by Tracy Wolff
Catalina swallowed as she looked back into those eyes that held something other than lust. For once he wasn’t staring at her as if he wanted to rip her clothes off. He genuinely cared or at least he was playing the part rather well. Then again, he’d played a rather impressive role four years ago pretending to be the doting boyfriend.
Catalina couldn’t afford to let her guard down. Not again with this man who still had the power to cripple her. That kiss weeks ago only proved the control he still had and she’d never, ever let him in on that fact. She could never allow Will to know just how much she still ached for his touch.
“I’ll be fine,” she replied, pulling her arm back. “I’d like to be alone with her, though.”
Will opened his mouth as if to argue, but finally closed it and nodded.
As soon as Catalina stepped inside, her heart broke. Bella sat in a wingback chair. James rested his hip on the arm and Bella was curled into his side sobbing.
“James.” Will motioned for his twin to follow him out.
Leaning down, James muttered something to Bella. Dabbing her eyes with a tissue, Bella looked up and saw she had company.
Catalina crossed to the beautiful woman who had always been known for her wild side. Right now she was hurting over losing a woman who was as close as a mother to her.
The fact that Will thought Catalina could offer comfort, the fact that he cared enough to seek her out, shouldn’t warm her heart. She couldn’t let his moment of sweetness hinder her judgment of the man. Bella was the woman he’d been in a relationship with only a month ago. How could Catalina forget that? No matter the reasons behind the relationship, Catalina couldn’t let go of the fact that Will would’ve said I do to Bella had James not come along.
Will had an agenda, he always did. Catalina had no clue what he was up to now, but she had a feeling his newfound plans included her. After all this time, was he seriously going to pursue her? Did he honestly think they’d start over or pick up where they’d left off?
Catalina knew deep down he was only after one thing...and she truly feared if she wasn’t careful, she’d end up giving in.
Three
Will lifted the bottle of scotch from the bar in the living room, waving it back and forth slightly in a silent invitation to his brother.
James blew out a breath. “Yeah. I could use a drink.”
Neither mentioned the early time. Sometimes life’s crises called for an emergency drink to take the edge off. And since they’d recently started building their relationship back up, Will wanted to be here for his brother because even though Bella was the one who’d suffered the loss, James was no doubt feeling helpless.
“Smart thinking asking Catalina to help.” James took the tumbler with the amber liquid and eased back on the leather sofa. “Something going on there you want to talk about?”
Will remained standing, leaning an elbow back against the bar. “Nothing going on at all.”
Not to say there wouldn’t be something going on very soon if he had his way about it. Those heated kisses only motivated him even more...not to mention the fact that his father would hate knowing “the good twin” had gone after what he wanted, which was the total opposite of Patrick’s wishes.
James swirled the drink as he stared down into the glass. “I know Isabella has been sick for a while, but still, her death came as a shock. Knowing how strong-willed she was, I’d say she hung on until Juan Carlos was announced the rightful heir to the throne.”
Will nodded, thankful they were off the topic of Cat. She was his and he wasn’t willing to share her with anyone right now. Only a month ago, Bella had caught Will and Cat kissing, but at the time she’d thought it was James locking lips with the maid. The slight misunderstanding had nearly cost James the love of his life. “How is Bella dealing with the fact her brother was knocked off the throne before he could fully take control?”
The Montoro family was being restored to the Alma monarchy after decades of harsh dictatorship. First Rafael Montoro IV and then, when he abdicated, his brother Gabriel were thought to be the rightful heirs. However, their sister, Bella, had then uncovered damning letters in an old family farmhouse, indicating that because of a paternity secret going back to before World War II, Juan Carlos’s line of the family were the only legitimate heirs.
“I don’t think that title ever appealed to Gabriel or Bella, to be honest.” James crossed his ankle over his knee and held onto his glass as he rested it on the arm of the sofa. “Personally, I’m glad the focus is on Juan Carlos right now. Bella and I have enough media attention as it is.”
In addition to the fact that James had married a member of Alma’s royal family, he was also a star football player who drew a lot of scrutiny from the tabloids. The newlyweds no doubt wanted some privacy to start building their life together, especially since James had also recently taken custody of his infant baby, Maisey—a child from a previous relationship.
“Isabella’s passing will have the media all over the Montoros and Juan Carlos. I’m probably going to take Bella and Maisey back to the farmhouse to avoid the spotlight. The renovations aren’t done yet, but we need the break.”
“What can I do to help?” Will asked.
James tipped back the last of the scotch, and then leaned forward and set the empty tumbler on the coffee table. “Give me back that watch,” he said with a half smile and a nod toward Will’s wrist.
“Nah, I won this fair and square,” Will joked. “I told you that you wouldn’t be able to resist putting a ring on Bella’s finger.”
James had inherited the coveted watch from their English grandfather and wore it all the time. It was the way people told the twins apart. But Will had wanted the piece and had finally won it in a bet that James would fall for Bella and propose. Ironically, it had almost ended James and Bella’s relationship because Will had been wearing the watch that night he’d kissed Cat in the gazebo. Bella had mistaken him for James and jumped to conclusions.
