by Ali Vali
“Pablo’s leaving?” asked Eduardo Fernandez, Gracelia’s main guard and growing confidant. He’d entered the study he was using as an office without knocking. “I thought Gracelia wanted him here dealing with the buyers who’ve gone to other suppliers.”
“I want to look at other opportunities.” He glared at Eduardo for wasting his time. No way was he flipping this guy, so spending time with him was useless. “Where’s Gracelia?”
“Señora is upstairs resting,” Eduardo said with a tone that dripped so much contempt he suddenly desired a shower.
“Remember two things, then, Eduardo,” he said as Eduardo stood and walked to the door. “Knock before you ever come in here, and don’t tell me what my job is.”
“I talk to Señora Ortega if you don’t like my company.” Eduardo laughed as he walked out.
Jerome would smooth Gracelia’s paranoia later, but for now he wanted to get a few personnel matters out of the way. He stared at the phone number he’d written on a tattered piece of paper, irritated that his hand shook. When was the last time he was truly comfortable and not afraid his life would end because the lunatics in his life felt like putting a bullet through his brain?
Every one of them gave off a vibe that made him feel like the unwelcome outsider. He wasn’t wanted, but that wasn’t a new development. Even Gracelia treated him with caution, her secrets hidden in that psychotic head of hers. His main focus was to cull through the ranks and choose a group he could control. Pablo was his first recruit and Eduardo had proved his loyalty—only not to him.
He moved to the bookshelves, removed the thick leather-bound book of poetry, and grabbed for the phone he’d hidden behind it. The books in the room must’ve been left behind by the previous owner or been a decorator’s idea, because no one but him here had spent time reading anything like the volume in his hand.
He turned the cell on and dialed the number he’d kept hidden in the folds of his wallet.
“Before you hang up, I have something you want, and for the right price it’s yours,” he said when his call was answered.
It was a cautious first step, but still, it was a start.
*
Nicolette Blanc stared at her reflection, her eyes glued to the thin scar that ran from under her right ear to her chin. It was still visible, but not as bad as when it had first healed. Back then it was red, thick, and angry in appearance—an ugliness she’d never really learned to accept. After countless surgeries, this was her permanent souvenir that reminded her of a moment of childish irritation and stupidity.
Back then it’d been so easy to blame Cain Casey, despite the truth that Cain had actually saved her from further damage. It still stung that Cain had rebuffed her, even though she’d tried her utmost to get her into her bed. The anger over that rejection had distracted her enough for the pervert to easily catch her and drag her into an alley at knifepoint. Afterward she’d seen the relief in her father’s eyes, but also his disappointment that she’d allowed this to happen. Cain had expressed nothing but deep pity, which had killed her dream of Cain’s touch and a future together.
That was the last time she’d truly felt free, or at least had lived with the confidence that nothing could harm her. After all, she was Michel Blanc’s daughter. Her father’s name had always scared off anyone dumb enough to want to harm her because the consequences of doing so were unthinkable. During those college days she’d also stopped believing in love, or the kind of love that allowed her to show another person her true self without fear of rejection or humiliation.
Cain Casey hadn’t wanted her, which had been acceptable for a while since Cain had gone through women like a swarm through fertile fields of ripe wheat. Obviously Cain wasn’t capable of a relationship with anyone. That realization had made Nicolette immensely happy. She wanted Cain to drift unattached through life like she did. Eventually she would be able to convince Cain they were too much alike to not be together. When she received occasional reports that another woman had been replaced, she smiled, but that small joy had been crushed when the guy she’d hired to keep tabs on Cain sent her the name Emma Verde, along with her picture.
Her self-doubt had flared and the seed of hate for Cain had germinated. Why this simpleton from a farm in the middle of nowhere and not her? The question rattled around in her head, and she was ashamed it still did.
“Are you still pissed?” Luce asked, leaning against the door frame.
