Kidnapping His Bride

by Karen Erickson

  He could almost—if he forgot what she’d done to Cat—feel sorry for Annalisa.

  “I’m taking a shortcut,” he finally said, turning right onto the road that led to the facility. Uneasiness crept over him at what he was about to do. She acted relatively in control at the moment but who knew what this revelation might do to Annalisa? She could totally lose it.

  Or she could end up cooperative. He hadn’t a clue how she might react.

  “Wait a minute.” Her voice was quiet and she turned to look at him, her expression wary. “I’ve been here before. I’ve been on this road.”

  Considering the road led to the facility and nothing else, this surprised him. “Really? Where were you headed?”

  She remained silent for a moment, turning away from him to stare out the window once more. The facility’s sprawling building loomed in the near distance as they came to the end of the road, a giant circular drive with a cascading fountain in the center before them.

  “Oh my God.” Her voice was shaky, and she turned to look at him, her lips trembling as if she might burst into tears. “You spoke to my father, didn’t you? Does he know what I’ve done? Am I in trouble? Is that why you’re bringing me back here?”

  Well. He hadn’t expected this. “You’ve been here before?”

  She nodded furiously, her dark hair falling into her face, her eyes wide and full of panic. “A long time ago. When I was supposed to be at university. Father lied. He put me here instead. I needed to get well and stop doing all of the bad things.”

  Hell. This had gone from bad to worse in a split second.

  “I promised him I would be good. That I wouldn’t be bad anymore, so they let me come home and go to work. I was happy. I had a place to go that gave me purpose every day. But then my father left. He hasn’t been around much and I…I slipped.” She put her hands over her face and promptly burst into tears. “I’m sorry. I’ll be a good girl, I promise. Just don’t make me go back there.”

  He said nothing as he pulled onto the circle drive and headed to the front entrance. Annalisa sobbed into her hands, the sound pitiful but grating. What a sad situation. Her father had kept her mental illness a secret. Though the mother had to know as well. Most likely this was why she behaved so strangely earlier. She knew what her daughter was capable of.

  And did absolutely nothing to stop it.

  Rafe put the car in park and shut off the engine at the check-in entrance. Matteo’s vehicle was parked in the lot, he’d noticed it when he pulled in, but his brother stood just outside the entrance, his expression grim, his hands shoved in his jeans’ pockets. Seeing the car, Matteo headed over and Rafe rolled down his window.

  “Cat’s mother called her on the way here and Cat admitted to her what we were doing,” Matteo said quietly. “Annalisa’s been here before.”

  “I know,” Rafe said just as softly. “She just confessed.”

  “Cat’s inside now, talking with someone from the staff. Her mother just called into the care facility to speak with Annalisa’s old doctor. They’re prepared to talk to her and hopefully convince Annalisa that she needs to check in.” Matteo shook his head in seeming disbelief. “Cat’s in a total state of shock. She never knew about her sister being here before.”

  “A family secret that appears some of the family didn’t know about,” Rafe said. Irritation ran through him. He hated family secrets. He’d witnessed the destruction first hand when it came out that his sister had a different father than the rest of them. The revelation had nearly destroyed her and had also sent all of them reeling.

  But a secret revealed could also help a family heal and eventually grow stronger. Considering the weak links in the Campioni family, Carlo Campioni being the worst, Rafe could only hope they recover from this. It would take a long time, but the possibility was undoubtedly there.

  “Are you going to make me stay here, Rafe?”

  He turned to find Annalisa watching him, the sight of her tear-stained cheeks filling him with sympathy despite the anger he felt toward her. “You know it’s for the best,” he said carefully. “What you did to me and your sister, it wasn’t right, Annalisa. Someone could’ve been hurt.”

  “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I just wanted what I thought I deserved.” She pressed her lips together. “Tell me what I should do, Rafe. What do you think is right?”

  Her voice was filled with so much sadness. “You need to get help. You can’t keep doing this. You love your sister. Why would you ever want to hurt her?”

  “I don’t want to hurt her. Not really.” She started crying in earnest again, her face red and blotchy, her eyes swollen and bloodshot. “Please tell Cat I’m sorry. I hate what I’ve become. I don’t mean to be so awful. I just end up doing so many awful things to the people I care for.”

  Without a word, he slipped out of the car and rounded it, opening Annalisa’s car door for her. She stood and went to him, throwing herself at him so he had no choice but to hug her. Clinging to him, she cried into his shirtfront, dampening the fabric with her tears, and he had to pry her off of him so she’d stand on her own once more.

  “We’re going inside,” he told her, sending a quick look to Matteo. “You’re going to speak with your doctor.”

  She nodded with a little hiccup. “He’ll want me to stay.”

  “He knows what’s best for you,” Rafe said.

  “They all think they know what’s best for me. I think you’re what’s best for me.”

  “Annalisa…” he started, but stopped when she hung her head.

  “I know. You don’t want me. I understand. You’ve never wanted me. Ever. You’d rather be with Cat.”

  He had no answer. How could he deny the truth? And she didn’t want to hear it.

  “Thank you, though. For pretending you cared, at least a little while.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “My little sister is a lucky woman.”

