AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Prologue
It had been three months since our engagement, and the media fiasco had not died down yet. I hired extra security to patrol the grounds of the estate and a second bodyguard for Isabelle. Joseph’s workload had tripled as he was now having to deal with the random, unwise individuals who attempted to climb over the walls of the estate grounds. Everyone wanted an up-close glimpse of the woman who had stolen my heart.
Recently, we welcomed our new godson into the extended family. William and Tanya’s handsome little boy. He was the spitting image of William, with the demanding personality of Tanya. Though he was still only a baby, you could sense it in his cries.
Isabelle's birthday was approaching. I was doing my best to make sure it would be one she would remember for the rest of her life. She had been through so much, and as her fiancé, I wanted to give her the world. I spent many hours on my phone. So much so, she was annoyed with me. She knew me well and told me not to go to any trouble for her, but I had never been known to do anything mediocre. For me, it was all or nothing.
Occasionally, I went through old photos. I often stared at the pictures of my siblings and me. I missed Marco. Though we worked out our differences in the end and he helped save lives, I felt I was partially to blame for everything. I hated we did not get to spend time together as adults, making new memories. It was sad he would never get to watch his daughter, Carissa, grow up, fighting off the boys who would break her heart; or walk her down the aisle on her wedding day.
I made a promise I would guarantee Carissa and her mother, Elise, were always cared for no matter what. I moved them closer to us so we could remain nearby. Carissa would be attending a private school at my expense. Elise had gotten a wonderful job and together we made sure all my brother’s assets would go to both her and Carissa.
Joseph met someone shortly after we left for Austria, but he had been secretive about it. We met her once a few weeks after we returned home, but other than that, he wanted to make sure she was distanced from anything having to do with his job. I know it was because of everything that transpired in London that horrible night. Things seemed to be going well for them, and Isabelle and Tanya were already mentally planning their wedding.
Life was great and we were happy there had been no drama since the incident that changed all of us. It altered our friendships with each other and our bonds for the better. We had all become significantly closer. Isabelle and I were actively planning our wedding, but we hired my sister, Laura to be our wedding planner. She had recently moved her business to the same town as my estate. She and my mother were both incredibly involved in the planning, and Isabelle gladly accepted since she had no mother of her own. My sister was also planning Tanya and William's wedding. She joked that we should have a joint ceremony, but that was a bigNOfrom all of us.
Regrettably, that night in London changed all of us for the worse as well. Both Isabelle and Tanya had constant nightmares and would both wake up screaming at times. They spent those nights sitting up on the phone with each other, trying to make sense of the tragic events.
Isabelle told me she had constant fears about her uncle coming back to kidnap her. We had not quite confirmed if Felipe had died and Jesse was still on the loose, even though he was presumed dead. I was more worried about her uncle than him, though. Jesse was just a pawn, but Felipe was dangerous.
That was a horrible night none of us wanted to relive. Unfortunately, we did not know at the time, but that trip would not only come back to haunt us, but it would dig up a piece of the past no one was ready to face.
And so it began, that life took a beautifully tragic turn.
New Bodyguard
Meetings had dominated most of my morning at the office. I had finally gotten back to my desk after an hour meeting with my friend, Giovanni Rovati, and his two brothers. As I was sending a few follow-up emails, my office door opened. I lifted my gaze, smirking at Isabelle as she strolled in, arms crossed over her chest. Her radiant beauty captivated me daily, more than the time I first saw her photo. As she approached, I typed a few final lines, then closed my laptop.
Holding my hand out, I ran my fingers over her backside as she perched on my lap. With a smile, she wrapped her arms around my shoulders, lacing her fingers together behind my neck. I caressed her lower back with one hand and nestled the other between her upper thighs.
Before Isabelle, I never wanted to settle down. She was the woman who changed me, who tamed me. Most men of my stature would have been ashamed to admit they were head over heels in love or wrapped around the finger of anyone. I was not ashamed to admit anything when it came to my fiancée. Just when I thought I could not possibly love her more, she proved me wrong.
“So, Mr. Greco, care to join me for lunch?” She tucked her bottom lip between her teeth, shyly smiling as she wiggled on my lap.
I knew she meant actual food, but as usual, I had one thing on my mind…her. Tightening my lips, I gazed into her eyes. “Yes, my love. Of course.” Slowly, I trailed my fingertips underneath her grey pencil skirt. “I’mveryhungry.” I leaned forward, placing a small kiss on her soft, warm nape. “I’ve been craving you since I laid you across my desk earlier and had you for breakfast.”
Just as I reached the edge of her panties, her new personal bodyguard, Noah, sauntered in. I sighed in pure annoyance at his existence. I was still not used to him, and he had not quite earned my respect just yet. Joseph had hired him, swearing he was a good person with more experience than anyone he had ever met. I trusted Joseph’s judgement. I had to.
I did not bother to remove my hand from my Isabelle’s thigh, as he could not see behind my desk. “Noah, what do you need?” I tried my best to be kind in my tone, but it was apparent he perturbed me. Isabelle lightly tapped the back of my shoulder, reminding me of our agreement. She had asked me toplease treat him with kindness. I was doing my best to respect her wishes.
He came to a stop in front of my desk, hands behind his back, with perfect posture. “Sir, Miss. Ayala, there is someone requesting an immediate meeting with the both of you.”
“Name?” I arched a brow.
He cleared his throat. “Tanya, sir.”
Isabelle giggled, then stood, adjusting her skirt. Lacing my fingers behind my head, I rolled my eyes. He was still learning the rules and protocol.
Isabelle perched her bottom on the edge of the desk, folding her arms. “Noah, Tanya is our best friend, and she is welcome in here any time she likes and that goes for her fiancé, William, as well.”
“Sorry Miss. Ayala.” He nodded. “I’m trying to learn all the rules around here and who’s who.”
“It’s okay. We’ll help you.” She was nicer than I would have been.
With a faint smile, he nodded and marched out of the office, closing the door behind him. Isabelle twisted her body toward me. I knew what was coming.
“Why don’t you like him?”
“I like him just fine.” I lifted a shoulder slightly, lying. Pushing away from the desk, I stood.
