving over her face, her hands, the curve of her shoulder. The simple domesticity of the moment only heightened the strangely comforting feeling he had felt earlier.
"Thank you for the new outfit," she said, her voice soft and sincere. "It's perfect." Lula smiled, her eyes filled with gratitude.
Valentino leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on her. "No problem," He took a sip of coffee before answering her question. "Had some help from one of the interns. Figured you'd appreciate having something clean to change into once you woke up."
She took a moment to take another sip of coffee, using it as a brief distraction.
"Interns?" she said once she'd swallowed, arching an eyebrow in curiosity. "Didn't know you had interns. I thought you just had, you know, adult content actors."
Valentino let out a lazy chuckle, setting his coffee mug back on the table. "Oh, I'm full of surprises, doll," he said, his voice dripping with his usual smooth confidence. "One of many benefits of being an Overlord. Free labor from desperate sinners."
As Lula fell silent once more, Valentino could sense her slight discomfort. He knew that his casual tone and mention of "free labor" might not sit well with her, but he chose not to address it. Instead, he continued to watch her, the corners of his lips twitching into a small smirk.
Lula's expression grew more serious as she continued their conversation. "I need to go back to my shop," she said, her voice tinged with determination. "I need to assess the damage, see exactly what needs to be fixed, and plan how I'm going to get everything back on track." Valentino listened intently, his focus on his food momentarily broken as he responded to Lula. "I'm already handling it," he said matter-of-factly, his voice holding an air of confidence. "Don't worry about a thing. You won't have to lift a finger."
Lula paused in her eating, her fork hovering over her plate. She looked up at Valentino with a mixture of surprise and disbelief. "Wait, what?" she asked, her voice hesitant. "What do you mean you're handling it? How?"
Valentino leaned back in his chair, his gaze never wavering from her. "Remember that call I made yesterday? It was for that. I'll be sending people over to your shop this morning," he stated briskly, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. "They'll assess the damage, make a list of everything that needs to be fixed or replaced."
"Don't worry, pequeña polilla, it's all under control," he continued, his voice smooth and confident. "I'll make sure it all gets taken care of. You just focus on getting yourself settled and relaxed. I'll handle everything else."
Lula's eyes widened in surprise, her fork frozen midway to her mouth. She hadn't expected such a gesture from Valentino, who often came across as carefree and flippant. His actions were shockingly thoughtful and considerate, almost out of character for the egotistical Overlord. Valentino caught her surprised expression and chuckled lightly. "No points for arguing, pequeña polilla," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. "Just accept it. It's already in motion. You'll just have to sit back and relax." He materialized his phone into his hand and sent a text to the repair crew. His fingers moved with practiced ease over the screen, not even needing to look at what he was doing. He instructed them to keep him updated on their progress.
Seeing Lula's stunned expression, Valentino let out a low, amused chuckle. He set his phone down on the table and leaned back in his chair, his eyes studying her intently. "Words fail you, doll?" he teased, a sly smirk playing on his lips. Valentino's smirk faded immediately as he watched tears begin to stream down Lula's face. He hadn't meant to overwhelm her with his actions; quite the contrary. He expected her to be grateful, or at the very least, pleasantly surprised. Seeing her cry was something he didn't anticipate, and it sent a pang of something unfamiliar through his chest. He sat there for a moment, unsure of how to respond. He hadn't dealt with emotional displays like this before. But seeing her like this, upset and crying, was affecting him in a way he hadn't anticipated.
He leaned over the table, reaching out to tentatively place a hand on her arm, his touch surprisingly gentle. He reached out with the other hand and gently cupped her cheek. Valentino's touch was surprisingly tender, his long fingers gently caressing her face, wiping away her tears. His movements were slow, almost tentative, as if he was handling something fragile and precious. He stared at her for a moment, the usual smirk on his lips replaced by a more contemplative expression. Lula's heartfelt appreciation poured out through her tears, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you," she said softly, her words almost swallowed by her sobs. She leaned into his touch, seeking comfort and support.
After a few more moments, Lula's tears subsided, and the only sound in the room was the ticking of the wall clock. Valentino withdrew his hand from her cheek, his fingers lingering a little longer than necessary before retreating completely. The two sat in a strangely comfortable silence, the aftermath of Lula's emotional outburst slowly fading. They finished their breakfast, the sounds of their utensils scraping against the plates mingled with the occasional sips of coffee, creating a soothing background noise. The air in the room was still, filled with a sense of calm that was almost palpable. After they were done, Lula started to clean up the dishes and everything she used to cook.
