ired." She was shaking and talking fast. "I was just taking inventory and moving the equipme

ehow did not want to leave her. "Here. Let's do this. I will give you a ride to wher

e loft above the pub, but I do not have time to come back today. I

ame is Salvatore Ba

e whispered.

r name?" I held my hand t

She whisp

ay?" I whispered back

never making

ened the passenger door for her. She hesitantly got in the car. I smil

y god! That giggle. It made my day. Valeria

Mia. I will n

ng out of the window as we drove to her studio. I suddenly remembered the

o above the warehouse, but the warehouse is in the warehouse district. No protection. An

ttering as I took in her scent. She reminded me of fresh garden after it rain

lming myself down, I stop my car just outside of Vito's warehouse. Valeria jumps out of

studio door and the room is very small. I see Valeria grab a photo off the dresser

n in front of a wine vineyard. Not

with my bag earlier, I just forgot my nonna." Valeria said quietly as she locked to

eone? Did her uncle hur

id of something or someone. You must take your time. Ha

ou been a chef?"

lly gone out to look for something in that area of work. I have always love

ore." I

y sir. Wha

You, my sweet girl, do not cal

I mean yes.

have done nothing wrong. And pleas

ly looked up slowly. Her eyes kept bouncing back do

cheek. She almost pulled back. "Who hurt you?"

k down again. Her lips were quive

. I mean S-Salvat

OU are under my protection. No one will hurt you. I will find

d the top of her head. Her body stopped trembling and she inhaled

b and parked. I helped her with her belongings up to the loft above the pub.

out the emergency button under the prep table.

e in through the kitchen as well. But we always have one of our security peo

, have yo

ab a candy bar

ot. Would you p

he

I want to make you something to

ffice. I turned on the oven and the room warmed up quickly. I went to the refrigerator and took out veget

bottle of wine. I made my way back to the kitchen and Valeria was still sitting where I left her. I s

okay, C

e make me anything before. I just

will trust me and tell me everything. But right

served her portion and brought out the bread. I served her wine. Sh

Salv

y littl

...tha

ast midnight, I walked with Valeria back to the loft. I gave her my number and t

eone else watching over her