She hadn’t said much since Luce and Maximo returned and reported what had happened. Luce loved her; that’s why she’d tried to put Cain in her place. Their eyes met in the mirror, and she admired Luce’s beauty again. She enjoyed this woman’s touch, her friendship, but she’d never return her feelings. She defined love now as her relationship with her parents, no one else.
“I did warn you, did I not?” She cinched the tie of her robe tight before she turned and squeezed by Luce without much physical contact. “You could’ve possibly gotten away with that at home, but here, Cain rules just like her father did before his death. Also, we need her. Did your ego consider that before you decided to act like a spoiled child?”
“If only you’d defend me so vehemently,” Luce said as she dropped into the wingback closest to the window. “I did what was necessary, and I’m only sorry you can’t see and understand that. The Blancs bow to no one.”
“Did my father adopt you and not tell me?” Nicolette opened the small box on the desk and took out a cigarette.
“You know damn well, Nic, that it’s my job to make sure people respect the name, whether or not it’s mine.”
“Your job today was to close the deal my father and I wanted closed. We didn’t need renegotiations, rudeness, and you beating your chest like a caveman. You failed on all three counts, and in record time, from what Maximo said.”
Luce clenched both hands and opened her mouth to say something, then must’ve thought better of it. Her jaw clicked shut and she closed her eyes for as long as it took to count to ten. Luce’s behavior was as predictable as the heat New Orleans experienced in summer; she hadn’t figured out yet how easily manipulated she was. Nicolette didn’t do it often, but when necessary it was easy to push Luce as much and as hard as she needed to get what she wanted. No way would Luce ever issue an ultimatum, even if she figured it out, since it would end both their personal and professional relationship. She enjoyed Luce’s company, but it wasn’t at all a necessity.
“If you want I’ll meet with the bitch again and apologize,” Luce said, sounding properly spanked.
“Cain Casey is done with you, but maybe she has some memory of our friendship. You take Maximo with you and enjoy one of the good restaurants in the city.”
“What about you?” Luce asked as she stood and reached to open her robe again.
“I’ll be doing your job.” She grabbed Luce by the wrists and stepped back. “Start at the bar. I need to talk to my father.”
Luce hesitated like she was contemplating rebellion, but she turned and slammed her way out. It wouldn’t be much longer before Nicolette offered Luce the privilege of keeping her job but expelled her from her bed. She didn’t deal well with lovesick puppies who constantly begged for her attention and a pat on the head.
“Bonjour, Papa,” she said when her father answered. “I’ll keep it short since I have to go out soon. Did Maximo call you?”
“He told me the result, so I figured you’re pleased. Your plan is working so far.”
His voice echoed slightly off the marble in the bathroom, but she needed to finish getting ready. “Time hasn’t tamed the tiger for sure, but that side of Cain is what I find most attractive. In a few days we should have everything we want.”
“The contract isn’t as important as your happiness, chérie. Forget the wine if you want and concentrate on getting back what’s yours. You deserve this.”
“Thanks, Papa. Your understanding and help mean everything to me.”
“Keep in touch, and stay safe.”
She hummed as she applied her foundation carefully, since too much caked around the scar made it stand out more. The dress she’d bought for this occasion would sear her beauty into Cain’s brain, and that was what she wanted most. If she could focus Cain’s attention on nothing but her from the start this time around, it wouldn’t take long to remove Emma Verde from the picture.
“I’m not accepting the word ‘no’ this time, Cain, so I hope you’re brighter than you were in your twenties. If you insist on refusing me, it’ll be unfortunate, but getting rid of you might be the only way for me to move on.”
Chapter Seven
“Would you zip me, please?” Emma asked as she held her hair out of the way. The dress was new, and Kevin, her personal shopper at Saks, had rushed her alterations so it would be perfect for tonight. It wasn’t often that the families got together to talk a little business and have dinner together, so she wanted to look her best as Mrs. Casey, for Cain’s sake. Not that she thought of herself as a cute arm decoration, but frumpy wouldn’t do, even if she felt that way at the moment.
