Rome for Always (The BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES Collection)

by Angelo, Judy

  He hated to do it but he called the home number he found on her file. The result was even worse. At least he’d been able to leave a voice message on her cell phone. When he tried the house phone all he got was a recording that the number had been disconnected.

  After two text messages and an email his back was against the wall. He grimaced at the thought but there was nothing left to do but go to her home. He had to understand her real reason for leaving and, somehow, he had to get her to explain all that to Arie. If he could only get Iyana to talk to her and get Arie to listen then everything would be resolved. If clarification didn’t come from him but directly from Iyana’s mouth then Arie would have no alternative but to believe.

  It was almost noon when he hopped into his car and sped off to Metairie. Iyana’s home was not hard to find. Nestled at the end of the road, the neat little house was circled by an abundance of flowers that had obviously been tended with great care.

  He pulled up in front of it and as he walked toward the house he took in the slightly peeling paint and the worn rocking chair on the front porch. Despite the subtle signs of age the house was beautiful, with windows that were clear and sparkling with soft white curtains falling behind them. On the front door was a cheerful wreath and on the ground in front was a wide mat that said, ‘Welcome to our home’. The place had a happy, lived-in look to it, one that he liked.

  Rome crossed the porch and, not seeing a bell, he tapped at the front door. He got an immediate response.

  “Coming,” a cheery voice called out and then he heard footsteps approaching.

  He straightened, preparing to introduce himself to someone from Iyana’s family. Maybe it was her mother who would answer the door or probably her sister. Whoever it was, he already liked her. There had to be a beautiful person connected with that pleasant voice.

  When the door opened it was Iyana who stood in the entrance.

  Rome’s brows lifted in surprise. Iyana calling out a greeting in a happy, lilting voice? How was it that he’d never seen this side of his curt, no-nonsense personal assistant?

  Obviously surprised, her eyes widened and the smile froze on her face. She looked just as shocked to see him as he was to see her in a lighthearted mood.

  “Rome, what are you doing here?” Her voice was breathless as she stared up at him. Then her eyes narrowed and the old Iyana, the one he knew so well, began to creep back. “Are you here to order me back to work?” she demanded. “Because it’s not going to happen.”

  He didn’t get a chance to respond. He was opening his mouth to speak when another voice made him pause.

  “Yana, who is it, baby?” It was the heavy, rumbling voice of a man.

  Caught off guard, Rome stared at Iyana, waiting for her next move. He’d hurried to this woman’s house, not even thinking of what he would find upon arrival. Now he’d probably put her in an embarrassing position – a man showing up on her doorstep when she obviously had company.

  She swung away from him. “Coming,” she said, again in that super-cheerful tone he’d come to associate with her alter ego. When she turned back to face him, though, she looked serious. “Rome, why are you here?” she asked, the smile in her voice gone. “As you can see, I’m busy.”

  He nodded. “I know and I’m sorry to disturb you but we need to talk. It’s very important.”

  She gave him a look sharp with suspicion. “About what?”

  “We won’t talk about it now,” he said, wanting to end the conversation quickly. “Just tell me when’s good for you and I’ll be back.” Then he added, “Or we can meet somewhere. Anywhere. I just need to talk to you.”

  He didn’t know if curiosity got the better of Iyana but instead of sending him on his way she stepped back and held the door open. “No, we’ll talk now,” she said firmly. “Come in.”

  For the second time since showing up on her front porch Rome raised his eyebrows in surprise. So, company or not, she was inviting him in? Then he did a mental shrug and stepped forward. He could only assume she knew what she was doing.

  He found himself in a spacious living room with colorful rugs on the floor, a piano against a wall and a plasma TV that had to be at least seventy inches. The short, squat vase on the glass table in the middle of the room was overflowing with roses, orchids and jasmine that gave the place a flowery fragrance. The room was an intriguing mix of old world and new.

  “Have a seat,” Iyana said, waving him over to a wide sofa covered with an intricately embroidered quilt. “I’ll be right back.”

