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He means it as a joke, but it needles me more than it should. “The marriage was arranged some time ago, so it’s not exactly sudden. I’d appreciate your discretion, for the time being.”
“Don’t give it another thought. Tell me about the bride. Is she good with it?”
I know what Gray’s getting at, but I’m not having the discussion with him. His world is different from mine.
“She’s a decade younger than us, quite pretty, and has a good heart. Loves the region, maybe as much as I do. It’s in her blood, like it’s in mine. She’ll make a suitable partner.”
Gray is quiet for a moment. “A suitable partner.God, you’re such a romantic,” he quips finally. “Do you even like her?”
“Yes. I like her.”More than I care to admit.“Romance isn’t part of the equation. In my world, marriage isn’t about love. It’s about building alliances.”
Gray’s quiet again, like he’s trying to wrap his head around it, or maybe it’s pity I hear in the silence.
“I understand marriage is hard work, even when you’re in love,” he says carefully. “Are you sure you want to do this? Because you sure as hell don’t sound like it.”
“I’m sure. It’s complicated, and I have a lot on my mind. That’s all.” Starting with the way the men sitting in the conference room, right now, are going to go ballistic when they find out not only about the marriage, but about Quinta Rosa do Vale.Especially about Quinta Rosa do Vale.
“I don’t pretend to understand the nuances of your world, and I’m the last person to judge anyone. As you know, my family’s pretty fucked up. All I’m going to say is if you’re coming to the US, you better make damn sure you stop in Charleston. You’ll stay with us. Maybe take your new bride down to the club, after hours.”
My dick twitches at the thought of having Daniela in the dungeon, or the stable, or any one of those well-equipped rooms. “I’m not sure she’s ready for the club, even after hours.”
“That’s what you get when you rob the cradle. But at least you’ll have someone to push around your wheelchair in a few years. And wipe the drool off your face.”
“You’re an asshole.”
“Right back at you, baby.”
After we say goodbye, I brace my shoulders against the wall.
Daniela might be ten years younger, and she looks it, but in many ways she’s an old soul without the carefree spirit of a young woman.
I understand marriage is hard work.Especially when the bride has to be dragged kicking and screaming to the altar.
Although Victor claims she’s acclimating, coming down for meals, and taking walks with Paula. Only time will tell. For now, I’ll give her some space to adjust. But it’s not easy. I want her—bad—especially after last night.
Fortunately, for the next week I’ll be traveling around the EU, representing the foundation’s interests. Otherwise, she’d become a permanent fixture in my bed, sooner than advisable. The timing of the trip couldn’t be better.
42
Daniela
It’s Friday, again—finally. With any luck, things will go better today than they did last Friday.
This morning, I sent Antonio the finaldone. That’s what I text him after I play with the toys. The first morning, it felt shameful to text him, but then it became routine—all of it. And while I’d never admit it to him, I’ve been so anxious the orgasms have been heavenly, helping to wash away some of the stress.
Antonio’s been away for a week, and other than my morning text, we’ve had no contact. We’re supposed to have dinner tomorrow, but I won’t be there.Because today istheday.
I pray.
I’m ready. More than ready. But I was ready last Friday too. The night before, I packed a small backpack with a toothbrush, deodorant, a change of underwear and socks, a paring knife from the kitchen, a pair of scissors, a hand towel, and my wallet.
But it rained all day, and no one went outside at lunch or during breaks. Both Carlos and John had their truck beds locked down tight the entire day. When they pulled out after work, I slid onto my bedroom floor, with my back against the bed frame and my knees pulled to my chest, and sobbed.
I was so close,so close, to reuniting with Isabel and Valentina, but because of the damn weather, my dream was out of reach for at least a full week. Yes, I could have climbed into the back of Carlos’s truck in the interim, but stowing away in John’s truck will get me to the city, where I need to go.
Waiting an entire week was painful, but it allowed me to study the comings and goings of the outdoor area for a bit longer. Clear patterns emerged as I observed day after day.
Carlos and John unlock their vehicles and open the tailgates at the midmorning coffee break. The covers are only ever pulled back far enough to expose about a third of the truck beds. After the break, the tailgate gets put up, and the covers are adjusted to protect the entire bed.