“Can I have this job in reverse when we get home?” Cain asked as she zipped her dress gently.
“I was hoping you’d volunteer.” Emma gave Cain a fast kiss when she finished. “How did it go with Jasper today? Anything new?”
“Jasper is a man with problems, and I might have a solution for him if Vincent is in a frame of mind to listen tonight. If not, our friend down the street might make more of an impact than I’d like.”
The last thing she had left to do was slip in the three-carat diamond earrings Cain had surprised her with shortly after they found out they were pregnant again. The square, princess-cut stones felt heavy, but she loved them because they showed how happy Cain was about this baby.
“If by friend you mean that snake Hector and his spawn, then I’ll tie Vincent to a chair and beat him with breadsticks until he gives you what you want. It irritates me every time I think of them living a few blocks away.”
Cain dropped her jacket onto the bed and put her arms around her. She lowered her head when Emma gazed up at her and very lightly pressed her lips to hers so as not to mess up her lipstick. “If I had enough manpower they’d be gone by now. You know that, right?” She nodded as she slipped her fingers into the hair at the base of Cain’s neck. “Right now that’d be a waste on our part since I have other things to worry about, but I don’t want to give Hector too wide a berth. He strikes me as the kind of guy who takes a thousand miles for every inch you give him.”
“You’re going to talk Vincent into letting Vinny partner with Jasper, aren’t you?”
“They’re friendly now, but there’s still bad blood between Vincent and Fats, never mind that Fats has been dead for nine years. I sided with Vincent on that because Fats double-crossed him for a few bucks, so that he agreed for Vinny to work with Jasper was a minor miracle.” Cain put her jacket on and held her hand as they walked down the stairs. “Asking for more than I got already might be suicidal, but I think it’s the best solution. Having two people I know and have friendships with control that crap is better than the alternative.”
“If anyone can charm them into cooperating, it’s you, baby.”
“Thanks, but I’ll keep the breadstick threat in my back pocket in case what I have planned doesn’t work out.”
The noise level from the back room made them both stop and laugh. Both kids would be fine with their housekeeper Carmen and Ross, but Merrick and Katlin had volunteered to join in until they got back. Katlin usually went with Cain to meetings like this, but tonight Muriel was filling in since Cain had expanded her role.
“Let’s hope there’s no dog in whatever movie they’re blaring back there,” Cain said. “If there is, your rugs are toast.”
“My rugs?” She pointed to her chest. “Any dog that comes into this house is going to live in the study.”
Cain laughed as she followed her to the den. When they entered, the group was watching Hannah as she took her turn at the video game they were playing. Emma savored Cain’s smile every time she saw it. They spoke often before going to sleep, and every time Cain thanked her for the happiness she’d brought to her life.
Their time apart and the guilt because of why it’d happened faded a bit more each time Cain told her the kinds of things that were meant for her heart only. Through everything they’d experienced together and during their separation, she’d never lost sight of what a blessing and a gift her life with Cain and their family was. That her father was here with them to share this with her only completed the sense of family she’d always wanted.
“Mama, look, I’m doing good,” Hannah yelled as she swung her arm around with the game control in her fist.
Had Emma known Cain at this age, she probably wouldn’t see much difference from their daughter. Hannah and Hayden both had a competitiveness that reminded her so much of Cain it made her optimistic for their future. Like their mother, both children would excel at whatever they did for the clan, and they’d assure the business for the generation that came after them. It was too early to daydream of grandchildren, but she did sometimes, wondering what Cain would be like surrounded by small Caseys again while their children ruled the clan.
“Have you eaten anything, Miss Doing Good?” Cain asked her when she picked her up and threw her in the air. Hannah squealed in delight since, like her brother, she loved to roughhouse with Cain whenever she was around her. With Cain there to catch her, Hannah was fearless.
“We ordered pizza,” Merrick said. “And wine for later, in case they don’t calm down from all this electronic stimulus.”
