How Much? (2)

Valentina glared at the man sitting across from her. A chiseled jaw, thick straight brows, and intense grey eyes. There was nobody who wouldn't call him handsome. His grey eyes were staring at her intently, but she couldn't believe the garbage that just came from his mouth.

"Are you going to provide me with an explanation for the words you just said, Mr. Grayson?" Valentina queried again.

Kaiser sighed before speaking, "Unfortunately Luca has become attached to you. For the past two days, he has been on a hunger strike and continually asking for you while crying. I've decided to take the psychiatrist's advice which is why I'm here. So, I ask again, how much to buy you? I want you to focus solely on Luca until he recovers, so cancel anything you have going on. I will purchase you and any contracts you have until Luca recovers."

Hearing the arrogance in his voice, Valentina no longer restrained herself. Getting up, she coldly ordered him.

"Get out of my house."

"Pardon me?" Kaiser asked shocked.

"You heard me the first time. Collect your things, collect your son, and get out of my house now. Maybe you're used to buying anything you want and don't value other people's work and time, but it doesn't excuse your disrespectful words. I have been nothing but hospitable to you and clearly, you're taking advantage of that. Get. Out." Valentina ordered him.

Kaiser slowly got up and headed to the door. Putting on his shoes, he turned to her and said,

"I can see that you're upset so I'll leave. However, I'll leave Luca here for the night and come collect him tomorrow. Think about what I said. I look forward to a positive response tomorrow" He ordered.

"You're going to leave your son with a stranger?" Valentina asked incredulously.

"You're no longer a stranger Miss Salazar. And besides, Luca would be happier here with you than for me to come home. See you tomorrow." Saying that he elegantly left her apartment.

"Arghhhhhh what an arrogant bastard! I'm going to beat that arrogant face in when I see him." Valentina couldn't help but scream. The next time she saw that arrogant man, she would punch him in his handsome face.

"Uhmmm Mom?" a soft sleepy voice called out to her.

Valentina turned and saw that Luca had woken up and was sleepily rubbing his eyes while looking at her.

Immediately softening up, she walked over to him and asked, "I'm sorry little nugget, did I wake you up?"

Luca shook his head and Valentina wanted to squeeze his cheeks from how cute he was. She wasn't really a fan of children but watching how dependent he was on her and his cute face, she felt her heart soften. Squatting in front of him, she asked, "Would you like to spend the night here or go home to your dad?"

Luca considered it for a moment, then cutely said, "Mom, I don't want to go. I'll stay with you."

Hearing him call her 'Mom' again, Valentina held out her arms and cuddled him as he fell into them. "Luca, I'm not your mom."

Seeing his face fall, she hurriedly continued, "How about calling me Auntie Val? Nobody else but you would call me that okay? It would be special just between us two."

Watching his face reluctantly brighten up, she smiled as well.

"How about we prepare for bed? Do you know how to take a bath by yourself, or do you need help?"

"I- I can do it myself!" Luca confidently said while blushing. Smiling at his cuteness, Valentina led him to the bathroom and filled the tub with water. After giving him an extra sponge, soap, and towel, she left him to his own devices while she went to find some clothes for him to wear.

She looked through her closet and found some cute pajamas. One was a teddy bear onesie, and one was a pink nightgown with bunny ears. She quickly placed the bunny nightgown in the bathroom and quickly changed into the onesie.

When the door opened, Luca stepped out of the bathroom covered in steam. He had the hood of the nightgown up and seeing the image of a little boy in her oversized clothing and pink bunny ears was so cute that she wanted to take a picture of it.

But after remembering who the child's father was, she settled with just hugging him. He was warm and smelled faintly of milk and vanilla.

"How about we do a night routine and head to bed?"

When Luca nodded, Valentina pulled a chair into the bathroom for him to stand on. As she performed her night routine of washing her face, brushing her teeth, and applying skin care products she made sure to give him some products as well and he cutely imitated her. As she looked at their reflection in the mirror, she thought they were pretty cute, a rabbit and teddy bear pair.

Once they were done, Valentina led him to her bedroom. She only had one bed, but it was big enough to fit both of them. As they both settled in the bed, Valentina looked at the little boy who was staring at her. He had large dark green eyes framed by long curly lashes and was looking at her sleepily. His curly hair was tousled and fell across his forehead while his chubby cheeks were flushed pink.

"Are you sleepy Luca?" He clutched her sleeve as he sleepily shook his head.

"Well, Aunty is sleepy. How about I pat your back and we'll go to sleep together?"

Seeing as he shook his head again, Valentina had to ask,

"What's wrong Luca?"

"Auntie Val, can we eat dinner together and you pat me to sleep every night?"

Seeing the dependency in the child's eyes, Valentina sighed and temporarily agreed.

"Well Aunty works late most nights, so I don't know. Why don't we talk to your dad about it tomorrow okay? I'll sing you a song to fall asleep."

"Okay." Hearing his quiet acceptance, Valentina felt sad for this lonely child who was just craving affection. She scooted closer to him and arranged him in her arms.

"Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are."

As Valentina sang the lullaby, she could feel her eyes closing as well. Swearing to beat Kaiser Grayson up when she saw him tomorrow, she fell into a peaceful deep sleep.