Chapter6
Knight
Had my little sister ever been on time? I strolled through the open barn, eyeing the horses in their stables. She had added several since the last time I was home. Seraphina often texted pictures when she was deciding between her first and second picks. I couldn’t keep up with her decisions, though. She changed her mind at the last second. I patted a chestnut stallion while I waited for her to arrive.
The upgrades were noticeable. She had obviously taken my advice and used the Castilles steak fortune to her advantage. There were two fully furnished apartments adjacent to the building that were new. I wondered why they had been built.
It had been years since I had spent any time at the stables. It was always Seraphina’s favorite place to escape. I assumed it still was. I continued my walk, leaving the horses behind. We used to run through the fields together as kids. Half the time I was chasing her with a frog or mouse I had found near the barn, the other half she was trying to catch up to me. I was older, faster, stronger. There were days I didn’t want my little sister on my heels or next to me. I’d outrun her and end up at one of the equipment buildings. I stopped outside the door and let it creak open when I turned the handle.
I spotted the tractor on the other side of the giant room. I couldn’t believe it was the same one. I ran my palm over the hood. I smiled at the small dent in the side. My grandfather had given me the wheel and I was over eager to prove how I could maneuver around tight spaces. My index finger rested in the groove. Childhood was simple. I barely recognized the life I lived now.
“You’re here? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
I stepped back from the tractor. My sister strolled toward me in black riding boots.
“I’ve been here a while,” I answered. “Just looking around.”
“Sorry. I couldn’t get away from Brandon,” she explained.
“Oh?” I raised my eyebrows. “He could have joined us.” I still didn’t feel like I knew much about my brother-in-law. Over five years I’d only seen him a few times. He wasn’t interesting. He seemed to care about Seraphina. He was proud to be in the steakhouse business and whatever else the Castilles ran on the side. It wasn’t much of a brotherly bond.
I also knew things had taken a new turn now that Seraphina was pregnant. We were about to be tied together for the rest of our lives. The Castilles and the Corbans.
“No.” She shook her head. “I need to talk to you. Without him anywhere near here. He hates the stables. It’s safe.” I didn’t like her tone.
Her call last night I had sounded urgent. She seemed frantic and impatient. I was distracted. I was more concerned about my date with Kennedy being interrupted. I tried to read Seraphina’s body language now. What was going on?
“Safe?” I questioned.
She twirled her hair. “Can we walk back together?”
“Sure. But I need to know what’s going on.” I led her out of the equipment building.
She pulled wide-brimmed sunglasses over her eyes. “Tell me about the vineyards. How are things at the champagne caves? Do you think things are running smoothly? What about the grapes?”
“They’re fine. It’s a good grape year.” I eyed her as she walked next to me.
“You loved Paris? Epernay? It was good there, wasn’t it?” she questioned. I sensed nervousness and excitement.
I groaned. She was hinting. Going in circles. Missing the mark. “Yes. You know I enjoyed the vineyards. I finally got used to living there. What does that have to do with wanting to see me? You said it was important.”
“It is. I want to know about the vineyards. I’m thinking I should go there.” She walked faster. I couldn’t believe I was trying to catch up to her.
We arrived at the stables. Seraphina seemed to instantly relaxed. She approached one of the stalls.
“Why don’t you tell me what the hell is going on?” I kept my voice low.
She looked left then right. She stepped toward the same chestnut horse I had patted and pressed her forehead against the bridge of his nose. “Knight, I’ve done something.”
“Okay?”
Her eyes closed as if she was mustering the strength to tell me. I placed my hand on her shoulder.
“What is it? You’re scaring the shit out of me.”
She sighed, her hand resting on her stomach. “I need you to help me get out of here.”
“Is someone after Brandon? Did something go sideways? I can take care of that for you and him.” I squeezed her arm lightly. “Now that I’m back, I can add security detail for you. I have more resources than the Castilles. You don’t have to worry about anything.”