  And with that, she turned and walked into the facility, never once looking back.

  “…she was actually very agreeable. My mother was in near hysterics on the phone, crying and carrying on, but Annalisa took it all very well,” Cat explained, a little sigh escaping when his gaze met hers. “This has been the craziest week I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

  “I agree.” He wrapped his muscular arms around her and pulled her in close, his cheek resting against her hair. They lay sprawled on the giant bed in the hotel room they obtained not thirty minutes ago. Both of them too tired to return to either of their homes, not that Cat wanted to go back to her mother’s house.

  “At least Mama has someone to be with her for the next few days.” She was so thankful Rafe had arranged for a part-time nurse to stay with her mother while they went back to New York. “Thank you for helping her.”

  “Anything for you. Your troubles, your burdens are mine.” He kissed the top of her head, squeezing her tight. “I never want you out of my sight again, Cat. When I didn’t know where you were and when Annalisa admitted she’d drugged you, I’ve never been filled with so much panic before.”

  “I know.” She sniffed, blinking hard to stave off the tears. “I hated it when you were in jail. I was so scared.”

  “I didn’t like being in jail either,” he said wryly. “Your sister went to extreme lengths in keeping us apart.”

  “I know.” Tilting her head back, she gazed up at his handsome, beloved face. “I’m so sorry she did this to us, Rafe. I had no idea she was so…unwell.”

  Thank God Annalisa had agreed she needed treatment and voluntarily signed herself into the facility. She’d protested at first, but her doctor had spoken with her for over an hour, convincing her she needed help.

  Such a sad, terrible shock. It angered Cat that no one had told her just how ill her sister was—and had been for years. Her parents treated Annalisa’s mental condition like a dirty little secret, so of course she’d have issues dealing with it. What did they expect?

  At least now everything was out in the
open. No more hiding, no more secrets. Her sister would get the care she needed, as would her mother, and eventually, everything would be somewhat normal in the Campioni family.

  Cat didn’t bother counting her father as a bona fide member, since he was rarely around. He’d ditched them all in their time of need. There was no point in trying to contact him about Annalisa. He’d abandoned them long, long ago.

  It hurt to realize but better to face reality now than keep up the façade as the Campionis being one big happy family.

  “It’s not your fault. And I would do anything for you. I hope you realize this.” He kissed her, his lips warm and sweet, the kiss full of just the right amount of comfort she needed. “I must confess…I’m eager to marry you and make you mine in every way,” he murmured, his fingers caressing her face.

  She smiled, thrilling at his words. “I’m eager for the wedding too. Tomorrow at the courthouse?”

  “Exactly. Sounds perfect.” He kissed her again, his lips lingering. “What happened the last few days has helped me realize something, Catalina. I just want you to know that I’m in love with you.”

  Cat sucked in a sharp breath, happy shock washing over her. He said the words so simply, so beautifully, it was hard for her to respond, she was completely overwhelmed with emotion. “I…I’m in love with you too, Rafe. And we’re not rushing things. We’ve known we’re going to marry each other practically our entire lives.”

  He kissed her again, this one deeper, hotter, his tongue thrusting against her own, his hands beginning to wander. She shifted closer to him, sliding her hands beneath his shirt, touching his warm, bare skin. A thrill buzzed through her at his murmured groan of appreciation.

  “I want you,” he whispered. “I know you’ve been through a tremendous amount of stress today, but…I need to be inside you.”

  “Yes.” She tugged at his shirt, laughing when he took over and tore his shirt off with a savage tug. Running her hands over his smooth, hot skin, she leaned over him, kissing him everywhere, licking his nipples, his stomach, attacking the waistband of his jeans.

  He hissed in a breath when she undid the snap and zipper, gently pushing her away when she curled her fingers around his cotton-covered erection.

  “Slow down,” he whispered, moving so he lay on top of her, her wrists clasped in his hands as he brought her arms up over her head. “Keep that up and I’ll embarrass myself.”

  She smiled, happiness coursing through her when he kissed her, releasing his hold on her so he could help in the removal of her clothing. Piece by piece, he helped her shed everything until she lay there naked. And then he was naked, their bodies twisted around each other, mouths and hands everywhere, heated breaths and whispered words of love filling the air.

  And when he entered her, filling her so completely, tears sprang to her eyes while she clutched him close. Their bodies moved together perfectly, pleasure sweeping her into its now-familiar storm, and when she fell apart beneath him scant minutes later, wrapped tight in this man’s arms, she knew she’d never felt so happy.

  Or so complete.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Three months later

  “You’ve been married for a while now, you know,” Claudia Renaldi said with a slight smile, her voice deceptively casual.

  Rafe shot Cat a knowing glance and she bit back the laugh that wanted to escape. They both knew where this conversation was going. “Just about three months,” Cat said, her voice just as casual. “But it’s gone by so quickly.”

  “I’m sure,” her mother-in-law murmured as she watched the two of them from where she sat across the kitchen table. “I’ve been wondering…when is there going to be a baby on the way? I’m anxious.”