  He did as he was told, going over to the sofa as his hostess disappeared into another room. And then he heard the heavy male voice again. “Is it Michael?” the voice asked. “Tell him to come on back here. That’s easier than me going up front to see him.”

  “No, it’s not Michael,” was Iyana’s reply. “I’ve got…a visitor. My ex-boss.” The last words sounded tight, like she was clenching her teeth as she said them.

  “Is that so? Bring him on back here. I want to meet him.”

  Rome’s brows shot up again. Iyana’s man wanted to meet him? After she’d suddenly quit on him? He couldn’t help but wonder what story she’d fed the man. Even he didn’t know her reason for leaving so what had she told her boyfriend?

  Within five seconds the woman in question was back, beckoning to him. “Can you come with me, please? There’s someone who would like to meet you.”

  “Don’t I know it,” he muttered under his breath but to Iyana he gave a brusque nod and got up from his perch. “I’m right behind you,” he said as if the pending introduction did not bother him one bit.

  She turned and led the way and soon they came to a sunny kitchen where an elderly man sat by a window overlooking a garden that was even more impressive than the ones at the front. The man was sitting in a wheelchair.

  “Ho there,” he said with a wave and a broad smile. “Is this the famous Rome Milano I’ve been hearing so much about?” He stuck his hand out for a shake, not waiting for an answer. “Come on over, young man. Let me greet you properly.”

  The man’s grin was infectious and although Rome had no idea what Iyana had been telling him about her ‘ex-boss’ as she so eloquently described him, he somehow felt comfortable in the elder’s presence. It was actually a relief to be shaking hands with a senior rather than someone who could have been Iyana’s beau.

  Rome took his weathered hand. “Pleased to meet you, Mr….” He paused, realizing he had no idea whose hand he was holding. Iyana’s father, maybe?

  “This is my grandfather, Andrew Jackson. Gramps, meet my boss, Rome Milano.” Then, as if catching her blunder, Iyana mumbled, “I mean my ex-boss.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Jackson,” Rome said, giving the man’s hand a hearty shake.

  “Welcome to our home,” Mr. Jackson said then dropped his hands and wheeled his chair close to the kitchen table. “Take a load off,” he said. “Have a seat and we can share a pot of tea.”

  That almost made Rome smile. He hadn’t expected Mr. Jackson would be a tea-drinker. It was a stereotype but it made him sound so British.

  “Uh, Gramps, Mr. Milano can’t stay. He’s sort of…in a hurry.” Iyana made sure she was standing at an angle where Andrew Jackson couldn’t see her face as she sent a speedy message to Rome with her eyes. The message was, 'no tea for you, just move along'.

  Rome could take a hint. “I’m sorry, Mr. Jackson, but Iyana’s right. I can’t stay.”

  “That’s too bad,” he began but his granddaughter was already moving toward the exit, giving Rome eyes that obviously meant, ‘let’s go’.

  Dutifully, he gave a bow of farewell to the gracious old man and followed his ex-personal assistant back to the living room.

  Quickly, she pulled the door closed then turned to face him. “Now will you tell me what this is about? I’m sure it’s not a social visit.”

  He didn’t bother to beat around the bush. “I need your help,” he said urgently. “I need you to come with
me to see Arie to clear up something.”

  Iyana’s gaze narrowed and she folded her arms across her chest. “Something like what?”

  “I need you to tell Arie what your feelings are toward me. She’s got all kinds of crazy ideas and I won’t get any peace until this thing has been discussed and put to bed.” He gave her a look he hoped was pleading enough to sway her.

  She didn’t seem convinced. “Why should I do something like that?”

  “Count it as your good deed for the day, Iyana. Heck, it can count for the whole week. Just help me out, will you?” Now he was really pleading and he didn’t even care. He needed her help and if he had to beg to get it, that was exactly what he would do.

  “Would she have to come here?” she asked and Rome almost kissed her. The question meant she was actually considering it.

  “No, I’ll pick you up,” he said quickly, “or we can meet you someplace of your choosing. I just need you to do this for me as soon as possible. This evening, maybe?”

