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“Someone tinkered with the steering mechanism on the car,” he mutters as we descend the stairs. “The problem was fixed before the beginning of the race.”
I stop on the landing and turn to him. “Do you know who? Or why?”
“We’re still working it.”
I nod and slide my arm through his as we head out the door. It’s a small gesture, but it surprises him. If we’re ever going to live civilly, he needs to know that his efforts are rewarded.
Perhaps it’s not a great foundation to build a marriage on, but it’s the scaffolding our marriage will need to prevent it from imploding and destroying everything around us.
64
Daniela
From the moment we walk into the grand ballroom, all the attention is on us.
While this afternoon I saw hundreds of people I hadn’t seen in years, it was from a distance. Now I’m face-to-face, bombarded with questions from all sides, while women of all ages gush over my ring.
“When did you arrive?”
“How is your aunt?” Oh God.
“When is the wedding?”
“What are your plans for Quinta Rosa do Vale?”
The fate of my family’s vineyards interests the owners of the port houses far more than our wedding plans.
I smile coyly in response, when I can, avoiding the land mines. Without any guilt, I explain that Antonio and I never lost touch while I was abroad. That’s mostly true—on his part, anyway. And I assure everyone that the wedding plans are going splendidly. But in truth I’ve given the arrangements so little thought.
Antonio never leaves my side but lets me handle the barrage of questions, only stepping in when I need to be rescued from someone who pushes too hard. I give everyone more leeway to prod than good manners require, but Antonio has no qualms about telling the nosy old biddies to mind their own business. Although he handles them deftly, without offending anyone.
By the time we were seated at the table, I’m overwhelmed.
I turn to Cristiano’s date, Mia, who isn’t an actual date but one of my guards for the evening. “I’m going to the ladies’ room,” I mouth from two seats away.
She nods, and we excuse ourselves, making a beeline to the nearest exit so that I’m not bombarded with more questions.
We’re gone only ten minutes, but it’s been a peaceful ten minutes, away from probing eyes. As I’m reapplying lipstick, a young woman enters the ladies’ lounge.
“Hello,” she says. “You’re quite lovely.”
“Thank you,” I reply. “That shade of blue is gorgeous on you.” It is. She’s stunning, and the strapless gown shows off her curves and makes her eyes dance.
“I don’t know if Antonio has mentioned me, but I’m Sonia,” she says, sending my antennae up when she uses only her first name. Something about it doesn’t sit well.
“I don’t think he has, but we’ve been so busy with the wedding plans. I’m Daniela, by the way. It’s nice to meet you.” I grab my clutch, and Mia follows me out. Before I can ask what she knows about Sonia, Tomas Huntsman appears out of nowhere.
“It’s been a long time,” he says, the menace sitting just below the surface. “I thought you’d left for good.”
My heart hammers, and my first instinct is to flee, but I see Mia in my peripheral vision, and that calms me.
“It has been a long time.”Not long enough, though.
“I assume she’s your guard, but I need a word alone with you.”
“Antonio won’t like it,” I say, taking a step back.
“Do you think I give a damn what Antonio likes?”
