“Sorry about that,” he replied. “Soraya kisses me and I lose my damned mind.”
“I know exactly how you feel,” I muttered. “To answer your question, yes, and no. We’re running into some trouble with New Haven on the building permits, but my team is already in place, along with the contractors.”
“All right, I’ll take care of that part and get back to you later today.”
“Thank you. Unfortunately, I can’t afford much in the way of delay. I’ll need my team back in five weeks to break ground on something else.”
“Aubrey Bateman told me about it. The Katie Project sounds exciting, and I’ve already arranged for a substantial donation. I’ll put the fear of me into New Haven and get your team back in plenty of time.”
“I appreciate it. I think they’ll be more forthcoming if they’re dealing with someone local.”
“Always seems to be that way,” he muttered drily. “Also, I forgot to ask. How are your brother and his caregiver doing?”
“They’re fine. Her house is almost rebuilt, and she’s agreed to stay in my guest room until it’s finished.”
“Good to hear. I’m glad they’re both okay. I’ll let you go now, and I’m sorry I called so early.”
“Not a problem,” I replied, pulling on my pants. “Thanks for touching base with me.”
I ended the call and opened my laptop, deciding to get some work done since I was already awake. Maybe if I got far enough into my backlog, I could take off early. There was snow on Big Bear, and I wondered if Carli knew how to ski. Antonio had a hard time with it, but he loved sledding. Pushing my reading glasses up my nose, I got started, looking forward to spending the weekend with my two favorite people. Work consumed me and I was so focused I didn’t hear the door open.
“I thought you might like some breakfast,” Carli said softly, setting a tray on the desk. “I made you an omelet with lobster and Hollandaise, and scones with fig preserves Antonio helped me make. The coffee is fresh too.”
I inhaled the steam rising from the mug she handed me and took a grateful sip. “I have no idea what I did to deserve you, but I’m so glad you’re here.”
“It’s just an omelet,” she replied, her lips quirking into a smile. “Did you like the truffles?”
“They were delicious. I…” I winced and ducked my head. “Busted. I thought I’d hidden them better.”
“I suspected it was you paying my feed bill.” She walked around the desk and kissed me. “I’m glad you enjoyed them. Maybe I’ll make more next week.”
“Wait.” I tugged her into my lap and kissed her thoroughly. When her eyes glazed over, I set her on her feet and smacked her butt. “Go back to bed, little girl. It’s too early for you to be awake.”
She rubbed her bottom, then saluted. “As you wish, oh master sadist.”
“That’s better than toad breath, I guess.”
Winking, she dropped into a curtsy, spreading her bathrobe around her ankles. “I aim to please.”
I tossed a wadded ball of paper at her, making her giggle. “Get your cute butt back in bed before I spank it. And one more thing.”
“What is it?” she asked, her hand on the doorknob.
“Did you buy warm stuff for Antonio?”
“I got him some sweatshirts and jeans. Why?”
“I thought we’d drive up to Big Bear this afternoon and spend the weekend. They have six inches of fresh powder down according to the ski report.”
She sighed wistfully and shook her head. “I love Big Bear. I learned to snowboard up there. But all my equipment is gone.”
“That’s what pro shops are for,” I replied. “Antonio will need new gear anyway.”
“Gio, you can’t buy me stuff anymore. It’s too much.”
“That’s too bad.” I stroked my chin, wondering when my beard had gotten so shaggy. “I’ll just have to tell Antonio you can’t come with us. He’ll be so disappointed.”
Carli rubbed her face and let out a cute little growl. “You are a—”
“Careful, Ms. Pérez. I still have that strap in my play bag.”
She huffed out a breath and stamped her foot. Damn, she was cute. “Fine. You win this round. We’ll be packed and ready after lunch.”
“Good girl.”
“Asshole.” She opened the door, then turned back, giving me a shy smile. “Thanks. It sounds like fun. I haven’t been up there in years.”
I smirked and got back to work.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Carlina
“Help me unload and I’ll make lunch. We need to hurry and get packed before Giorgio gets home.”