  “No,” she said with a quick shake of her head. “I have to take Gramps to oncology at five.” She bit her bottom lip then flashed him a look that said she hadn’t meant for that slip out.

  “I’m sorry?” he said, immediately picking up on the significance of what she’d said. “Your grandfather has cancer?”

  Iyana’s lips tightened and a cloud seemed to descend over her face but she nodded. “Yes. He’s got to do chemo this evening. I can’t do this for you until tomorrow.”

  “Of course,” he said instantly, a wave of guilt washing over him. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “No.” Quickly, she shook her head. “I’m already doing all that can be done. Please…” For a moment she looked confused, as if caught between a rock and a hard place. “Can we talk about this when I get back tonight? I’ll call you after Gramps is in bed.”

  “Iyana, if it’s too much-”

  “No, I’ll call you. I just…need to get back to him now.”

  It was a pensive Rome who drove away from Iyana’s home that afternoon. She’d worked for him almost two years and he hadn’t even been aware of what she was going through.

  And then another thought came to him. He hadn’t even asked her why she’d quit.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  “I don’t think she’s coming,” Arie said, looking peeved as she toyed with her fork. “Let’s just go.”

  “Just relax,” Rome said, taking the fork from her fingers. “Just cut her some slack. Remember I told you, she’s got a lot on her plate.”

  That made Arie look pensive. “I know. It’s just…” She sighed. “I don’t see the point of all this.”

  “The point of all this,” Rome said, “is that we need to have the truth laid out on the table. We can’t go on like this. We have to do this.”

  Another sigh and then Arie gave him a rueful smile. “I guess you’re right. I know she’s going through a lot and I don’t want to judge her. Maybe I was unfair, jumping to conclusions like that.”

  “You were,” Rome said, giving her a pseudo-stern look. “You’ll see.”

  It was another nine minutes before Iyana pushed open the door to Cafe Beignet, her eyes scanning the place in search of them.

  “Over here.” Rome put up his hand and she immediately hurried over.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, sounding breathless. “I got held up at my appointment.”

  “Something to do with Gramps?” Rome frowned, concern for the old man at the forefront of his mind.

  “No, nothing like that.” She shook her head as she slid into the vacant chair across the table. “It had to do with…a job.” She seemed hesitant to share that piece of information, even embarrassed. Considering who she was sharing that information with, it was understandable.

  Rome decided to change the subject. “May I get you something? Coffee? Tea?”

  “No, nothing please. I can’t stay long. You wanted me to come here. To answer questions, you said. Well, I’m here. Ask.” It was only at this point that she turned her attention to Arie and her stare was cool, with just a hint of challenge.

  It was a bit unsettling but Rome was the one who had hounded these women until they’d decided to meet so there was nothing left to do but get that ball rolling. “You ladies already know each other,” he said, “so I’ll get right to it.”

  He paused, trying to find the right words. When he’d planned this it had seemed so easy but now that the time was here it was like he was lost for words. He cleared his throat then turned his attention to the woman sitting across from him. He decided to plunge right in. “Iyana, I asked you to meet with us because Arie has drawn the most farfetched conclusion.” He chuckled but it sounded awkward even to his own ears. “She thinks you quit because you fell in love with me.” This time he laughed out loud but he was the only one laughing while the two women stared daggers at each other.

  It was not a good sign but he pressed on. “If you could just tell Arie the truth it would clear the air once and for all. Please. Tell her your position because she won’t believe me.”

  Iyana lifted an eyebrow as she shifted her attention to him. “My position?”

  “Yes, tell Arie exactly how you feel about me.” Rome had to fight to keep the impatience out of his voice. “That’s all I ask and then I won’t bother you ever again.”

  For several seconds Iyana just stared back at him, her eyes bleak. When she finally spoke her voice was low. “I’m not sure you want me to do that,” she said.

  Losing the battle to his annoyance, Rome glared at her. “Why the hell not?”

