“So she is still there? Is she awake?”
“No, she is sleeping very deeply. I tried to wake her up, but to no avail. It was somewhat embarrassing as she is quite naked on top of the sheets, my King.”
Gabriel smiled at the surly tone of his butler. He could actually picture his reaction when he walked into the room to find the naked woman on top of his sheets.
“It is a long story, Benito. Rest assured, I was not there and did not share the bed with her or took any pleasures from her body. Leo and I were out on the town the whole night.”
“That is quite a relief, my King. Little Sienna would not appreciate being cuckolded. Not even by you, King Gabriel.”
Gabriel grunted sarcastically. “It seems your little Sienna could not care less, Benito. Are the rest of the staff there?”
“Yes. What should I do with the woman, my King?”
“Throw some water on her. Maybe that will wake her up, and then chase her away. Warn her, Benito not to put a foot on this estate again, or she will be locked up.”
“Quite rightly so, my King.”
Gabriel had no doubt that Benito would follow his instructions to the book, and thought to himself to remember to watch the video footage later.
Chapter Eleven
Sienna was tired by the time she got up from bed. Since Gabriel phoned she had been unable to go back to sleep and barely slumbered away when Gramps woke her up with a cup of coffee.
“Morning, honey. Have you slept well?”
“What are you doing up, Gramps? You are supposed to be resting.”
“Making coffee is not exerting myself, Sienna. Besides, I will get better quickly if I move around and be more active. Just lying around in bed has never boded well for anyone. It only makes one lazy.”
She looked at Sienna and noticed her worn and listless look.
“You clearly did not sleep well. Do you miss your King?”
“He is not my king! He is nothing but a conceited, high handed, aristocratic … jackass!” She huffed in anger and slammed her hand on the bed with the last word.
Elaine’s eyebrows lifted and her eyes widened. So much passion and anger could only mean one thing.
“What happened over the past weeks since he left? Or rather what did not happen?”
Sienna snorted and picked up the coffee from the bedside table and took a sip, glancing through her eyelashes at Elaine.
“Come on, Sienna. Out with it.”
“Nothing happened. I just told him I found someone else to finalize the research and he threatened me. He threatened me! How … medieval! He can’t force me to go back! I will not go back!”
“Correct me if I am wrong, but did you not sign an agreement?”
“Yes, but I am offering him an alternative! I am not just leaving them in a lurch!”
“It is no matter, my girl. In your type of work your reputation is what promotes you and that is what got you the project in the first place. You can’t renege on that just because you have got the hots for the king.”
“Gramps! I don’t have the hots for him!”
“Don’t you? I have seen a few years gone by and if there is one thing I know for a fact, then it is that the two of you are electrifyingly, sexually attracted to one another.”
“GRAMPS!”
“Come now, Sienna! You are twenty eight years old and I am sure no longer a virgin.”
“Maybe not. But this is also not the type of conversation I would expect to have with my Grandmother!”
“So, who else would you discuss it with? Look, honey, you two have something explosive happening between you. So much so that the air charges with electricity when you’re in the same room. I don’t see what is so wrong.”
“Maybe exactly that. There is more to life than just sex, Gramps. I am not prepared to become one of his floozies … another notch on his bedpost!”
“My goodness, Sienna! I thought you had more sense than that! If that is all there was, he would not have taken the time to bring you here himself and spend three days with you to make sure I am fine.”
“Gramps … I have seen all the tabloids and celebrity shows. He has a woman on his arm where ever he goes! I can’t compete with them!”
“Why would you want to? You should know they are not the type of woman a man like him would take as wife. More than anything you should not believe everything you read in the tabloids!”
“Maybe they are not, but nor am I. He is a King, Gramps. Whether he wants to be or not, that is what he is. He is expected to marry into royalty or nobility at least.”
“And you say he is medieval! Those laws are not relevant anymore, darling. You as a historian should know that better than anyone. What are you really scared of, Sienna?”
She shrugged and avoided Elaine’s eyes. Elaine shook her head and sighed.
“I am preparing breakfast. It should be ready in fifteen minutes.”
Gabriel was not too surprised when Beaumont Chastain walked into his office three weeks later with an annoyed Leonardo in tow.
“Gabe, Mr. Chastain needs a private word with you.”
“Hm … I am not surprised, but I must say, extremely disappointed. You can stay Leo. I have a feeling I am going to need a witness to this.”
Beaumont puffed up, but rolled his shoulders uncomfortably. He loved his daughter and has always gone the extra mile to get her what she wanted. He was the first to admit that he spoiled her rotten. This news she fed him in tears last night did not sit so well with him and he gritted his teeth.
“Well, Chastain?”
“You have compromised my daughter, King Gabriel. I demand that you make right by her!”
“I have? Enlighten me exactly how?”
He leaned negligently back against his desk with his legs stretched out in front of him, his arms folded over his chest. Leonardo stood next to him with his hands in his pockets.
“You took her to bed and now she is incinta.”
Gabriel’s eyebrows rose and he smiled wryly. Leonardo growled and he chuckled.
