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Nodding, Chrys stepped out from behind Scarlett. “I love you, Father, but I’m not going through with this marriage.”
“Get out,” he roared at her. “I’ll deal with you later.” His voice scared Chrys so much that she fled with a howl. In the sudden silence, Rocco turned to Scarlett. “I know you’re to blame for this too. She was resigned until you came home.”
Walking over to his desk, Rocco buzzed the kitchen. “Have Earl lock my daughter in her room.”.
“Which daughter?” was the bland reply.
“Chrys, for now,” Rocco answered. “She is to be fed three times a day, but she isn’t to be allowed out of her room for any reason until I say otherwise.”
“You can’t do this,” Scarlett protested. “She has the right not to marry him. She’s your daughter, not a prisoner.”
“Perhaps you’d like to take her place?” Rocco suggested coldly as he released the intercom button. “I’m sure Ralf would be pleased to have you. Even though you’ve been compromised, you are still the loveliest of your sisters, and Ralf appreciates beauty.”
“How much is he paying you?” Scarlett demanded.
“Five million has already gone into my account. After the wedding, and once Chrys gives him
an heir, a virtually limitless supply will be made available to me.”
“Return the money.”
“I’ve spent most of it.” Rocco shrugged. “So you see why the wedding must proceed?”
“How could you spend five million dollars so quickly?” Scarlett asked, aghast.
“Revenge is costly,” he said ambiguously.
“The fire.” Scarlett gasped. “You were responsible.”
He rolled his eye. “Of course, but they won’t be able to prove it. I always use reliable sources.”
“With the exception of Louis Venetta,” Scarlett shot back. “He sold you out without hesitation.”
“Louis paid for his betrayal,” he said softly. “I saw to that personally.”
“You murdered him?” Scarlett’s mouth hung open.
“Money was tight,” he said without inflection.
“Due to your fascination with gambling and other women. Even when Mom was still alive, you couldn’t give up your whores.”
Rocco shrugged. “Your mother understood.”
“How could any woman who truly loved you understand something like that?”
“You’ve seen how far true love gets you.” Rocco laughed. “Now, if you want to stay in my home, I suggest you shut your mouth.”
“I couldn’t stay here with you now, knowing you’re a murderer, and knowing tried to sabotage Carter’s business. I’m going to go tell him what I’ve discovered.” Scarlett headed for the door, and her hand was on the knob when Rocco spoke again.
“He’s beyond caring,” he informed her.
“What?” Scarlett asked, turning around. “What did you say?”
“He will no longer get in my way,” Rocco replied cryptically.
“No,” Scarlett denied. “You didn’t...?”
Rocco smiled coldly, but did not respond. As her father maintained his cold silence, Scarlett tore from the study, knowing she had to warn Carter. She went through the kitchen and out to the garage, not even grabbing her purse. She took the keys from the rack and got in the Mercedes convertible, checking the gas gauge. It was full, so she used the remote to raise the closest bay’s door and backed the car out, speeding down the lane. She had to get to Carter. She would call him, but she realized she didn’t have her phone, or his number. How the hell had that happened? She lived with the man, but still didn’t know his number. Dammit.
