Chapter 31
Bella
In the four days that had passed since returning from New York, I’d grown used to the fact I was rich. Would most consider it blood money? Perhaps, but I had full intentions of using it for good. Creed’s attorney was already in the process of establishing a well-organized scholarship fund for students unable to afford to go to college. And as soon as the money was freed from the controls placed over the funds by my father, I’d make a hefty donation to the Joffrey Ballet.
Marcia would be thrilled.
Was I happy?
That wasn’t an appropriate word to use. I was thankful my father’s killer would be brought to justice, more relaxed than I thought I’d be. But today was already difficult, more so than I could ever have imagined.
“You’re sure you want to do this?” Creed asked.
He hadn’t wanted to leave my side since the morning that had changed my life. Truth be told, I hadn’t wanted him to either. The ruthless man had managed to show me a side of himself I’d never thought could exist.
Including being relaxed around the pool, even getting into the water.
He’d shown me the plans for the arts center already designed by one of the top architects in the country. In another surprise, he’d had me meet with the creative team heading up designing the various studios and art galleries, the man and woman listening to and implementing several of my suggestions.
By all rights, I should be on top of the world.
And I would be.
But not today.
Today was all about Jonas and his funeral.
“I need to do this.” I’d purposely hidden in the back of the church with Creed by my side while Sebastian had used the pulpit to continue pontificating about organized crime. At his son’s funeral. At least I’d realized the man was as vile as I’d always believed someone like Creed to be.
Maybe even worse since Sebastian hid behind fake morals.
I placed my hand on the handle of the passenger door on Creed’s car, not surprised when he tugged me back. As he pulled my hand to his lips, I looked him in the eyes.
He’d changed for the good, allowing light into his life while I’d embraced the darker side of myself that had peeked its head from the caverns upon learning I had a toxic family.
“Don’t allow this to jade you, Bella. You’re an innocent flower and always will be.”
As always, his touch made me tingle.
“I’m no longer innocent, Creed. Just a girl who loves a boy.”
His grin highlighted dimples I didn’t know he had. “Come on, sunshine.”
After helping me from the car, we waited as the minister offered the last words, Jonas’ mother tossing dirt and roses onto her son’s casket. She was crying, comforted by her daughter, but it would seem Sebastian was ready to continue on his crusade.
As he made his way toward a quiet area in the cemetery, I glanced at Creed and he nodded in support. We both headed toward the man, although when I was a few feet behind Sebastian’s back, Creed pushed me forward alone.
I waited as the man remarked about an upcoming meeting, even laughing at something the other party had said to him. I couldn’t care less. When he obviously sensed someone was behind him, he turned sharply.
“Liam. I need to go. I’ll call you back.” Sebastian was less than thrilled to see me.
I stood waiting in silence as he ended the call, shoving the phone into his breast pocket.
“You’re Emily, right? My son’s dance partner.”
He truly had no clue about my name, which was a direct reflection on the man. “Bella. Bella Rothschild Marcello, my father Armand Marcello and yes, I was Jonas’ dance partner until he was murdered because of you.” I had no inflection in my voice, and it took him a few seconds to comprehend what I’d accused him of.
“How dare you come to my son’s funeral and accuse of me of something so… heinous.” His eyes flitted to Creed and the tiniest hint of horror sparked in them. Creed had educated me in being very observant of my enemies.
Now I had more than just a few given it was about to become public knowledge who my father was. I’d even sat down to an interview with the same reporter I’d encountered outside of the restaurant in New York. Maybe it would be his fifteen minutes of fame.
I waited as Sebastian huffed and puffed before smiling. “I once believed in good versus evil. It was one of the few decent things my mother taught me. However, she also said there were vile creatures in this world and I’d place you in that category. Not the man standing behind me. At least he’s honest while you make an art out of lying. I’d wish ill will on you, Mr. Carrington, but you’ll need to learn to live with the horrific guilt of never giving your son what he longed to have from you.”