“Hm … I suppose your little girl has decided she wants to marry Royalty and you as her devoted Daddy want to give her what she wants. Do you really think it is in your best interest to come in here and force your daughter on me, Chastain?”
“I am not forcing her on you. You compromised her and it is your duty to make right by her! You as the King can do none other!”
“Ah, so you plan on causing a scandal and thereby force my hand to marry her? Is that about it?”
“Look, King Gabriel. I do not like this one bit. But I can’t look past the fact that she is pregnant and that you are the father!”
“I would love to see you prove that! Now listen and listen well, Beaumont. I did not compromise your daughter. If she is pregnant, which I sincerely doubt, it is not by me and you are welcome to run any scandal campaign you wish to. But know one thing, you, your family and your business will be ruined in the process. I do not suffer fools gladly, nor do I appreciate being threatened and if I were you, I would think this through carefully. More importantly Beaumont, make sure of all the facts before you take any further steps in this matter.”
He straightened and walked around his desk and sat down, ignoring the foaming man glaring at him. Leonardo gestured towards the door.
“Mr. Chastain, this meeting is over. I’ll escort you to the foyer.”
Beaumont Chastain left with anger boiling inside him. He had no doubt that King Gabriel Costa spoke the truth. He was a man of high integrity and honesty and would never lie about something like this. Jessica on the other hand, he was not so sure of all of a sudden. This time she has gone too far. She had him compromise his own integrity.
Gabriel fumed. Why some women had to be so fickle he would never understand! Did Jessica really think he would accept such deceitful action and take her into his life? He had no doubt that this was not over. He knew that Beaumont would take no further steps, but he also had no doubt that Jessica w
as not done with her scheming. She clearly needed a wedding ring on her finger, whether it was as a father for a baby she might or might not be expecting, or for status, he did not know. Nor did he care.
He picked up his phone and called Benito, who answered on the first ring, panic in his voice. A shrill voice screaming in the background clearly the source of his agitation.
“What is the matter, Benito?”
“The young lady I found in your bed a few weeks ago arrived here again, my King. She is quite vocal and demanding to move into your bedroom, as I am sure you can hear.”
“Yes, quite clearly. Why does she think she can move in?”
“I am not sure. She is threatening to phone the newspapers and tell them of the atrocious manhandling by the King’s butler, and that after you asked her to marry her last night.”
“Warn her, Benito, that I will not think twice of having her locked up for trespassing if she does not leave immediately. Also warn her on the repercussions of false statements to the press. I am not about to get my life ruled by a cheap damn slut!”
“Quite right, my King!”
“Is that Gabriel? Let me talk to him.”
“Give her the phone, Benito.”
“Gabriel! You will not believe how this … butler has treated me! He refuses me entry into your house!”
“And why would he allow you entry, especially after he found you sleeping … and naked in my bed for that matter. You were not invited, then, nor would you have and neither were you now.”
“But Gabriel! I thought you and I …”
“I told you the other night already there is no chance of that. Now hear me well, Jessica. Spread one false rumor and your life as you know it is over. I will not be threatened, or forced into situations of your making. I give you five minutes to leave my Villa. If you don’t, Benito has orders to have you locked up for trespassing.”
“But we can be so good together. Please Gabriel.”
“Four minutes!” She screamed in his ear and threw the phone at Benito and stormed out the door. Gabriel chuckled when he heard Benito’s sigh of relief.
“She has gone, my King.”
“Good. Benito, I need you to meet Luca at the airport and fly with him to Washington. You need to go and fetch Red and her Grandmother for me. I gave her two more weeks, but I have changed my mind. I am going to phone the specialist as well and offer him a free holiday in Italy, so there is no reason why they can’t come immediately.”
“What if she refuses to come, my King?”
“Then you remind her of her contract and that you have an order to contact the chief of Police who has been briefed on her misconduct.”
“My King?”
“She will come, Benito. Luca has her address. Phone me from the plane when you are on the way back.”
“Very well, my King.”
Gabriel replaced the receiver and a slow grin formed on his mouth. He could just imagine the scene poor Benito would have to deal with. Sienna has had a short respite which totally turned her against him. He had no intention of giving her any more time to build a wall between them.
He picked up the phone again and dialed the Hospital in Washington where Elaine was treated. After a thirty minute discussion with William Salt, which turned out exactly as he intended, he relaxed for the first time since he returned from Washington.
Red would be home soon and he had every intention of making her pay what she owed him. He would not allow her a quarter … in fact, he was going to make sure her debt built up even more, until she owed him so much, she would be paying him for the rest of her life!
The next morning it was Sienna’s turn to prepare breakfast and she made French toast which she knew was Gramps favorite. They ate on the back porch as it was a nice day outside. She had just loaded and switched on the dishwasher when the front doorbell rang.
“Are you expecting anyone, Gramps?”
“No, honey. Maybe it is just a salesman.”
Sienna walked to the door, opened it with a smile which immediately froze on her face and she slammed the door closed with a bang.
“Sienna! Who was that?”
“Nobody!”
The doorbell rang again and she bit her lip, her hands against the door in front of her. Elaine walked up behind her and pushed her to the side, frowning at her.