As Lula got up to gather the dishes, Valentino was about to wave her off, but a strange urge made him help her instead. He stood up, picking up the rest of the dishes, and followed her to the sink. The two worked together in silence, the sound of running water and clanking dishes the only thing breaking the quiet. As they washed and dried the dishes, Valentino decided to mention his plans for Lula's living arrangements. "Just so you know," he began in a casual tone, his hands still working to clean a plate. "You'll be staying here with me until your shop is fixed." Valentino saw Lula open her mouth, most likely to argue, but he interjected before she could even start. "And don't even think about arguing, doll," he said firmly, his tone brooking no room for protest. "It's safer for you here. The asshole that trashed your shop might come back again."
Seeing that Lula didn't protest his decision, Valentino smirked, pleased with her compliance. "Good girl," he teased. "I knew you'd come to your senses." He noticed her reaction to his words, the way she blushed faintly. He let out a soft chuckle, a sly smirk playing on his lips. "You actually like that, doll?" he asked, his tone teasing yet mildly surprised. "Who would have thought the little flower shop gal had a thing for being praised like a good girl," he purred, closing the distance between them until he was standing behind her, his hands resting on her hips. Lula cleared her throat, her cheeks still tinted with a touch of embarrassment. She carefully stepped out of his hold, trying to regain her balance both physically and emotionally. Lula stepped out of his reach, Valentino let her go without protest. He leaned back against the counter.
Lula's voice broke through the slightly tense air between them, her words firm and resolute. "Before we move forward with anything," she stated, her eyebrows furrowed, "You need to prove that you can treat your workers better. I won't accept anything less." She held his gaze, her expression a mix of determination and mild disbelief. "I need to see real change, not just empty promises. Your workers deserve to be treated with respect and fairness, and I need to see that happening consistently before we can even think about moving towards anything romantic."
Valentino's smile faltered slightly at her reminder, his teasing expression giving way to a more serious one. He let out a long, drawn-out sigh, his shoulders visibly sagging. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I know you want me to prove myself first before we do anything." He sighed again, "I'm an Overlord. My reputation is built on being a ruthless bastard who gets what he wants by any means necessary. Being soft and caring doesn't exactly fit my image, you know?"
Lula looked at Valentino with a sense of determination, her eyes meeting his with unwavering focus. "I can help with that," she said firmly, her voice steady and full of conviction. "I can help you change, soften the edges, and still maintain respect and power." Valentino raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering over her. He shrugged, "See if you can tame the beast, if you're so confident in your abilities." a hint of challenge in his voice. Lula rolled her eyes in response to his challenge, her eyes rolling skyward momentarily before setting back on the task at hand. She continued to clean the dishes, making sure each one was spotless before stacking them in the dish rack to dry.
Lula looked at Valentino, her expression firm and determined. "I want to go back to my shop," she stated, her voice steady. "I need to see if any of my lamp making tools survived the fire and assess the damage." Lula added, "And while I'm here, and I'm not working, I want to start working on the lamp you commissioned. I can't just sit around idly."
"Only if I go with you. I'm not letting you out of my sight." Valentino crossed his top set of arms, a small frown on his face. Lula agreed to his condition, albeit a bit reluctantly. "Fine," she said, her voice slightly strained, "You can come with me to my shop. But I'm not going to let you babysit me the whole time." Valentino nodded, his expression serious and intense. "Good," he said, a hint of protectiveness in his voice. "We'll go to your shop, but it'll have to be after I get back. You'll be safe in the penthouse until I get back."
Lula shrugged. "That's fine," she agreed. "I can entertain myself while you're gone. Maybe watch some TV or explore the penthouse a bit." Valentino nodded, a hint of a smirk on his face. "Help yourself to anything you want," he said, pushing off the counter and straightening himself. "My penthouse is your playground. Just don't go snooping through my personal belongings."
Lula looked at him with a feigned expression of offense, her hand pressed against her chest in mock hurt. "As if," she responded, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I would *never* invade someone's privacy like that. You can trust me, I wouldn't go through your drawers and closets."
Valentino chuckled at her response, clearly amused by her reaction. He gave her a wink before turning and making his way back to his bedroom to prepare to leave. Valentino reached his bedroom and closed the door behind him, a small smirk still on his face. He quickly pulled out his phone and sent a text to Vox, his fingers moving quickly across the screen. The message was simple and direct: Need to talk.