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Back in my room I get out the contract and read through it again, still in disbelief. Number 7 on the list of what is expected of ‘Mrs. Guerra.’
7. The Guerra family must continue their generations; therefore, a minimum of 4 children are expected to be born in the first 6 years of marriage. 2 of these children must be male.
This can’t be legal. Surely, I cannot be forced into this.
I decide to ring Damien, My friend Bella’s husband. He owns a security company and has dealt with many difficult situations. If anyone can get me out of this mess, Damien can. He answers on the first ring. Listening intently, he doesn’t speak a word until I have told him every detail.
“Ok, Katie. Send me copies of everything you have been given. I happen to know Leonardo Guerra. He is my father’s cousin’s son. I don’t know him well, although he did attend my wedding. The Guerra’s are a very powerful family, Katie. Although I don’t think you are currently in any immediate danger, you need to be careful. Try to keep the Katie cheekiness to a minimum. I will contact my solicitor, Mr. Davies, as soon as we end this call. Try not to panic; just give me some time.”
Although I am a little disappointed Damien didn’t say how ludicrous this all was, that there’s no way he can force me to do this, I do trust Damien and have faith that he will sort this out for me. I google Leonardo Guerra and the Guerra family, but all that comes up is their wine business. I’m not an idiot; I know there’s more to Leo. Trust me to promise marriage to the Italian Devil. Putting all negative thoughts to the back of my mind, I take myself on a tour of the house. It’s a beautiful, modern Italian house. There are many different hallways; I lose my baring a few times. After having a nosey around the gym, which I will be using, the library, and numerous amounts of sitting rooms. I hear voices coming from behind a bookcase. I quickly hide in the room opposite and watch through the crack in the door. I’m mesmerised as the bookcase moves out and to the side, making way for Leo, Marco, and two other guys I don’t recognise. Well, now I am intrigued. I need to find out what is through that secret door. Unfortunately, the bookcase quickly returns to its place not long after the men disappear.
I burn some energy off in the gym. My gym shorts and bra stuck to me from the results of my intense workout. Having had my earphones in, I’m startled to see Leo in the corner watching me.
“Oh, you made me jump. How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough. I will always find you now, Kat-er-rine. You cannot hide from me again.”
“I wasn’t hiding.”
Goose bumps spread across my body following his gaze.
“We are going out tonight. Have you got something sensible to wear?”
“Well, that depends on what you mean by sensible.”
“I will find you something to wear!” He stands from his lent position on the wall.
“No need to shout; that won’t be necessary. Where are we going anyway?”
“To dinner with my family, wear something decent and underwear.” He glares at my protruding nipples through my sports bar before he turns and closes the door, the noise of it echoing throughout the gym.
On my way back to my room, I decide to check out the bookcase; it’s been on my mind throughout my workout. Pulling a few books that don’t move, I find one that pulls away to reveal a number panel. Not moving an inch with my pushing and pulling, I give up. Deep male voices coming down the hall has my heart racing. I quickly return to my previous hiding spot opposite. In the rush, I haven’t returned the book to its position covering the control panel. Panic sets in. I hold my breath and watch.
Chapter 6
Katie
The two guys from earlier return, no Leo or Marco. The panel on show doesn’t seem to phase them. One of them types in the code. 200? Dam. The last number was hidden by this hand. There’re only 10 possibilities, though, I suppose. Once they enter, I swiftly return to my room.
Once I’m ready, I find Leo with Marco sitting in the outside dining area.
They’re both drinking a beer.
“Katie, can I get you…”
“It’s Katherine, not Katie!” Leo interrupts Alga.
“Katie or Katherine is fine by me, Alga.” I smile apologetically at her.
“What can I get you to drink?”
“I’m not sure. Can I come with you and take a look?”
Alga looks to Leo, and so do I. Without taking his eyes off me, he nods. I follow Alga to the bar area, giving Marco a big smile as I do. He doesn’t like me one bit. The feeling is mutual.
“Is he always this grumpy?”
“Si, he has a lot on his shoulders.” I find a bottle of gin I like; Alga passes me a glass with ice and some tonic. I make myself a strong one.
