AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Aaron simply broadened his grin. “Of course I do. I promised your father I would see to your safety, and I intend to do so. But just remember, if you take your gun along, that I’m the good guy.”
For a moment he thought she might argue with him, but instead she heaved a sigh and nodded. “Very well.”
Diego Morales was the youngest of six Morales boys. He was also the only one who hadn’t proven himself in their father’s eyes. Maybe it was because he felt he had no hope of equaling his very successful brothers that Diego didn’t even try. Maybe it was because he enjoyed the freedom that came with minimal concern over working. He much preferred the pleasure of a night at the gaming tables or in the company of a willing woman.
Still, his lack of progress and his upcoming thirty-fifth birthday on the twenty-ninth of the month were hanging overhis head like the sword of Damocles. Even now he awaited his father, who would no doubt give him another lecture regarding his failings.
As if on cue, the door opened, and his father marched into the room with his secretary following close behind, taking down each of Esteban Morales’s instructions.
“Get that letter off to Simon Davenport immediately.”
“Yes, sir.” The secretary wrote in his book and nodded.
“And check with Mrs. Morales regarding the party she plans for the New Year.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’m sure she’ll need you to arrange for extra servants.”
“Yes, sir.”
Diego’s father caught sight of him and stopped. “That will be all, Marcus.”
The secretary quickly turned and disappeared from the room, saying nothing. Diego thought it rather amusing how fast people could move in order to get away from his father.
“Good morning, Father.” Diego remained in place, awaiting his father’s instructions.
“Sit down. We need to talk.”
Diego nodded and headed for the nearest chair. Once he’d settled, he looked up to find his father watching him. It was almost as if he were judging whether or not Diego was worth the time and effort.
“Son, you have disappointed me in your failure to secure a position that earns you a living and improves the Morales name.”
“It seems our name needs no improvement. We are heralded as one of the wealthiest families in the area, as well as generous and trustworthy.”
“Yes, but that didn’t come about by playing cards every night and taking loose women to our beds. Diego, yourbrothers have all done well for themselves and this family. There is no excuse for you to do anything less. Any one of your brothers would happily take you under their wing and involve you in their industry. Even Miguel would be happy for your help here with the horses.”
“I don’t want to be under my brother’s wing.” Diego toyed with a piece of lint on his custom-made suit. “Besides, you know I intend to marry Isabella Garcia. She is worth a fortune, and I will be needed to manage her accounts and invest her money wisely. I have been studying a variety of investments and have even put some of my own money into various accounts to see what performs best.”
His father shook his head. “Her father will never approve the marriage.”
“She’s twenty-five and hardly needs his approval. As I understand it, she will inherit her grandparents’ money when she marries, so she will be a wealthy woman. There is nothing her father can do to stop that.”
“And where do you suppose you will live?”
“Most likely with her aunt. Isabella loves her quite dearly, and I would not separate them.”
“I see. So you have thought this all through.” His father shook his head. “Are you such a waste of a man that you are willing to live off your wife’s fortune without having any accomplishments of your own? I find that shameful and disgusting. My son is better than that.”
Diego had heard it all before. Since he turned twelve, his father had pounded it into his head that he expected great things from his youngest son, just as he did from the elder five. The others had made good. Miguel helped run the ranch and raised racehorses. He had come up with many innovative ideas and had managed to double the ranch’s value in the last ten years. Two of Diego’s brothers were lawyers,and one owned several banks. The next-to-last brother, who was just two years Diego’s senior, was already wealthier than all the others through his ownership of railroad and shipping stock. He was known throughout California and highly sought after for new investments in transportation. How could Diego ever hope to top that?
“It will take a great deal of skill and intellect to advance Isabella’s fortune. I believe I can do so, and in doing that make a name for myself in investments.”
“And how will you do that? At the gambling table? You are seldom anywhere else.” His father shook his head. “I am finished with these games. You will be thirty-five years old on the twenty-ninth of December. You have until then to show me some step forward—some reason to believe you are worthy of being a member of this family. If not, I will disinherit you and put you from this house.”
Diego froze, hardly able to believe what he was hearing. “And Mama has agreed to this?”
“She doesn’t yet know about it, but she knows the possibility exists. Not only that, but she will adhere to whatever I say. Just as you should have long ago.”