  “Good God, Mama. We’ve only been married three months,” Rafe muttered, shaking his head. “We’re not ready for babies yet.”

  “Aw, but they’re so sweet. I love my grandbabies. And since Vince and his wife are so busy working, they can’t even get together and attempt to make them. You two will have to meet my ‘I need more grandchildren now’ need,” Claudia explained.

  “Not going to happen,” Rafe said firmly, his arm circling around Cat’s shoulders, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “Go pick on Matteo or Stasia. See if they can provide you with more grandchildren.”

  Laughing, Claudia stood and left the table with a shake of her head, headed over to where Matteo stood with Gavin. They’d gathered at the Renaldi family villa, everyone together with the exception of Vince and his wife Amber, and they were sorely missed, as usual.

  Cat loved spending time with the Renaldis. They were a large, demonstrative family who accepted her with open and loving hearts. Her mother was joining them tomorrow, and they were incredibly accepting of her as well. It felt good, to be a part of such a close family. Unlike her own fractured little family. What with her father essentially missing in action and her sister still at the facility, Mama was all she had left.

  But at least Annalisa was doing better. Her mother seemed to be well too. Not so glum and wailing for her old marriage and no-good husband anymore, which was a good sign. Cat couldn’t help but wonder if the behavior had been spurred on by Annalisa’s encouragement.

  Cat would probably never know.

  “You all right?” Rafe said, his fingers smoothing along her upper arm.

  She smiled up at him. “Yes, but I hate disappointing your mother.”

  “We don’t disappoint her. I think she enjoys giving us grief over babies. She knows we’re not ready.” Rafe swooped in, offering a reassuring kiss. “Don’t let her nagging bother you.”

  “I just want to make sure you’re okay with not having any babies yet.” She nibbled on her lower lip. “Are you?”

  “How many times do I have to tell you? I like having you all to myself.” His grin was wicked and she lightly slapped his chest. “There will be enough time for babies. You’re still young. Aren’t you the one who said you wanted to really live and see the world?”

  “I did.” She laughed when he pressed his damp lips to her neck, nibbling and licking her there. Pushing at his shoulders, he leaned away so his gaze met hers. “And you’ve shown me plenty, which I love you for. Someday, though, I want to have sweet little babies with dark eyes like their daddy.”

  Those brown eyes turned darker at her words. “I want a beautiful little girl who’s the spitting image of her mama.”

  They stared at each other for a long, heat-filled moment before Cat burst out laughing. “We’re disgustingly in love, aren’t we?”

  Rafe nodded his agreement, his smile growing. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  Neither would she.

  About the Author

  Karen Erickson has always loved the written word. From being one of the best readers in her kindergarten class to penning romantic stories that never ended about her favorite band members (Duran Duran) in high school, she always wanted to write. It just took her a while to seriously pursue it.

  With the birth of her third child came a realization—it’s one thing to talk about writing a book, another thing entirely to actually do it. She’s been published since 2006.

  Karen’s a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband, three children, one dog and too many cats.

  To learn more about Karen, visit her online:

  www.karenerickson.com

  Blog: karenerickson.blogspot.com

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/karenericksonwritesromance

  Twitter: www.twitter.com/karenerickson

  Look for these titles by Karen Erickson

  Now Available:

  Spontaneous

  Jesse’s Girl

  Fortune

  Fortune’s Deception

  Fortune’s Promise

  Fortune’s Chance

  Playing with Fire

  Forbidden

  Tangled

  Scandalous

  Notorious

  Fated

  Under My Um
brella

  Baby, Don’t Lose My Number

  Simple Twist of Fate

  Tahoe Nights

  My Favorite Mistake

  End of Days

  Neon Chaos

  Worth It

  Worth the Scandal

  Worth the Risk

  Worth the Challenge

  Worth Everything

  The Renaldis

  Temporary Arrangement

  Tempted by Her Boss

  Print Anthologies

  Midsummer Night’s Steam: Hot Summer Nights

  Luck of the Draw

  Playing with Fire

  Tahoe Nights

  Coming Soon:

  Print Anthologies

  Playing With Fire 2

  Twist of Fate

  Business? Meet pleasure…

  Tempted by Her Boss

  © 2013 Karen Erickson

  The Renaldis, Book 1

  Paige Stewart has committed the ultimate nanny sin—she’s fallen in love with her boss. She adores Matteo Renaldi’s sweet, precocious son. Who wouldn’t? But it’s torture going about her day-to-day tasks, catching fleeting glimpses of the boy’s enigmatic father. Chastising herself for fantasizing she’s in the Renaldi master bed…

  It’s ridiculous, pointless. After all, soon little Matty won’t need her anymore and she’ll move on.

  Matteo has no interest in dating. He’s consumed by work, his son…and his son’s nanny. She’s everything he’s not: young, carefree, trusting, maybe a little naïve. She deserves better than an embittered widower. Yet when she accidentally falls into his arms, he can’t resist drawing her in for a kiss that quickly spirals out of control.

  As they travel to his family’s home in Italy and slowly fall in love, the whispers start. And when one particularly ugly story blows up in their faces, their reputations might escape unscathed, but their hearts may not…