“You’re a funny woman,” Emma said as she kissed Hannah’s forehead when Cain held her out. Hayden had stood and put his arm around her waist and a hand on her growing belly. “Give him more time and he’ll say hello.”
“It’s a boy?”
“It’s a guess. Your mom and I are split on our choices. She says girl, and I say boy. Do you have a preference?” she asked, surprised she hadn’t before now.
“Hannah and I are split too. She wants a brother, but I think another sister would be cool.” He hugged her and kissed her cheek before he took Hannah from Cain. “Maybe one more so all of us will be happy if it’s not what we wanted.”
“Maybe,” she said, “but let me survive the heat first.”
“You guys have fun and try not to stay up too late,” Cain said as she took Emma’s hand again. “And tell your mama how beautiful she looks before we go.”
Everyone, including Carmen, said something.
“Thank you, and be good,” Emma said after she’d kissed Cain for her thoughtfulness. It was hard to not let her self-esteem deflate a little the bigger she got, but Cain derailed those thoughts before they could take hold. “I want you to know something,” she said when they were alone in the backseat.
Cain had her arm around her and held her hand. “Last-minute advice?”
“No.” She rested her head against Cain’s shoulder. “It’s really an apology.”
“You haven’t done anything you need to be sorry for.”
“Let me finish, honey.” She let Cain’s hand go so she could spread her palm out on her lap. “I’m truly sorry for ever believing anything Barney Kyle ever told me. I remember that now, and I don’t understand how I could’ve been so stupid. Running away from you, from us and Hayden cost us so much, and dwelling on it makes me insane.”
“Lass, you really have to put that mess in its grave. That’s where it belongs.” Cain placed her fingers under Emma’s chin so their eyes met. “We’ve both made our mistakes, and I mean both of us. What you have to know is my heart has no secrets from you. It knows you are what completes me, and in this lifetime and beyond there’ll be no other who can take your place. Because of that truth, I don’t want to waste my time on things that aren’t important. All that happened, but it taught us what’s important, didn’t it?”
She gazed into Cain’s eyes, trying to get the
lump in her throat to dissolve. The tears were so close, and that wasn’t what she wanted to do, considering where they were going. “This isn’t me rehashing old hurts. Really, it’s not,” she said after a few deep breaths. “I’m apologizing because I want it to be the last time I do it. The stupidity I showed was colossal, but you’re right. I want it to be a dead subject. Before we truly put it to rest, though, I want you to know that I’d die before hurting you like that again. What happened isn’t something I take lightly, so don’t think I do if I never talk about it.”
“I’m glad we’ve come full circle, then.” Cain kissed her before she went back to her original spot with her head on her shoulder. “As painful as living through that was, we’re better together because of it. Had we gone along the way we did back then, maybe we wouldn’t be here now.”
“I love being your partner and helping you with the load you carry. I’m so grateful you and Hayden forgave me.”
“We had no choice. You mean too much.”
Lou drove slowly down the street Vincent’s restaurant was on, so Cain kissed her again. “I didn’t mean to be such a downer before dinner, but I had to get that out before it choked me.”
“We’ve got a lot of good stuff to look forward to, so I’m glad you made that decision. If it makes you feel better about it, I accept your apology only if you accept mine for putting those doubts in your head to begin with.”
“I never blamed you—well, not after I thought about it rationally. Unfortunately for me, by then it was too late, and the mistakes got easier after that. Besides, my mother’s harping didn’t help.”
“Has Ross heard from her at all?”
Carol Verde had been vicious in her letters and phone calls when Ross had first moved in with them. She’d threatened everything she could think of when Ross both ignored her and informed her divorce attorney she couldn’t move back to the farm. The property had been in the Verde family for years, and her grandfather had done Ross’s thinking for him before he married a woman he didn’t approve of. Her dad had a prenup even when most of his friends didn’t know what that was. The place would pass first to Emma, then her children once her father died, an eventuality she hoped was years away.
