Javier gazed at him with sad eyes. “You’re a strong man. You’re capable.”
“But if I can’t?” Alejandro demanded, his voice hoarse.
His father breathed in deeply. “If you can’t, then don’t get married. Don’t have children. Don’t risk hurting a woman who deserves none of the pain men like us are capable of causing. If you don’t know for sure that you want that in your life, then it’s not worth it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
THEYELLOWMUSLINwhispered over Calandra’s skin as she moved about the ballroom, the fabric as soft as a lover’s touch, as delicate as butterfly wings. When she’d seen herself in the mirror for the first time, she couldn’t stop the smile from breaking across her face.
When she worked for Cabrera Wines, she’d been based in New York, and she’d shopped at the same designer’s store on Madison Avenue. A wonderfully competent saleswoman named Brittany had known her preferences: dark colors, clean lines and simple silhouettes. The clothing had made her feel powerful, in control and, when needed, it gave her the ability to fade in the background and let her work take center stage.
Now, for the second time in her life, she felt beautiful. Not authoritative, not proficient, but feminine, lovely.
If she’d known herself capable of this level of happiness, she would have let down her walls much sooner.La Reina’s event was a success. Judging by the whispers she overhead as she’d walked around the ballroom, the board would vote in Alejandro’s favor.
And tonight, after the meeting, she would tell Alejandro she loved him. The attraction that had taken root in New York had only strengthened. Except last night it been more than just physical attraction. That blind trust had reached out and ensnared her, heart and soul.
Because she wasn’t just counting down the days until she could fly home, check in hand and Alejandro out of her life. No, she was dreaming of her and Alejandro, standing together, a baby cradled between them as he kissed her on the forehead.
Because I’m in love.
As soon as she’d seen the box, she’d known what was inside. She’d reverently undone the bow and unwrapped the tissue paper. Her first glimpse of the sunshine-yellow fabric had brought tears to her eyes.
When she donned the gown, along with the accompanying silver sandals, she’d never felt so beautiful in her entire life. She’d even twirled in front of the mirror. Johanna wouldn’t have believed it even if she’d seen it.
She glanced around the ballroom. Adrian and Everleigh were off to the side. Judging by Everleigh’s failed attempts at covertly glancing at her stomach, Adrian had told her about the baby.
The older woman she’d seen in Paris was with them, too. She caught Calandra’s eye and raised her champagne glass with a smile. Calandra cautiously smiled back. Had Alejandro told her about them? About the baby?
Although there wasn’t really a “them” to speak of yet. Yes, they’d had another incredible night of sex. They’d shared their deepest secrets. They’d held hands on the drive back to Marseille and he’d gifted her this beautiful dress.
Uncertainty flickered through her. He wanted to be involved with the baby. She thought she’d seen the same emotion, the same passion in his eyes.
But he hadn’t said it. His voice, too, just before they’d fallen asleep at the inn, lurked on the edges of her memory. He’d been on the verge of saying something.
Stop.
She was borrowing trouble. The meeting would happen in an hour. Then she’d tell him how she felt.
Five minutes later, Alejandro still hadn’t reappeared with his father. A quick glance confirmed everything was continuing smoothly. After a quick word to the assistant she’d hired for the evening from a local agency—one she’d strongly recommend Alejandro hire full-time—she walked out of the ballroom.
He doesn’t need rescuing.
No, Alejandro most certainly could handle himself. But he didn’t have to face his father and whatever eleventh-hour obstacle he was trying to throw in his path.
The low murmur of voices reached her ears. As she continued down the grand foyer, they grew louder. She started to call out when Alejandro’s voice, harsh with anguish, echoed down the hall.
“What if I can’t break the cycle?”
Cycle? Had something else happened to the ships in construction?
“You’re a strong man. You’re capable.”
Unexpected words from Javier.
“But if I can’t?”
She continued forward, ready to break in, to tell Javier once and for all to end his attacks on his middle son.