AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The more I think of it the more I like the sound of it and for the next hour or so we chat about the plan and discuss everything that could go wrong and hope things go right and then we are interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Miss. Vieri. Don Vieri has asked that Melissa gather her possessions. The boat is leaving in thirty minutes.”
We stare at one another in shock and Serena whispers, “Wow, I wonder what’s changed?”
Disappointment clouds her eyes, and she whispers, “I don’t want you to go. It’s been fun having you around.”
For a moment we stare at one another with disappointed desperation and with a sigh, she nods toward the door.
“I’ll be in touch, Melissa. I hope it all works out.”
As we say our goodbyes, my mind is buzzing with our plan. It’s crazy how things have changed in just a few days, but I’m not sad about it. Everything happens for a reason they say, and this must be mine. I get my adventure and hopefully Apollo gets his heart back.
When I am ready to go, the family stands watching me as some kind of farewell committee, and I thank each one of them in turn. Don Vieri shakes my hand and says in his husky voice, “There has been a change of plan. Your brother has decided to remain here in your place until we have sorted out our differences. He has fallen in love with my granddaughter, Laura, and has one week to convince me that he deserves her.”
I knew it. Troy’s pa is perfect for him, and I recognized the signs almost immediately. If anything, it makes me happy to leave because this way I get to help two hearts instead of one.
Don Vieri continues in his husky voice, “You will leave with Adonis.
“Apollo’s brother?”
I’m surprised and I don’t miss the twinkle in Ariana’s eye as she nods. “He will take care of you.”
Once again, it appears I am missing something as she glances at Serena and smiles, but I don’t have time to dwell on it as the guard steps forward, signifying my time is up.
I say my goodbyes and follow the guard to the boat, and I see Troy regarding me with an anxious expression.
He holds out his arms and I fall into them and whisper, “I’m so sorry, Troy.”
“Why?”
“They are letting me go in exchange for you.”
“Me?” He seems shocked at that, and I say with a smile, “You have one week to convince them you deserve Laura.”
“What about you?”
He peers at me with concern, and I glance past him, and my heart skips a beat when I see the man observing the scene with interest.
“I’m to leave with him.”
Troy says quickly. “He’ll take you home.”
He turns and says roughly, “You’re taking her home, right?”
Adonis steps forward and his expression gives nothing away as he nods, “Of course.”
It’s as if my heart is experiencing whiplash as I stare at a man I certainly wasn’t expecting and Troy whispers, “I trust him, Melissa. He won’t let anything happen to you. Go with him and wait for me at home. Harrison is there and I’ll be back soon. Just stay safe and visit mom.”
“Don’t worry about me, Troy.”
I smile with a bravery that’s slipping away by the second. “I can look after myself.”
The guard steps forward and says abruptly, “We must go. The boat is leaving.”
I take a deep breath and whisper, “Go and get your woman, Troy. I have every faith in you.”
He hesitates and then turns to Adonis and says respectfully, “I’m trusting you with my heart, Adonis. Look after her.”
