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“Nine months,” Terini shot back. “It’s going to take awhile to recoup my loss.”
“Three months,” Carter countered, starting to enjoy himself.
“Six months,” Terini said, and Carter nodded. “If I haven’t recouped the money on this house in six months, you can kill me. In exchange for your lenient terms,” he said with a mocking growl, “You’ll be in possession of one of my daughters for the duration of the contract. You must promise not to hurt or compromise her,” he said, blushing despite his age.
Carter shook his head, marveling at Rocco’s nerve. “I’ll do with her as I please.” He allowed the words to sink in before continuing. “That is if I agree to this. And you have to convince your daughters.” That seemed unlikely.
“I can do it,” Rocco said. “I’ll go talk to them now.”
“No. I haven’t even agreed yet. If I do, I pick the girl. You will have no say in the matter except to persuade her.”
“No.” Rocco fumbled a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe off his forehead. “You can’t do that.”
“It was your idea. I’m perfectly content to dispense with it and move on to your eviction.”
Swallowing audibly, Rocco nodded and stood up. “I’ll have them assembled for your inspection.”
He sent the maid to fetch the girls as he took Carter into the sitting room, with Darren in-tow. They sat on an expensive sofa while they waited. Rocco was fidgety which only annoyed Carter even more. The first girl appeared, a pout on her face. “This is Lecy. She is twenty-three.”
Carter dismissed her immediately. “She looks stubborn. No.” He shared a look with Darren, who briefly smiled. None of the girls would end up being suitable, and he’d have Rocco squirming again within moments.
The second girl came into the room, and Carter rolled his eyes. “No, who’s next?”
It was several moments before the third daughter came into the room, carrying a book with her. “I hope this is important.” She finally looked up from the text. “I have a test tomorrow.”
“It’s important, Scarlett.” Rocco wiped the sweat from his brow once more.
Carter’s mouth had fallen open of its own volition, and he closed his gaping maw with a snap. She had delicate features and a perfect body, as far as he could see through the dark navy sundress she was wearing. She was so much more poised than the other two, Carter wasn’t even sure they were actually related. He admired her dark hair that was tossed up in a bun on top of her head. She eyed him curiously with astounding purple eyes, having finally closed her book. Her lips were so plump and he immediately imagined them on his. She was trouble.
“She’ll do.” He surprised himself with the cool words, since he hadn’t planned to agree to Terini’s insane suggestion. He’d only meant to play with him a bit longer before executing the final maneuver for the kill. “Six months.” He ignored Darren’s look of shock. He knew it was crazy but he didn’t care, he had to have her.
Scarlett looked curiously at her father, obviously not quite understanding what Carter was talking about. “What’s going on?”
“Tell her, Rocco,” His made his amusement obvious.
Rocco nodded nervously. “Chrys, Lecy, you can leave,” he dismissed them, but they made no move to the door. “Go,” he shouted, and with wide eyes, they hurried from the sitting room. “I have a problem.” His tone had softened marginally.
“What’s wrong, Father?” Carter watched as she placed a comforting hand on her father’s arm. “Can we be alone?” she asked Carter and Darren impatiently.
“No. I have too large a stake in this.” She may not know it yet, but he would be sure Rocco would follow through on his promise.
Tossing her hair, Scarlett turned from him as Rocco began speaking. “I’ve lost the business, and maybe this house.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. What happened?” She was genuinely concerned, and for a moment Carter felt sorry for her.
“That’s not important.” Rocco waved a hand. “Mr. Braxton has generously offered me an extension on the deal.” His bitterness was blatantly evident. “But he wants some assurance I won’t back out.”
“What sort
of collateral can you offer?” Scarlett asked. “If the house and the company are gone, what else is there besides the villa in Greece?”
“That’s gone too.” Carter offered. “He sold it last year to cover gambling debts.”
“That’s a lie,” Rocco shouted.
“Of course it is, Father.” Carter knew he wouldn’t believe her, even though it was true. It was a test, he was trying to determine her level of loyalty to her family.
“What do you want?” She turned to Carter, looking exasperated.