“Besides the watch, what else can I do?” Will asked.
“I have no idea.” James shook his head and blew out a sigh. “Right now keeping Dad out of my business would be great.”
Will laughed. “I don’t think that will be a problem. He’s up in arms about some business decisions I’ve made, so the heat is off you for now.”
“Are you saying the good twin is taking charge?”
“I’m saying I’m controlling my own life and this is only the first step in my plan.”
Leaning forward, James placed his elbows on his knees. “Sounds like you may need my help. I am the black sheep, after all. Let me fill you in on all the ways to defy our father.”
“I’m pretty sure I’m defying him all on my own.” Will pushed off the bar and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I’ll let you know if I need any tips.”
James leveled his gaze at Will. “Why do I have a feeling this new plan of yours has something to do with the beautiful maid?”
Will shrugged, refusing to rise to the bait.
“You were kissing her a few weeks ago,” James reminded him. “That little escapade nearly cost me Bella.”
The entire night had been a mess, but thankfully things ultimately worked out the way they should have.
“So Catalina...”
Will sighed. “You won’t drop it, will you?”
“We practically grew up together with her, you dated before, you were kissing a few weeks ago. I’m sure dear old Dad is about to explode if you are making business decisions that he isn’t on board with and if you’re seducing his maid.”
“I’m not seducing anyone.” Yet. “And what I do with my personal life is none of his concern.”
“He’ll say different once he knows you’re after the maid. He’ll not see her as an appropriate match for you,” James countered, c
oming to his feet and glancing toward the ceiling as if he could figure out what was going on upstairs between the women. “What’s taking them so long? Think it’s safe to go back?”
Will nodded. “Let’s go see. Hopefully Cat was able to calm Bella down.”
“Cat, huh?” James smiled as he headed toward the foyer and the staircase. “You called her that years ago and she hated it. You still going with that?”
Will patted his brother on the shoulder. “I am going for whatever the hell I want lately.”
And he was. From this point on, if he wanted it, he was taking it...that went for his business and his bedroom.
* * *
The fact that the maid was consoling a member of the royal family probably looked strange from the outside, and honestly it felt a bit weird. But Catalina had been around Bella enough to know how down-to-earth James’s wife was. Bella never treated Catalina like a member of the staff. Not that they were friends by any means, but Catalina was comfortable with Bella and part of her was glad Will had asked her to come console Bella over the loss of her aunt.
“You’re so sweet to come in here,” Bella said with a sniff.
Catalina fought to keep her own emotions inside as she hugged Bella. Even though years had passed, Catalina still missed her grandmother every single day. Some days were just more of a struggle than others.
“I’m here anytime.” Catalina squeezed the petite woman, knowing what just a simple touch could do to help ease a bit of the pain, to know you weren’t alone in your grief. “There will be times memories sneak up on you and crush you all over again and there will be days you are just fine. Don’t try to hide your emotions. Everyone grieves differently so whatever your outlet is, it’s normal.”
Bella shifted back and patted her damp cheeks. “Thank you. I didn’t mean to cry all over you and bring up a bad time in your life.”
Pushing her own memories aside, Catalina offered a smile. “You didn’t do anything but need a shoulder to cry on. I just hope I helped in some small way to ease the hurt and I’m glad I was here.”
“Bella.”
The sound of James’s voice had Catalina stepping back as he came in to stand beside his wife. Tucking her short hair behind her ears, Catalina offered the couple a brief smile. James hugged Bella to his side and glanced at Catalina.
“I didn’t want to interrupt, but I know you need to work, too,” James said. “We really appreciate you.”
Those striking Rowling eyes held hers. This man was a star athlete, wanted by women all over the world. Yet Catalina felt nothing. He looked exactly like Will, but in Catalina’s heart...
No. Her heart wasn’t involved. Her hormones were a jumbled mess, but her heart was sealed off and impenetrable...at least where Will was concerned. Maybe when she left Alma she’d settle somewhere new and find the man she was meant to be with, the man who wouldn’t consider her a mistake.
Those damning words always seemed to be in the forefront of her mind.
“I’m here all day through the week,” Catalina told Bella. “You can always call me, too. I’m happy to help any way I can.”
“Thank you.” Bella sniffed. She dabbed her eyes again and turned into James’s embrace.
Catalina left the couple alone and pulled the door shut behind her. She leaned against the panel, closed her eyes and tipped her head back. Even though Catalina still had her mother, she missed her grandmother. There was just something special about a woman who enters your life in such a bold way that leaves a lasting impression.
Catalina knew Bella was hurting over the loss of her aunt, there was no way to avoid the pain. But Bella had a great support team and James would stay by her side.
A stab of remorse hit her. Bella’s and Catalina’s situations were so similar, yet so different. Will had comforted her over her loss when they’d first started dating and Catalina had taken his concern as a sign of pure interest. Unfortunately, her moments of weakness had led her to her first broken heart.