“And what’s that?” he snarled.
“Your admiration. Jonas was one of the finest men I’ve ever known. What a shame you couldn’t see it. Have a nice day.”
As I turned around, Creed smiled, his silent praise for my ability to control my anger exactly what I needed.
For the moment.
A rough round of passion would come later.
As Creed took me by the arm, he leaned over, not only pressing a kiss against my cheek but also whispering in my ear, “One more place to stop before we go home.”
“Home. I like the sound of that.”
“Me too. You know what they say, home is where the heart is.”
“I do think I’ll turn you into a romantic in no time.”
He laughed as he led me to the car, his grin far too mischievous as he closed the door behind me.
I fell into deep thought until I realized maybe fifteen minutes later where we were going. “You’re taking me to see my mother.”
“I thought it was a good time. I’m certain she’ll want to see you.”
While I laughed, it was from sadness and nothing else. “I don’t know how to tell her about Armand.”
“Don’t tell her about his death, perfect dancer. Tell her how much he loved her and you, his baby daughter.”
“If only I knew that were true.” I glanced over at him when he didn’t say anything. “What are you up to?”
“I’m not up to anything. This was delivered by courier to you.”
As he handed me a sealed envelope, I found my hand was shaking. “It’s from my father.”
“Yes.”
“How did he know I was with you?”
“It would seem your father had paid attention to your life while you were growing up.”
“Like getting me the solo parts in the ballet.”
“And making certain you were protected, which fell into Gregor’s lap before he turned traitor. I thought the letter might be something you’d want to share with your mother.”
I stared down at it, trying to find the courage to see what was inside. After taking a deep breath, I finally managed to open it.
And by reading only a few words, tears began to slide down my cheeks.
“Hi, Mama. I’m sorry I haven’t been here to see you for a while.” The facility was lovely in every way, the staff attentive and kind. To date, she hadn’t had a violent outburst, which gave me hope the new medications were working.
I’d been allowed to wheel her out to the garden area. I remembered how much she adored flowers. When I moved to the small bench next to her wheelchair, I noticed she had a serene look on her face for the first time in as long as I could remember.
I took a deep breath, the fragrance similar to the flowers I’d cut in Creed’s garden. “I know all about Daddy, Mama. I learned who he was. I know you were heartbroken when he left, but he had his reasons. I have a letter from him I wanted to read to you if that’s okay.”
If she understood what I was saying, there was no indication, but at least she wasn’t calling me names. I pulled out the letter I’d read at least a half dozen times while Creed drove, trying to put everything into perspective. I knew that would simply take time.
“My beautiful lover Carmine and my amazing daughter Bella. If you’re reading this, then it means I have reached the end of my life. Do not be sad for me as during my tenure on this earth, I was a very bad man. The things I did will likely mean I’ll end up in hell and I’ve accepted my fate. I have few regrets except for leaving the two brightest and happiest moments of my life. Carmine. From the day I met you, I fell in love with your smile and the fire in your eyes, the way you laughed and the way you loved. When you told me I had a child on the way, I didn’t react as a father should because in my world, I knew my daughter would forever be in danger. That’s one reason I chose to walk away so as not to ruin your lives or put you in danger.”
I took a deep breath, forced to rub tears from my eyes, doing my best to keep from sobbing. I glanced at her face and other than a peaceful look, she wore no expression at all.
“Had I known I was headed to prison, maybe I would have chosen to do things differently. But as fate would have it, my life was turned upside down by a decision that cost me everything, namely my beautiful girls. Know that you were the only woman I ever loved, beautiful Carmine. And for my daughter, the brightest star of the Joffrey Ballet, the greatest joy I had was being in the audience on the day you became a star. I love you both with all my heart. Never think otherwise. Armand.”
I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer, the sobs turning into chokes as I lowered my head.
