Antonio
I’m in a Douro Port Wine Foundation meeting, ready to tear my hair out while I listen to board members whine incessantly about trivial matters, sounding more like spoiled toddlers than CEOs.
Tomas is seated at the table, too, shooting me mean looks from time to time.What a pussy. I don’t know whether he expects me to piss my pants at his scowls, but all he gets from me is a smug smile.
It’s a good thing there are no pressing matters on the agenda today, because all I can think about is Daniela and that damn vibrator sending her over the edge last night. Her voice was breathy and dreamlike, and those little moans and gasps are addictive. If I’m not careful, they’re going to be my undoing.
Talking her through the experience hadn’t been part of my original plan. I meant it when I told her the toys were for her. Butdamn, I’m not sorry about the way things turned out. Although it only made me hungrier for her. That part doesn’t thrill me. Wanting something too much can lead to disaster—especially where women are concerned.
My phone lights up, and I smile when Gray Wilder’s name appears on the screen. He’s returning my call from last night.
I grab the phone and step out while some blowhard is complaining about the quality of the rubber hoses he purchased in bulk. He actually brought one with him so we could see for ourselves. I was three seconds from grabbing that hose and flogging him with it.
Gray’s always had impeccable timing.
I met him while studying in the US. Two cocky rich boys who bonded over fathers who were monsters. We each had one.Hadbeing the operative word. In the end, they both got their just deserts.
“Hey.” My relationship with Gray is not as tight as my relationships with Cristiano and Lucas, nor does it have the firm roots, but we share a unique friendship—at least from my perspective.
“Hey, you ugly sonofabitch,what’s good?”
I laugh out loud. Gray doesn’t care who I am. He never feels the need to defer to me,ever. He’d tell me to fuck off in a heartbeat, and has, many times. Around him, I’m never hampered or weighed down by the responsibilities of my position. I can put aside the crown Manuel D’Sousa placed on my head more than twelve years ago, and just be. It’s liberating.
“It’s all good on my end. And you?”
“Can’t complain. How’s your mom, and Rafael?”
“My mother’s well. She’s so busy these days she doesn’t even have time to stick her nose in my business. And Rafael is biding his time with babes and booze, but from his grades, it seems he’s opening a book here and there too.”
“Sounds familiar.”
“Sounds like a lifetime ago. How are your brothers?”
“Chase is elusive, as always. I’ve given up trying to figure him out. And JD is pussy-whipped like you wouldn’t believe.”
“That’s what he said about you when he called a few weeks ago, begging for a case of my best Port.”
Gray laughs. “All true, man. All true,” he confesses, although he doesn’t sound one bit sorry. “Did you call last night to shoot the shit, or is something up?”
“I’m always happy to shoot the shit, but I called because I’m going to be in the US in about a month, and I thought we’d come down to Charleston. Maybe I can finally meet Delilah. I’m beginning to think she’s a figment of your imagination.”
“Trust me, she’s real. But more importantly, who’swe?”
“My wife,” I reply hesitantly. Not because I don’t trust Gray, but because the word still doesn’t roll off my tongue easily. “Or at least she will be then.”
“You’re getting married?Jesus.When?”
“Less than a month.”
“Less than a month.” He whistles. “Is this some kind of shotgun wedding? Because I don’t remember getting an invitation. Her daddy already polish his rifle? That’s never a good sign.”
I scoff. “It’s going to be a very small event. Mainly for show. Once the harvest is over, we’ll have a big celebration for family and friends, and I fully expect you and Delilah to come. Maybe spend a week or two with us after.”
“Another good man falls. Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” It comes out awkward, maybe because it’s still new, or because congratulations feel like the wrong sentiment when you’re forcing a woman to marry you.
“I didn’t even know you were dating anyone, you sly dog. Tell me about the unlucky bride.”