“Since when are you so rude?”
She opened the door and looked at the stern tall, but thin, brown haired man, probably in his sixties.
“Good morning, sir. I do apologize for my granddaughter’s rude behavior. I have no idea what came over her.”
“I am afraid I do, Madam.”
“Oh, well, I am Elaine Thorne, Sienna’s Grandmother. And you are?”
“He is nobody and he is leaving!”
“Sienna!”
“He said you will be obstinate.”
“Obstinate! He can go to blazes!”
Elaine sighed and looked from the one to the other. Sienna huffed up with her hands folded over her chest, and the tall man stood unperturbed as straight as a rod in his black suit with white shirt and black tie, looking down at her.
“Again I apologize. I still do not know who you are and what you want, Mister?”
“I am Benito Cabaro, Mrs. Thorne. I am King Gabriel Costa’s personal valet.”
“Oh … OH … well Sienna, you really had no cause to be so rude to this poor man! Please Mr. Cabaro, come in.”
“Just Benito, if you please, madam.”
“What can we do for you, Benito?”
He shuffled uncomfortably on his feet and glanced at Sienna, clearly expecting her to erupt.
“My King has sent me to come and fetch his Red and Gramps.”
“Oef! I am not his damn Red! And we are not going anywhere! The specialist clearly said Gramps is not allowed to travel for another two weeks! He was there!”
“Quite right, this is why he arranged with Dr. William Salt to accompany us on this trip. He will probably be at the airport already, awaiting us.”
Elaine and Sienna gaped at him and he pulled his shoulders back, waiting for the further eruption. He did not have long to wait.
“Oh, I don’t believe it! Who the devil does he think he is to order us around! You can inform your dear KING he can go and jump in the lake!”
Benito took his buzzing phone out of his pocket, and lifted it to his ear.
“My King?” He listened and glared at Sienna.
“Not cooperative at all, no.” He sighed and hesitated.
“Would you not rather just talk to her yourself, my King?”
His shoulder slumped in front of their eyes and Elaine grinned. Sienna shimmered in anger next to her and grabbed at Benito’s phone.
“Give me that damn phone!” She ripped it from his hand and he sighed in relief.
“Now you listen to me Gabriel Costa. You have no right to make decisions on my behalf!”
“Don’t I, Red?” His deep voice floored her and heat immediately shot down to her core.
“No, you don’t! You know very well the doctor said Gramps can’t travel that far so soon!”
“Which is why he is joining you and staying for a month to make sure Gramps get well. Now, stop wasting everyone’s time, Red. You know very well you have no choice. Or do I need to remind you of the terms of your contract?”
“That is blackmail!”
“Hmm … that is such a nasty word, Red. Just so you are aware, I had nothing to do with drawing up that agreement or choosing you. Sophia assured me everything was explained to you in detail before you signed. You accepted all those terms the moment you put pen to paper, Baby.”
“You better realize one thing, King Gabriel. I am coming there to work and nothing else! Do you understand?”
“Aahh, Red, I never thought of sex as work, but if you want to define it that way … its fine with me!”
“I am warning you …”
“And I am telling you, Red. You owe me … you owe
me a damn lot … and I intend to collect, the moment you land on this continent. Nothing you do or say will stop me. I warned you from the first time … no Red … you will not renege on your agreement.”
“I never agreed!”
“No … you demanded! Shall I remind you again, amore? C’me here sexy …”
“Oh … shut up! Just shut up!”
“Enough of this, Sienna. Go and help Gramps pack and get on that plane. I’ll be waiting at the airport.”
Sienna nearly threw the phone at Benito and stormed upstairs, flinging unflattering remarks down at them.
“He can go to hell … him and his damn Royal … aristocratic, dominating … ass!”
“Sienna … where are you going?”
“To pack! We have been decreed to obey!”
Chapter Twelve
Sienna managed to sleep on the plane and caught up on the sleep she lost the night before. It was nearly eight in the morning in Italy by the time they landed. Her stomach was tied in knots and she worried her lip with her teeth.
She couldn’t deny that she missed Gabriel. That she thought about him every day since he left, relived the nights she spent in his arms. She groaned and wrapped her arms around her waist, trying to get the fretful emotions running through her mind under control. Not even mentioning her trembling stomach and clenched core, just thinking of his body against hers.
Sienna assisted her Gramps to the door where the plane crew stood waiting after they opened and lowered the steps. The captain of the plane turned and greeted someone on the outside and Sienna stiffened when she recognized Gabriel’s deep raspy voice. Benito took the loose luggage she carried in her hand and handed some of it to the co-pilot and the other to the air hostess that served them on the plane.
He indicated to Gramps and William to precede him and he followed them immediately out the door, leaving Sienna to follow in the rear.
Before she could even step outside, her way was barred by Gabriel’s huge, muscular and hard body and she retreated slowly. His eyes held hers hostage, his burning like the rising morning sun and she swallowed.
He kept his eyes on her when he slowly reached out and pulled the airplane door closed and she flinched when he turned the handle and it closed with an ominous click.
You Owe Me, Baby Page 10