There was a shift in the breeze and a tingling feeling that had nothing to do with Creed’s presence as he’d opted to remain in the car. When I felt my mother’s hands wrapping around both of mine, I was shocked, lifting my head.
For the first time in as long as I could remember, her eyes were bright and clear, the twinkling I remembered as a child easily seen. She smiled, giving me a single nod.
“Armand loved us both. Your father.”
“Yes, Mommy. He did.” I brought her hands to my face, rubbing my cheek back and forth across her frail knuckles.
“My beautiful daughter. I know he would be as proud of you as I am. My perfect dancer.”
Hearing my mother calling me the same thing as Creed had done was cathartic. And for a few seconds, we enjoyed our chat, my mother freed from her dark prison, telling me a story of how she’d met my father and the love story that they were lucky enough to share.
But as the light began to fade from her eyes, her grip slipping, I knew I’d once again lost her to the disease that would ultimately strip her of her ability to remember. I placed the letter in her hand as I stood, kissing her on the cheek. And in one final moment that I would always remember, she whispered the words I’d longed to hear my entire life.
“I love you, Bella. My sweet daughter.”
Eight months later
Creed
Happiness wasn’t supposed to be allowed for a man like me. It wasn’t supposed to be in the cards. I was evil in every way, had killed more than a handful of men and had crushed the spirits of countless others.
And somehow, I’d been allowed the love of a beautiful, talented, and extremely intelligent woman.
“She’s amazing,” Styx said as he flanked my side, handing me a glass of champagne.
“She’s out of her mind to be in love with you, brother. No offense of course,” Easton teased.
We were standing in the back of one of the massive art studios the love of my life had helped design, watching Bella giving the reporters an interview and tour. Soon, the Carmine Rothschild Art Center would be open for business.
We’d successfully negotiated our way into a longer contract with the Pentagon, deciding to keep our business completely legitimate for now. We would see in the future.
“Be very careful, my younger brother, of what you say about my beloved.” I grinned from the joy in my heart of seeing Bella so freaking happy. While the eight months had been rough in some regards, the time and the frustrations with the new center, her attempt at controlling her new fortune along with her continued studies with the Joffrey Ballet had kept her busy.
And I’d worried about retaliation from another crime syndicate, including being uncertain how Nico Romano would handle the fact she was the queen of the Marcello Empire.
I’d been pleasantly surprised when a slight alliance between both the New York and Italian Mafia Dons and myself had been formed, enough so that we’d controlled the majority in the aftermath of Giovanni’s determination to rule the world.
It wasn’t perfect and I had no doubt I’d eventually be challenged, but I was taking it day by day at this point.
Including enjoying all those simple things in life she’d been determined to share with me.
“So I understand fourteen scholarships have been awarded,” Styx said as I sipped on my champagne.
“Yes, with at least fifteen more to be awarded by the end of the week. My Bella has also secured funding for additional outside programs going into the communities themselves.” I couldn’t be any prouder of her than watching her bask in the glory of all her hard work. The three of us had struck checks for the work being done but Bella had brought the center to life.
Just like she’d brought me back to life.
“I think we need to place her on the company’s payroll,” Easton said casually.
I glanced at him, all three of us grinning. “That’s not her. She’s my perfect dancer.”
Styx cleared his throat and lifted his crystal flute. “Then we toast to the amazing Bella Rothschild Marcello.”
“Hear, hear.” Easton was ready to clink our glasses together when I lifted a finger.
“Not so fast, gentlemen. You have her name wrong. Well, soon enough.” I grinned as she floated in our direction as if on cloud nine. “Soon to be Bella Rothschild Marcello Saint.”
“That’s a mouthful,” Easton chortled.
“That’s amazing. Two down, one to go,” Styx stated as we both glared at our brother, who threw his hands up in retreat. “Congratulations. I’m proud of you, brother.”
“You know? I’m proud of me as well.”
