TABOO:BATION — 50 SHADES OF FORBIDDEN SHORTS novel Chapter 39

PIN ME TO THE WALL

The sun was barely up, but I was already wide awake. I spent an hour in front of the mirror, picking out the perfect “welcome” outfit.

I chose a silk wrap dress that was a soft, dangerous shade of emerald. It clung to my hips and stopped high on my thighs.

I walked down to the kitchen, my soft room slides pressing softly on the floor. The maids were rushing around, the smell of fresh coffee and omelets filling the air.

“Who is that tray for?” I asked, pointing to a plate of avocado toast and black coffee.

“It is for Miss Valentina, Madam,” the head maid replied. “I was just about to take it up.”

“I’ll do it,” I said, a slow smile spreading across my face. “I want to make sure our guest feels at home.”

The maid looked surprised, but she handed me the silver tray. Because she wouldn’t be able to say anything.

I walked toward the west wing of the mansion, where Valentina’s suite was located.

Just before I reached her door, I stopped. I reached for the opening of my dress and spread it further apart. I pulled the fabric back, exposing a deep, teasing view of my cleavage.

I wanted to see if those cold eyes of hers could actually melt.

I knocked.

Knock.

Knock.

The door swung open almost immediately.

Fuck!

My jaw dropped.

Yesterday, Valentina looked like a god in a suit, but this morning, she was a goddess.

She was wearing a tight black sports bra and low–slung gray sweatpants. Her body was a masterpiece of hard work. Her abs were carved like rock, and the muscles in her arms, damn… so tight and defined.

I felt a sudden, desperate urge to reach out and run my hand over those abs just to see if they were real.

She didn’t say good morning. She didn’t smile. She just stood there, filling the doorway with her intimidating height.

“What do you want?” she asked. Her voice was even deeper in the morning, a raspy growl that sent a shiver straight to my core.

I didn’t back down. I forced myself to look into her icy eyes. “Good morning, Val,” I called softly. “I thought you might be hungry,” I said, my voice soft and airy. I held the tray up slightly. “I personally prepared this for you. I know how draining it is to fly across oceans. I wanted you to feel better.”

Valentina looked at the tray, then back at me. Her gaze dropped to my open dress, lingering on my chest for a split second before snapping back to my face. Her expression didn’t change. It stayed cold and hard.

“I will deal with you.” To most people, it was a threat. To me, it sounded like an invitation. I wondered what “dealing” with Valentina De–Lore would feel like. Would she be as rough as she looked?

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