The only good thing to come out of it was that she hadn’t given him her innocence. But she’d certainly been tempted on more than one occasion. The man still tempted her, but she was smarter now, less naïve, and she had her eyes wide open.
Pushing off the door, she shoved aside the thoughts of Will and their past relationship. She’d jumped from one mistake to another after he broke things off with her. Two unfortunate relationships were more than enough for her. Focusing on turning her hobby and passion for making clothes into a possible career had kept her head on straight and her life pointed in the right direction. She didn’t have time for obstacles...no matter how sexy.
She made her way down the hall toward the main bathroom on the second floor. This bathroom was nearly the size of her little flat across town. She could afford something bigger, but she’d opted to keep her place small because she lived alone and she’d rather save her money for fabrics, new sewing machines, investing in her future and ultimately her move. One day that nest egg she’d set aside would come in handy and she couldn’t wait to leave Alma and see how far her dreams could take her. Another couple months and she truly believed she would be ready. She still couldn’t pinpoint her exact destination, though. Milan was by far the hot spot for fashion and she could head there and aim straight for the top. New York was also an option, or Paris.
Catalina smiled at the possibilities as she reached beneath the sink and pulled out fresh white hand towels. Just as she turned, she collided with a very hard, very familiar chest.
Will gripped her arms to steady her, but she wasn’t going anywhere, not when she was wedged between his solid frame and the vanity biting into her back.
“Excuse me,” she said, gripping the terrycloth next to her chest and tipping her chin up. “I’m running behind.”
“Then a few more minutes won’t matter.” He didn’t let up on his hold, but instead leaned back and kicked the door shut with his foot. “You’re avoiding me.”
Hadn’t she thought this bathroom was spacious just moments ago? Because now it seemed even smaller than the closet in her bedroom.
“Your ego is getting in the way of common sense,” she countered. “I’m working. Why are you always here lately anyway? Don’t you have an office to run on the other side of town?”
The edge of his mouth kicked up in a cocky half smile. “You’ve noticed. I was beginning to think you were immune.”
“I’ve been vaccinated.”
Will’s rich laugh washed over her and she cursed the goose bumps that covered her skin. Between his touch, his masculine scent and feeling his warm breath on her, her defenses were slipping. She couldn’t get sucked back into his spell, not when she was so close to breaking free once and for all.
“Come to dinner with me,” he told her, smile still in place as if he truly thought she’d jump at the chance. “Your choice of places.”
Now Catalina laughed. “You’re delusional. I’m not going anywhere with you.”
His eyes darkened as they slid to her lips. “You will.”
Catalina pushed against him, surprised when he released her and stepped back. She busied herself with changing out the hand towels on the heated rack. Why wouldn’t he leave? Did he not take a hint? Why suddenly was he so interested in her when a few years ago she’d been “a mistake”? Plus, a month ago he’d almost been engaged to another woman.
Being a backup plan for anybody was never an option. She’d rather be alone.
Taking more care than normal, Catalina focused on making sure the edges of the towels were perfectly lined up. She needed to keep her shaking hands busy.
“You can’t avoid this forever.” Will’s bold words sliced through the tension. “I want you, Cat. I think you know me well enough to realize I get what I want.”
Anger rolled through her as she spun around to face him. �
��For once in your life, you’re not going to be able to have something just because you say so. I’m not just a possession, Will. You can’t buy me or even work your charm on me. I’ve told you I’m not the same naïve girl I used to be.”
In two swift steps, he’d closed the gap between them and had her backed against the wall. His hands settled on her hips, gripping them and pulling them flush with his. This time she didn’t have the towels to form a barrier and his chest molded with hers. Catalina forced herself to look up into his eyes, gritted her teeth and prayed for strength.
Leaning in close, Will whispered, “I’m not the man I used to be, either.”
A shiver rippled through her. No, no he wasn’t. Now he was all take-charge and demanding. He hadn’t been like this before. He also hadn’t been as broad, as hard. He’d definitely bulked up in all the right ways...not that she cared.
“What would your father say if he knew you were hiding in the bathroom with the maid?” she asked, hoping the words would penetrate through his hormones. He’d always been yanked around by Daddy’s wishes...hence their breakup, she had no doubt.
Will shifted his face so his lips were a breath away from hers as his hands slid up to her waist, his thumbs barely brushing the underside of her breasts. “My father is smart enough to know what I’d be doing behind a closed door with a sexy woman.”
Oh, man. Why did she have to find his arrogance so appealing? Hadn’t she learned her lesson the first time? Wanting Will was a mistake, one she may never recover from if she jumped in again.
“Are you saying you’re not bowing down to your father’s commands anymore? How very grown up of you.”
Why was she goading him? She needed to get out of here because the more he leaned against her, the longer he spoke with that kissable mouth so close to hers, the harder he was making her life. Taunting her, making her ache for things she could never have.
“I told you, I’m a different man.” His lips grazed hers as he murmured, “But I still want you and nobody is going to stand in my way.”