“What are you boys talking about?” Bella asked as she flew into my arms, immediately taking the glass from my hand.
“Why, how fabulous you are. Of course,” I told her.
“I am. Aren’t I?”
Unable to help myself, I swatted her twice on the behind. “There’s more of that where it came from tonight.”
“You’re always teasing me.”
As I pulled her into my arms, capturing her mouth, I could tell the photographers were working overtime. Tomorrow would be a fascinating day in the news.
When I broke the kiss, she rubbed her thumb across my lips. “I’d love to go home, bad man.”
“Soon, baby girl. One more stop to make.”
“Uh-oh. I fear a nightmare coming on.”
“You know me too well.”
Bella
Everyone had nightmares. It didn’t matter how happy or wealthy you were or if you kept skeletons locked away in the darkest parts of your closets. We all feared something that kept us awake at night.
I knew what Creed’s fear was without him telling me. It had been similar to mine. We’d feared we’d never find love because we weren’t good enough.
Since the day spent with my mother, she’d become more of her old self, the medicine providing her with more of an opportunity to enjoy aspects of her life. While we’d never discussed my father again, I’d sensed she’d finally made peace with the lost love as I had with her anger toward me.
She had loved me in her own way but hadn’t been taught how to express it.
Creed had longed for his father’s love and the man’s praise. Instead, he’d gotten the man’s anger and hatred of himself.
While we were both still healing, the light in him was often as blinding as it was beautiful.
And I was madly in love with him.
“I thought we had somewhere to go before we went home.”
He grinned as he stopped the car, putting the gear into park. By now the sun was starting to set, the light breeze of the spring day adding a slight chill to the air all day, but I adored this time of year.
“Yes, this is the place.”
I stared out the windshield, uncertain what I was seeing. Then it suddenly dawned on me. “This is where your father went hunting.”
“Yes, it is.”
I turned my head and I could tell the moment was bittersweet. He hadn’t mentioned it for months.
“Come with me, Bella. I can’t right all the wrongs that occurred in the past. I also can’t promise you I’ll be everything you hope I’ll be, but I do want to continue being a better man for you and hopefully for our growing family one day. Both you and my brother were right that the only way to do so was to let go of the past. This is the final piece.”
I took a deep breath, stepping from the car. Almost instantly several incredible scents hit me.
He waited as I walked toward him, a sheepish look on his face. The man was full of surprises. After wrapping his arm around me, he led me through a group of trees to a clearing. I gasped as soon as he did, shocked at what I was seeing. The garden was huge, complete with pathways and several water features, the sound of trickling water so soothing. Flowers of every color and cherry trees with their pink blossoms lined a beautiful area with benches and reflective pools.
I squealed and skipped down one pathway to another, spinning around in a full circle. “This is gorgeous.” While plenty of people would find the area macabre given what had occurred here, I knew that this was just another way of allowing him to heal.
And to become a better man.
“No more hunts,” he said as he walked closer.
“No more?” I repeated, shifting toward him. The magnet and electricity were as ripe and amazing as they had ever been.
He shook his head. “Nope.”
“Hmmm… What if I want one more little hunt?”
“Not going to happen.”
I bit my lower lip, winking before taking off running. I should have known not to go up against such a powerful man like Creed. Within seconds, he’d captured me for a second time, pinning me against a massive oak tree. As he planted his hands on either side of me, lowering his head, I took a deep breath and was almost instantly intoxicated by his incredible aftershave.
“You enjoy being disobedient. Don’t you?” he growled.
“Yes, I do.”
“Then I guess I’m going to need to continue disciplining you.”
“Maybe.”
He laughed and in those beautiful seconds as we both heard the light singing of multiple birds, I felt a wave of joy and love like I’d never experienced before.
I’d once been captured by a monster.
But I’d found love with a man.
For a million reasons, I couldn’t wait to see what happened tomorrow.
And the day after that.
And the day after that…
The End