“What are we having?” Antonio asked.
“I thought I’d throw some chicken on the grill, then make that German potato salad you like so much,” I said, handing a bag to Antonio. “Does that sound good?”
“Can I have asparagus wrapped in bacon instead? We can put it on the grill with the chicken.”
“Of course. I’ll mix up some limeade to go with it.” I pushed open the door, my feet sliding to a stop at the sight of two strangers in Giorgio’s kitchen. Antonio’s shoulders slumped and he moved behind me at the sight of the older woman sitting at the breakfast bar, a bottle of wine open in front of her.
With a start, I realized the woman was the same one who had tried to steer me away from Giorgio at the Chamber of Commerce ball. She was dressed casually, in a violet cashmere sweater and white trousers over a pair of gleaming black boots.
An obviously pregnant blonde with wide blue eyes sat across from her and gave me an expressionless nod.
“Aunt Proserpina?” Antonio said. “Why are you here?”
My fists clenched. It was clear Antonio was uncomfortable and I realized she must be the aunt Giorgio told me about. Unfortunately, this wasn’t my house, so I couldn’t kick them out. Instead of causing a scene, I decided to be as polite as I could until Giorgio got home.
I gave zero shits who the blonde woman was. If she was with the woman who had ignored an injured little boy, she was no friend of mine.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said, holding my hand out to Antonio’s aunt. “I’m Carli Pérez.”
“Carli is going to be my new sister soon,” Antonio said, peeking out from behind me.
Ignoring my hand, the older woman sneered. “Proserpina Acardi. You may address me as ma’am, but I’d prefer you not speak at all.” She put a heavily ringed hand on Antonio’s shoulder. “I’m sure she’ll be a fine maid, or perhaps a nanny, but I’m afraid she can’t possibly be your sister.”
I dropped my hand. So much for being polite. I opened my mouth to call her out on her manners, but Antonio beat me to it.
“You are very rude!” he said, straightening his shoulders. “Carli is the best person ever.”
“She’s just a cook,” Proserpina replied. “Certainly no one important. Besides, your new sister is right here.” She pointed toward the pregnant woman, who shook her head, crossing her arms over an expansive baby bump covered in a long-sleeved yellow dress.
“I don’t understand,” Antonio said.
“Your aunt thinks I’m going to marry your brother because I’m carrying his baby,” the young woman said, shrugging thin shoulders. “She might need a hearing aid, judging by her absolute inability to listen. I’m Sara Miller. Gio and I dated for a few months and he left me this lovely parting gift.”
“How dare you?” Proserpina said.
“Oh, shut up,” Sara snapped. “I feel like shit and you railroaded me into coming here against my wishes. Giorgio hasn’t answered any of my calls. He isn’t interested in me. I’m not interested in him. And I’m well past done dealing with you.”
I felt like I’d been kicked in the stomach. I should have known better than to hope Giorgio and I would work out. I did know better and even though I’d been trying to steel myself for our eventual split, I’d gotten sucked into his orbit. Now it was time to burn up on the way back to Earth. The only thing I had
n’t been able to prepare for was how much it hurt.
I wanted to feel sorry for Sara. She didn’t appear to like the situation any better than I did, but she was perfect and beautiful. I could see her with Giorgio. Why would he want me when he could have her?
“Antonio, come on. We’re leaving.”
“No,” Proserpina said, “Antonio is coming with us. It’s time for him to be reintroduced to his family.”
“No!” Antonio shouted, backing away. “I’m not going with you. You’re the yuckiest person I’ve ever met. Even yuckier than the dentist.”
“Antonio, get in the car,” Proserpina snapped.
“Fuck you!”
He darted out the back door and took off running toward the guest house occupied by the Dennison family. I crossed my fingers that they were home.
“Where’s my lion?” I asked. Now that Antonio was gone, all bets were off. Proserpina was going to see just how brutal this chubby farm girl could get.
“I gave the mangy beast drugged meat and locked him in the bedroom. Animal control is on their way to shoot him. Now, Penny or Perry, or whatever your name is, go fetch Antonio so we can leave.”