  “Because,” she said, as she looked him straight in the eyes, “I’m in love with you.”

  ***

  “What the…” Rome felt the blood drain from his face. “What did you say?”

  Iyana did not repeat herself. She just sat there, staring back at him, her eyes defiant.

  “I knew it. How could you? Have you been cheating on me?" With those words, the first she had spoken since Iyana’s arrival, Arie exploded. But the target of her tirade was not Iyana but Rome.

  And Rome was floored. His world was crumbling around his ears and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Arie was bristling beside him but his eyes were fixed on Iyana. “Why the devil would you say something like that?” he demanded, the anger mounting inside him.

  “Because it’s true.” And those words, so simply but so clearly expressed, were what finally damned him.

  As soon as the words left Iyana’s lips Arie tore into him. “So this woman has been working for you, how long? Almost two years? Working with you every day, in love with you, and you had no idea? Do you expect me to believe that?” Suddenly, she switched from Rome to the other woman. “Were you involved with Rome?”

  Iyana was beginning to look sullen but she answered nonetheless. “Not physically, no.” Emphasis on the word ‘physically’. And the way she said it, soft and seductive, made it seem like, physical or not, there’d been a whole lot going on.

  And if Rome hadn’t known it before, he knew it now – he was in big trouble.

  “Okay, I’ve answered your question,” Iyana said, rising. “I’ve got to go.” And just like that, after dropping her bombshell, she walked away, leaving Rome in the deepest mess he’d been in, in his life.

  “So there was nothing going on between the two of you, right?” Arie’s tone was so sarcastic it was clear she meant the exact opposite. “You had an emotional thing going and yet you said there was nothing between the two of you.” Her eyes flashing, she clenched her teeth as she bit out the words. “What did you guys do all day? Flirt with each other?” And then, as if a thought suddenly struck her, she gasped. “You took her on that trip with you, that trip to Italy. You told me it was just business but it was a lot more than that.” She gave him a look so full of hurt that his heart quaked. For the second time that night she cried, “How could you?”

  Arie shot up from her chair and grabbed her purse. “I’m leav
ing.”

  Her movement shocked Rome out of his stupor and he reached out to grab her hand. “No, wait. We have to talk. It’s not what you think.”

  Her eyes narrowed as she looked down at him. “Isn’t it?”

  “No, it’s not. Sit down Arie. You can’t leave in the heat of the moment like this, not until we talk.” Rome kept his voice low and even but inside he was in turmoil. Would she think of leaving him over something as petty as this? He would never let that happen. He had to make her see the truth.

  But Arie would not budge. “No,” she said, pulling her hand from his grasp. “I can’t bear to sit here with you a minute longer. I need…” She put a hand to her forehead, looking bewildered. “I need some time…to think about this.” Then she shook her head. "I…we need to take a break for a while. I can’t deal with this.” With a sob, she turned and hurried away, practically running out the door.

  And Rome sat there watching her flight, wanting to run after her but knowing that right now she needed her space.

  He could only hope that when he reached out to her, her emotions would have settled enough so that he could tell her his side of the story.

  ***

  “Good morning, Mrs. Mullings.” Rome gave his temp what he hoped was a pleasant smile even though he felt like his heart had died inside. It had been four days since he’d last seen his fiancee and with each day that passed he was falling deeper and deeper into despair. Would he ever regain the love and respect of his beloved Arie?

  He walked into his office and closed the door behind him then dropped his laptop bag on the desk and sank down into his chair. He was definitely in no mood to work today. Deep in thought, he tilted back in his chair and raised his feet to prop them, ankles crossed, on the edge of his desk.

  He’d called Arie the same evening of the incident but she’d refused to pick up the phone. He hadn’t persisted, wanting to give her time to calm down. Next day he called three times before she picked up the call and when they spoke, her side of the conversation had been terse. He called every day after that, asking to see her, and each time she’d refused. He’d thought she would come around by now but things were ending up being just the opposite. It was like, with each passing day, her resolve to stay away from him was hardening into stone.