“Gia? Is that you?”
I gasp and stare at the computer screen in front of me. “Mama?” Tears burn my eyes. “Mama, how are you? Are you okay?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? How’s your holiday, cara?”
“Holiday?” I blink back the tears and remember Stone’s warning.
“You’ve always worked too hard, cara. Taking care of me, waitressing. You’re relaxing, yes?”
I nod. “Yes, Mama. I haven’t lifted a finger since I’ve been gone. Where are...what have you been doing?”
“Oh, I absolutely love the new home you bought us. I guess all those tips added up. Housekeeping and the cooks are nothing less than wonderful. I go for daily walks, daily massages, and the food is fantastic. When will you be returning home, Gia?”
Housekeeping? Massages? I study my mother more intensely. She has color back in her face and has even put on some of the weight she’d lost. Have I only been gone three days? Maybe four? I’ve lost track of time being trapped in my tower.
Mama seems happy and well taken care of. Exactly what Stone had promised.
“I’m not sure, Mama. I need to...um...figure out my plans, then I’ll be back. I promise. You’re okay? You’re happy?”
She laughs. Mama hasn’t laughed in a long time. “Tesoro, you’ve spoiled me with our new home. I may never want to leave.” Someone in the background says something to Mama, who replies, but I can’t hear what’s said with her back turned.
When she faces the computer again, Mama says, “Gia, Tesoro. I promised Alice a walk before breakfast. You’re looking a little pale. Go relax in the sun. I’ll see you when you return.”
Before I can reply, Mama disconnects. A moment later, as if he’d been listening to the entire conversation—which is no doubt the truth—Stone appears.
“Who’s Alice?”
“Your mother’s live-in caretaker.”
“Mama would never allow that. She has too much pride.” It had been hard enough to convince her to let Joanne spend so much time with her under the guise of a bored friend. Having a live-in would make Mama feel weak.
“She’s there under the pretense of being a housekeeper. There are three full-time housekeepers who rotate shifts, a cook, and a groundskeeper. They all have medical training as well and can take care of whatever medical emergencies may arise.”
I blink rapidly as I process everything Stone just told me. He really has gone to drastic measures to make sure Mama was safe. “Where is she?”
“It’s better you don’t know.”
“Stone. Please,” I beg, clutching my hand to my chest.
Again, not a muscle moves in his body. A minute passes before he lets out a sigh. “New York. Upstate. She’s safe.”
I close my eyes and sink into the buttery leather chair. Safe. Mama is safe, fed, has a roof over her head and a medical team by her side.
“He’s here,” Tio says from the doorway.
I open my eyes and sit up. “Who?”
Panic pulses in my chest. No! Not my father. Stone had warned me, but I didn’t think he’d act so fast.
“I’ll do it.” I jump out of my chair and plead with my eyes. Don’t send me to my father. “I’ll marry you.”
“I know.” Stone lifts his chin, signaling a message to Tio.
“You know?”
“Sit.” This time he doesn’t push me. I sit on my own while he rounds his giant desk and takes a seat in his chair, appearing imposing and business-like. Which he is.
A tall gray-haired man wearing a suit that matches the color of his hair glances at me then focuses his attention on Stone.