“Oh, I’d love to, but I have a lot to prepare for tomorrow.”
“It’s a small ceremony. No more mouths to feed than usual.”
“Mr. Parlatore requested—”
“You’ll ruin your appetite if you eat all that,” Stone grumbles behind me.
I don’t turn around, and instead pluck a grape from the stem and pop it in my mouth, then spread a chunk of warm brie on a cracker.
Maria faces the stove and moves some pots around before leaving.
“You scared her away.”
“She’s not part of this discussion.”
“Well, you were rude. Maria and I were having our own discussion.” I take a hefty gulp of wine and pluck another grape.
“We’re leaving for dinner in an hour. You’ll need to change.”
I swivel on my chair, then reach behind me for more liquid courage. I take a sip before responding. “First, don’t tell me what to do. I’ll wear whatever I want from that boutique in my room. Second, I’m hungry now so I’m going to finish my snack. Third, I have no idea when an hour is since I don’t have access to any clocks. And fourth, there’s nothing wrong with what I’m wearing.”
I finish my wine while he stands there staring at me. His eyes make a lazy caress of my body from my bare feet up the length of my jean-clad legs, and settle on my breasts, which push against the fitted tank top.
“Very well. Wear that and we’ll leave now for la Madia.”
“Wait, what?” I shoot to my feet. “That’s not a jeans and tank top kind of restaurant.”
I haven’t been there since my tenth birthday. I remember feeling like a princess. Before I learned the depth of the evil in my father. I fumble for the barstool and sink into it.
“What if he’s–”
“Lorenzo is still in Madrid. He’s not scheduled to return until next Tuesday. However, I guarantee after news of your reappearance and tomorrow’s wedding, he’ll be jetting back before the sun sets on our wedding night.”
“I don’t think I can...” I drop my head between my legs and rock back and forth. I’m semi-aware of Stone taking the glass out of my hand and setting it on the counter.
“He won’t be there. I promise you. I have eyes on him right now in Madrid.”
“He’ll find me.”
“You’re safe with me. The estate is under constant top-of-the-line surveillance. Lucca and Tio are always on watch, as is Marco.”
“Lorenzo’s power extends far.”
“As does mine.”
He puts his strong hands on my shoulders and lifts me to my feet, forcing me to look him in the eye. “I’m showing off my beautiful bride-to-be tonight. I can’t have her looking like a ghost. Go change into whatever you want to wear to la Madia. Take the time you need. I’ll be in my office.”
He releases me and walks away, leaving me dazed and confused. He has just enough sweetness in him not to be a total asshole, but is still a prick, which helps me hold my resolve around him. If he’s too nice, I’ll be giving my entire self to him.
Body, mind, and heart.
I don’t know how long I stand in front of the mirror. Minutes. An hour. When I was young, I used to play dress-up in Mama’s closet. She had such beautiful gowns. It wasn’t often she spent time with my father. Usually, he ignored both of us.
When he had a social event where he needed to be seen as the consummate family man, Mama would get dressed up and perform her wifely duties all the while singing the praises of her husband. I’d gone to a few galas in my teen years, but it wasn’t often.
It was like Lorenzo wanted to keep me hidden away. Now I know why.
Still, I was a girly girl. I loved getting dressed up. I wanted to be like Mama.