“Are you high? What the hell, Proserpina? He’s fourteen years old and doesn’t have any teeth!”
“Animals do not belong in the house,” she replied drawing herself up to stare down her nose at me.
Sara lowered her head to the counter, her face pale. She didn’t look very good. Even though she wasn’t my problem, I filled a tumbler full of ice water and set it next to her elbow, garnering a look of thanks, although she didn’t say anything.
“As Antonio so eloquently said, fuck you, Mrs. Acardi. Sara, did they take you without your permission?”
Ignoring the water, she nodded, then threw a hand over her mouth. Racing to the kitchen sink, she was noisily sick. I felt bad for her, but she could be Giorgio’s problem, along with the mess she was leaving in the sink.
Resisting the urge to go to her, I grimaced and pulled out my phone, then dialed 9-1-1. When the operator answered, I put it on speaker and said, “Hello. My name is Carlina Pérez, and the address is 555 Arroyo Canyon Road. I have Proserpina Acardi here, and she’s taken a pregnant woman, Sara Miller, against her will. Sara is ill and in distress. Proserpina also says she’s going to kidnap Antonio Acardi, and has admitted to poisoning our pet. Can you send an ambulance and the police?”
Proserpina hissed and stepped into my space. “That was a very unwise decision. I have a great deal of influence with—”
“This is me not caring,” I interrupted, meeting her cold eyes. She wasn’t going to make me back down so easily. “You upset a young man I care for very much, poisoned my lion, and kidnapped a pregnant woman, who I’m sure will be happy to press charges.”
Tires squealed outside as the sounds of sirens echoed in the foothills. The door slammed open with a crash, revealing Giorgio, his face dark with fury. Jeremy and Hunter followed, then stepped close to me, one on either side.
“What the fuck are you doing in my house?” he asked.
I shivered, thankful I wasn’t on the other end of the hate-filled stare he directed at his aunt. “Your baby mama here was kidnapped by your aunt. Proserpina is demanding you marry her and wants to take Antonio away with her. Also, she poisoned Leonard and called animal control to have him shot.”
“What?”
“That’s pretty much it. Antonio is with Julie and Clyde. I’m going to see if I can get Leonard on his feet and then I’m out of here.” Jerking my head toward Sara, I added. “And take care of your girlfriend. She doesn’t look very good.”
“No.” He grabbed my hands and lifted them to his face, kissing my fingertips. “Please, stay. We can figure this out.”
I shook my head, unable to believe the stricken expression on his face. “Three’s a crowd, querido. I’ll expect Antonio at my farm Monday morning. We’ll go back to our old agreement.”
“Carli, please. You can’t leave me!” He reached for me again, but I backed away.
“Yes, I can. Our deal is off the minute you set foot on my property. Jeremy and Hunter can pack my stuff and bring it to me.”
Giorgio
“Well,” Proserpina said, examining her nails, “I suppose that takes care of one problem. Bring Antonio back and we’ll start planning your wedding over lunch.”
“If I get married at all, Proserpina, it’s going to be to the woman who just dumped me.” I tried to follow Carli into my bedroom, but Jeremy and Hunter held me back.
“I’ll help her,” Jeremy said. “Deal with this.”
“Do not speak to me of that woman,” she said, the low warning clear. “You won’t like the repercussions.”
“What repercussions?” I snapped. “You’re already ruined my relationship with the woman I love.”
The minute the words came out, I knew they were true. I loved Carli Pérez, with her bad temper, wild hair, dirty boots and jeans, and every inch in between.
Her face darkening with anger, she stood and pointed at me. “How dare you? Worse, you expect my nephew to be associated with her. Can’t you see she isn’t suitable?”
“Antonio is going to do what he wants because he’s a grown man, and right now, he wants to be with the one person he thinks has his back and loves him. In case you’re wondering who that is, it’s the woman you just insulted.”
