by Piper Stone
“What the hell is that?” Gio huffed.
Woof!
The small sound was almost inaudible, the creature disappearing from the beam at the same time. I shifted forward, following behind it, swinging the light back and forth over and over again.
“There it is,” Gio pointed out.
I’d managed to get closer, enough so I could swear there was matted blood on his muzzle. It had to be a damn lynx. Fuck. I raced in the direction of the creature, falling into a rhythm as I bolted through thick underbrush.
Then I heard another sound, only this time it was distinctive. The beast yapped, the sound reminding me of a puppy. I lunged forward, my chest heaving. “Catherine!”
The pup continued making the sound, drawing us deeper into the woods. When the beam highlighted the creature that we’d been chasing, Gio cursed in Italian.
“A damn dog,” he huffed.
I took careful steps forward until I was able to get within six inches. The puppy refused to stop barking, the obviously injured pup drawing my attention. After taking another long stride, I threw my head back and roared.
I stood in my office, the thick terry towel I’d been given after rescuing Catherine still hanging around my neck. The thick chill in the air had nothing to do with the fact I hadn’t changed, my clothes sticking to me after being soaked. I remained furious, unable to let it go.
The thought of almost losing her continued to be all consuming, keeping the adrenaline flow high and my emotions raw. Even the drink in my hand couldn’t seem to soothe the rage. Nothing would. At least not for a long time.
“The doctor is with her now,” Enrique said quietly as he flanked my side, both of us now staring out the window.
“Thanks for calling him.”
“You were in no shape.”
I snorted as I gave him a quick look. He’d dropped everything to join in the search. “She has to be all right.”
“I’m sure she’s going to be just fine. From what you told me, she tripped. No one breached security. I’ve made certain of that.”
Exhaling, I took a sip of scotch before rubbing the glass across my forehead. The headache was intense, enough so I popped a few aspirin, which I never did. “We need to escalate the plans.”
“Are you certain you want to do that?”
“It would appear that Mr. O’Sullivan doesn’t understand what kind of damage we can easily cause. I think he needs another lesson in authority.”
“From what I heard, he didn’t take your disposal of his two soldiers lightly.”
“Having said that, I’ll still not convinced O’Sullivan is behind this.”
Enrique sighed. “Maybe I need a drink.”
“Maybe you do. What could Father have been hiding from us all these years? He made several trips to New York, but this one was out of the blue.”
“Maybe he heard about an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up.”
I turned toward him, nodding several times. “An offer that he couldn’t refuse.”
“That would make sense. But O’Sullivan knows that Father invaded his turf and with the blackmail scheme, he has to be terrified at what we’ll do next.”
“Which is exactly what we wanted.”
“No, what you wanted, brother.”
I locked my eyes with his, half laughing. “Yeah, you’re right.”
“I’m not saying your idea isn’t creative, just not what I would have expected.”
“Maybe so. We need to find the reason why Pops went there before we make any additional moves on O’Sullivan.” The sound of Enrique’s phone was a reminder that mine was in need of replacement, lost somewhere in the woods.
He sighed as he looked at the screen. “It’s Enzo. I’m here,” he answered, lifting an eyebrow then giving me the phone. “He needs to talk to you.”
As I grabbed the phone, I thought about the next steps. “Get Gio for me.”
Enrique gave me a harsh look but did as I requested.
“Enzo. Tell me you have something.”
“I do and you’re not going to like it.”
“What?”
“Your father was sending money to someone in New York and has been for several years. He hid it from everyone, including me.” Enzo’s tone was distraught.
“A woman by the name of Ariella LaBouf.”
“How did you know?”
“I didn’t until now.”
“I haven’t found much other than the dollar amounts. Do you want me to come over?”
“Not tonight, Enzo. I have a few things I need to do.”
Enzo cleared his throat. “I heard about Catherine. Take care of her. Family is most important.”
“You are right.”
I ended the call, taking a deep breath. Yes, family was the most important thing in the world.
As Gio walked into the room, Enrique trailing him, I calmed my anger before advancing toward him. I could tell he was having difficulty looking me in the eyes. “You failed me, Gio.”
“I know, boss. I’m sorry.”
I swirled the drink in my hand, taking another sip then placing it gingerly on the coffee table. “As you might imagine, I can’t allow that to happen.”
“And I promise you that it won’t ever again.”
“I believe you, but I’m going to make certain you remember that as long as you work for the family.” I wasted no time, issuing a hard punch to his jaw, another to his kidney. While the anger inside of me was significant enough I could easily crush his bones, there was something about Catherine that made me want to temper my fury.
I delivered one additional hard blow then walked to the table, retrieving my drink. “We aren’t going to talk about this any longer, Gio. You’ve been by my side for far too many years and I respect that. However, if shit like that happens again, there will be no second chances. Do you understand?”
“Yes, boss,” he said quietly, coughing into his hand. “I understand.”
“You can leave now. Make certain Lorenzo is prepared to take over.” I could see the look in his eyes, but he refused to respond. I’d told him that the most important duty he had was to keep her safe. I refused to accept failure.