“Gio, you must understand that Antonio isn’t able to decide things for himself. He’s vulnerable, and a woman like that—”
I could barely see through the rage clouding my vision. “A woman like what?” I asked softly. “A woman who disliked me so strongly, she refused to allow me into her house unless I moved my car so her neighbors didn’t see me? The same one who didn’t sue me blind when Antonio almost burned her house to the ground? Maybe the one who ended up in the hospital because she saved his life that day and is only now able to walk without pain? A woman like that?”
“She probably set that fire herself to curry your favor,” Proserpina snapped.
“Antonio was trying to make her breakfast for her birthday. He got there early, and she was asleep.”
“Then she’s negligent as well as a—”
“I went to visit him at Carli’s farm not too long ago,” I interrupted. If Proserpina called Carli what I thought she was going to, I wasn’t sure I would have been able to stop myself from throttling her. “He can tell time, drive a tractor, and cook his own meals. He’s lost weight and put on muscle, and he’s already signed up for classes to become a mechanic.”
She sniffed and looked away. “I hardly think that’s appropriate, Gio. You need to put a stop to that nonsense and get him away from her unhealthy influence.”
“Why? Because you think it’s beneath him? Or is him learning a trade beneath you?”
“I simply don’t understand why he’d want to when he’s already rich. We could put him in a lovely community with others like him. He’d be protected and he’d never have to worry about working.”
Rubbing my forehead, I let out a sigh. “I have a hard and fast rule that you’ve just broken. No one mentions putting Antonio into a home. Ever.”
The sirens got louder and cut off abruptly as gravel scattered outside. Two police officers rushed in, hands on their sidearms.
“Sara, did my aunt take you against your will?”
She nodded, then turned and retched into the sink. I didn’t believe the baby was mine, but I felt for her. She didn’t deserve any of this.
“We need to get him to the vet,” Carli said, hovering over Leonard while Hunter and Jeremy carried him out. “I have no idea what that bitch gave him. Will he fit in the back of your SUV?”
Their voices trailed off and a door slammed as I glared at my aunt. “You poisoned Leonard the Lion. What the fuck is wrong with you?”
More police stormed into my kitchen, and quick as a flash, had my aunt in handcuffs and took her outside.
As they left, Proserpina shouted, “Gi
orgio, you have no idea what you’ve done! You’ll be sorry!”
I spun to glare at Sara, still leaning over the sink. Pointing at her, I said, “You’d better hope that child is mine. If it isn’t, I’m going to—”
“Cool your jets, asshole,” she snapped, her face wrinkling into an ugly scowl. “Do you think I’m happy to be involved with someone like that? Your aunt grabbed me from my office and she was rude and cruel to a woman she’s never met who didn’t do a damned thing except be nice to your brother. From what I saw, your brother is perfectly capable of taking care of himself and Carli is a lot more gracious than I would have been.”
Rubbing my face, I sighed and helped her sit down, then dragged a wastebasket close. “Carli didn’t hear the rest of the conversation. She’d have gone ballistic at the idea of putting Antonio into a home. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed you were playing me. Are you okay?”
Sara laughed sourly and took a sip from the water glass on the breakfast bar next to her. “I don’t blame you for that. What else were you going to think? I tried to call and tell you, but you never answered. If I had realized your little swimmers could break through a condom, I’d have never gone out with you in the first place.”
“I’m sorry Proserpina involved you and that I didn’t answer your calls.”
Flushing, Sara took another sip of her water. “No, don’t be. I should have called you the minute I found out about the baby, but we didn’t date for very long, and I wasn’t sure you’d believe me.”
“What changed your mind?”
“Proserpina. I should have left messages when she started hassling me. If I was trying to build a relationship with someone else, I wouldn’t have answered calls from me, either. I’m not blaming you for it, but I am sorry it cost you so much.”
“What do you want to do now?” I asked. “I’m afraid my attorney is going to insist on a paternity test, but you probably already know that.”
“Yes, I know. For what it’s worth, I know he’s yours because I wasn’t with anyone else. He can’t be anyone else’s baby.”
Sexy Scoundrel: A Cocky Hero Club Novel Page 22