He started to say something then glanced at Enrique before moving toward the door. After he left, I exhaled, hating what I’d just done.
“At least you didn’t kill him, brother,” Enrique said.
“Perhaps I should have.”
“While I understand your anger given the way you care about your wife, be careful not to alienate everyone who works for you. Remember that you are the Don, but respect doesn’t happen by force. It’s earned.”
I laughed softly. “Which is exactly what Catherine told me.”
“A wise woman. What did Enzo say?”
“That we might have another problem to deal with. We’ll know more in the morning.”
He narrowed his eyes. “The last thing this family needs is secrets revealed.”
“Absolutely.” We both heard footsteps and shifted our attention to the door.
As the doctor came in, I realized I was holding my breath.
He gave me a warm smile. He’d been the family doctor for years, tending to gunshot wounds and other maladies without questioning where they’d come from. He was paid well for his loyalty and his silence. “Don’t worry, Matteo. Catherine is fine. Just a few cuts and bruises but nothing to worry about.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
“You know I don’t mind. I’m so sorry I couldn’t make Roberto’s funeral. I was in surgery.”
“You have a good excuse,” I said, half laughing.
“Do you need anything else?”
“No, you can go.”
He nodded to both of us before heading for the door, stopping just short. “She’s asking for you.”
I polished off my drink, thinking about what I wanted to say to her. By all rights, I should punish her severely, but all I wanted to
do was wrap her in my arms for the entire night. Tomorrow was something else entirely and it seemed a world away.
“You should go to her, brother. I have no doubt that she loves you.”
Hearing Enrique’s sentiment made me smile. I turned toward him, realizing just how strong he’d become over the last few years. “I appreciate your help.”
“Nothing you wouldn’t do for me. Now, go. Oh, what are you going to do with the dog?”
I shook my head, still smiling. Catherine had been insistent that we bring the dog back to the house to care for him. The matted ball of fur had managed to get himself caught in a hole with no way out. If she hadn’t found him, he would have been located by the wolves. The pup was lucky to be alive.
All because a beautiful woman couldn’t stand to see any creature hurt.
“I’m not entirely certain,” I answered.
His laugh was boisterous. “If you ask me, I think you have a new family member.”
I placed the glass on the coffee table. “No one is asking you.” Grinning, I took long strides toward the door, my heart racing. As I headed up the stairs, I was surprised that I couldn’t hear a single bark or yelp. When I walked into the room, I was taken aback by the sight in front of me.
Catherine was propped up in bed, her still damp hair pulled to one side, the bulky robe barely able to hide her voluptuous features. The pup was curled in her arms, his back legs kicking out from whatever he was dreaming about. As I approached, she placed her finger over her mouth to keep me quiet.
There was something so natural about her pose, the quiet reverence she was giving the injured animal. Very gently I sat on the edge of the bed, taking her hand into mine. “I was so worried.”
“I told you that I was tough,” she whispered.
“And disobedient as hell.”
“You would have done the same thing if you’d heard his little cry.”
“I don’t think you know me very well.”
“I think I know you better than you know yourself.” A warm blush swept onto her cheeks, the subtle laugh she gave seductive as hell.
I fingered her hand, every few seconds glancing at the sleeping dog. “That was admirable of you but stupid. You could have been killed. Or worse.”
“You really thought someone had kidnapped me? Matteo, you live on a secure estate. You have guards everywhere.”
“And you have no idea what could happen.”
“No, you’re right. And I don’t want to know. That’s not living.” She shifted on the bed, purposely looking away from me. “You keep me as a prisoner without my life. I can’t take a walk without a guard ten feet behind me. I can’t roam certain portions of the house. Hell, I’m not certain I’m allowed to play music or find a book to read. And I know you won’t allow me to practice law ever again. That wouldn’t suit your… reputation. Would it?”
Her outburst was to be expected, but I certainly couldn’t give her the answers she wanted. “I will allow you to have a life, but certain measures have to be put in place.”
“Uh-huh. Certain measures. Okay. What if I do want to practice law? I know that sounds freaking ridiculous since I don’t know Italian, have zero idea about law in this damn country, and certainly expect there are entirely different requirements. But let’s just say for the sake of doing it that I wanted to. Would you allow it?”
Sighing, I wasn’t in the mood to argue with her. “We will talk about that later.”
“No, I’m certain we won’t. If you want me to obey you then you’re going to have to allow me to live, Matteo. If not, then life just fucking isn’t worth it.”
“Don’t say that! Don’t you ever say that again.” It was the first time I shouted at her, but my heart was thudding to the point I couldn’t breathe, the ugliness of the memories something I couldn’t avoid yet had no method of handling.
“If you won’t allow me to be myself, Matteo, then I don’t want to live any longer. Do you hear me?”
The words would forever burn into my mind, the ugliness of what had happened drilling into my heart. I gasped, trying to control my emotions.
“What’s wrong, Matteo? Did I make you think of something you refuse to talk about? Yes, I guess I did. You can’t trust me enough and that makes me saddest of all,” Catherine threw out.
I gripped her chin, pulling her head in my direction roughly, still fighting the anger and terror that wanted nothing more than to take over. “I don’t want to lose you. I can’t lose you. Don’t you understand?”
“No, I don’t. Why? I’m just your possession. Remember? I mean nothing to you.”
“Don’t do that, Catherine. You’re much more. God damn it, you’re everything.”
The shock of the vehemence in my voice pushed a wave of tension as well as quiet between us. Her mouth remained twisted, her eyes opening wide. Then her features softened, her voice returning to the soft lilt that always pulled me away from my madness.
“Then tell me. Whatever it is, maybe I can help you heal. You can trust me, Matteo. I will never hurt you.”
She had no idea, nor could I tell her what her heartfelt words meant to me, but I was too broken to drag myself up from the pits of hell. I had nothing to give the woman I couldn’t live without other than pain and that sickened me more than anything.
“Please, Matteo.” She gripped my arms, caressing my skin and all I could think about was pushing her away.
No. I refused to do that. I needed her strength and her love, but I didn’t deserve either.
Issuing a subtle growl, I was the one who looked away, although I kept my firm grip. She wrangled out of my hold, shifting further away on the bed.
“Why don’t you just go,” she demanded. “You don’t trust me with anything in your life and that’s just something I have to come to terms with.”
Maybe she was right.
“I need to take the dog so you can get your rest.”
“What are you going to do, shove him out into the storm again? Toss him out like you’ll eventually do with me when you grow tired of my defiance or my needs?”
I refused to allow myself to grow angry. She was goading me on purpose. “I’m not throwing him out. I may be a horrible person, but I’m not cruel. However, we’ll need to find him a home.”
“He has a home. Right here. With me.”
“I’m not going to argue with you.”
“Good. Then don’t.”
Another brutal moment of tension shifted between us.
“Why don’t I ask Maria to get him cleaned up. Will that be acceptable?”
She rubbed her hand down the pup’s back, cooing as she studied him. “Ask her to be very careful with him. He’s really banged up.”
“You know Maria. She won’t let anything happen to him. Why don’t you get some rest? I’ll come back later.”
When I moved to a standing position, I felt the heat of her glare all over again.
“You’re going to send her up here instead of taking him? Can’t you stand the thought of holding an innocent creature in your arms? Is that too much to ask, Matteo?”
As I gazed down at her rebellious face, eyes that were full of venom, I realized just how much I loved her. The thought of spending my life without her in it was unacceptable. However, I wasn’t certain I could provide what she needed or deserved. “I’ve told you time and time again that I’m not a good man.”
“Yet you want to have children. That disgusts me.”
Sighing, I turned away, trying to control my breathing. “I’ll have Maria get you something to eat after she takes care of the dog.”
“I saw the look in your eyes when you brought me into this room after you rescued me. You were terrified, but it was an expression of déjà vu. What happened to the woman you loved before?”
I clenched my fists, forced to take several deep breaths in order to keep from retorting. She certainly didn’t deserve my wrath. “Leave it alone.”
“No. I’m not going to until you tell me. W
ho was she and what happened?”
She’d pushed me into a corner. No one had ever done that before. I remained where I was for a few seconds then allowed my anger and frustration to get in the way. And so, I walked out of the room.
This time, I had a feeling that I’d broken what little respect she’d gained for me.
There wouldn’t be a second chance.
Chapter 14
Catherine
“Don’t hurt him, Maria,” I said in as even a voice as I could manage, still glaring at the door as if I honestly expected he would walk back inside. Maybe apologizing. Maybe making certain I knew that the fluffy baby would be loved and cared for.
I was such a freaking fool.
The man had no heart and no soul.
But I’d seen a brief look in his eyes, a gap in his armor wide enough I almost crawled inside. Why couldn’t he trust me well enough to tell me what had happened in his life?
“Do not worry, Mrs. Benedetti. I will take care of him.” Maria’s voice was filled with an entirely different tone. As she picked up the fluffball, she cradled him against her chest, not caring that he was filthy or matted. At least someone in the house cared about something other than business or money.
“Your English is much better.” I heard the curtness in my tone and admonished myself. She certainly didn’t deserve to feel the effects of my disappointment or my anger.
She blushed, her eyes sparkling as she smiled. “Oh, thank you. Else is teaching me.”
I couldn’t help but grin. “I’m certain she’s a good teacher.”
“Oh, yes. Very um… patient.”
The way she continued to coddle the pup as she walked toward the door at least gave me a sense of relief. I ached all over, and the chill that I’d had since being brought back into the house remained. I threw back the covers, moving slowly to the edge of the bed, disturbed as a single tear fell. I hadn’t shed a single one since getting lost in the damn forest like some crazy fool. After wiping it away furiously, I suddenly pummeled my fists against the sheets, wishing I could use them on Matteo.
