33. Athena
THIRTY-THREE
ATHENA
T he ride back to Manuel’s place was quiet, bags of jewelry crowding the space in the back seat of the SUV. He relented in the end, after much insistence on my part, and agreed to leave two pieces of jewelry for Signore Gioiello’s other customers. Besides, I had exactly what I wanted sitting pretty around my ring finger.
Once the car came to a stop, we exited together and he took my hand. The late afternoon’s rays lowered over the citrus orchard and vineyards, the early-winter aromas permeating the air.
We walked up a slight hill toward the castle, the unobstructed view stealing my breath.
“It’s beautiful,” I murmured, stopping to take it all in.
“I’m happy you like it,” he drawled. “This is where I want to raise our baby. I want you to be happy here.” My chest squeezed, excitement and nerves at war inside me. “Now come, I have a surprise for you.”
Manuel’s driver rushed inside, his hands filled with bags while he issued orders to others who quickly joined him in helping unload.
Instead of asking about the surprise, I closed my eyes and voiced my most pressing concern. “I didn’t do it on purpose.”
He stopped abruptly, turning me around so we were facing each other. He stared down at me, his brows pulled together.
“Do what?”
“Get pregnant,” I mumbled. “And it kind of looks like I’m trapping you, but?—”
His lips twisted into that familiar, panty-melting smile as he shoved his hands into his trouser pockets.
“Did it ever occur to you that maybe I trapped you?” he asked. I shook my head, frowning. “Neither one of us used protection, Athena. That’s not on you alone.” The air left my lungs as he continued. “Besides, it works in my favor because now I get to keep you, even though my declarations of love make you want to run.”
“Not true,” I objected, wincing slightly. This man was nothing if not perceptive.
“Liar.”
“I just don’t know what to make of it all,” I admitted. The truth was that my heart hadn’t stopped racing since we left the jewelry store. “You might regret it.”
“Never.” One word was enough to make me feel all squishy inside. One hand still in the pocket, he slung his other around my shoulder. “Now, aren’t you going to ask about your surprise?”
We started for the castello once more, my flats crunching the stones in the path.
“I’m just hoping it’s not more jewelry,” I croaked. “You almost had me believing you were going to clean that poor shopkeeper out.”
“I would have, if that’s what you wanted.” He smirked, then his eyes fell on my hand. “This is the only one that counts.”
As we came closer to the entrance, I noticed a commotion by the door. A towering man, dressed much like Manuel in a three-piece suit, stood with two boys who looked like his carbon copies.
They turned around as they noticed us approaching. I stopped short when two new figures came into view, my hand coming up to cover my open mouth. No, it couldn’t be.
“Is that…” I turned to Manuel. “What… How…” I couldn’t form the words. “You brought my mom?”
Manuel’s hand tightened around me and he bent his head, his mouth near my ear. “I want all the people you love surrounding you on the day you say yes to forever with me, amorina .”
Emotion swept through me and tears burned in my eyes. Without another word, I took off, sprinting toward my mom and best friend with a huge smile on my face. We crashed together in a mess of hugs and tears.
“Mom, I can’t believe you’re here,” I said, her red polka-dot A-line dress making her stand out in all the greenery. It was always “go big or go home” with Alexandra, and the effect had her looking forever youthful. It wasn’t uncommon for people to believe she was my and Isla’s age.
“Of course I’m here.” She pecked my cheek.
“This feels like déjà vu,” Isla said, laughing as her eyes went glassy, likely remembering back to her and Enrico’s wedding.
“Where are the girls?” I wondered, glancing around.
Isla’s expression fell.
“They’re all still MIA.” Worry settled in my stomach, but I tried not to let it show on my face. Although, judging by the expression on Isla’s face, she was struggling with the same thing. “I’m sure it’ll all end well.”
I didn’t know whether she was trying to convince me or herself.
“Yeah,” I murmured.
My eyes darted past Enrico to Isla’s stepsons, Enzo and Amadeo. “Hey, boys.”
Amadeo grinned. “I thought you were going to wait for me.”
Enzo bumped his shoulder against his brother. “No, she promised to wait for me.”
I chuckled. “I think Raven made those promises. If you’re going to be charmers, keep your facts straight.”
Isla waved her hand. “Go find some trouble to get into, you two. This is Athena’s day, so let’s focus on her.”
“Yes, let’s,” Mom chimed in. “This mama needs to have a mother-daughter talk. Isla, can you give me a moment with my baby?” The boys took off running and Isla flicked me an uneasy look. I gave her a reassuring nod and she gave us some privacy, wandering over to where the men were catching up. Mom pulled me into her side, the soft floral scent of her perfume reaching me. “ This is not what I wanted for you, Athena.”
I fought the urge to jerk back, disappointment like lead in my stomach. I didn’t know what I expected, but this wasn’t it.
“What do you mean?”
“I didn’t want you getting wrapped up with the mafia,” she said, a tremor slipping into her voice.
“You’re the mistress of the head of the Spanish mafia,” I pointed out, my voice slightly unsteady. “Isn’t that kind of hypocritical?”
She shook her head. “I do what I must so we can survive.” I tensed, something about her tone creeping into my veins with a warning. “Why did you keep this big secret from me?” she demanded, easing back to see my face. “And getting married! Why the rush?”
I flinched like I’d been struck. My mom’s words cut deep, and I found myself reverting back to the little girl starved for approval.
But today was about my decisions, my future with Manuel—a man who treated me right and who would be patient with me. I steeled my heart and raised my chin in defiance. We rarely didn’t see eye to eye, but it didn’t mean I was willing to let her dictate my life. “I’m a grown woman, and I’m doing this.”
I trusted Manuel to protect me. Yes, the baby wasn’t planned, but I knew we’d be safest with him.
“I’m going to catch up with Isla,” I finally said, giving her hand a final squeeze before slipping away. “Are you coming?” I called over my shoulder.
The light footsteps told me she was right behind me. “Athena, it’s not like you to be impulsive.”
I wheeled back around to face her, but my best friend cut in before I could reply. “Athena has spent her whole life playing by the rules, keeping both feet firmly planted inside the line. I’d say it’s time she let loose,” Isla said, winking. “Besides, now we’re going to be family.”
“But isn’t he a bit old for you?” Mom insisted, her eyes darting to Isla’s husband. “Just like yours is too old for you, young lady.”
I didn’t get to answer before Manuel’s possessive hand slipped around my hip.
“Alexandra,” he greeted my mother.
“Manuel,” she retorted back stiffly. “Eleven years ago I thought I’d never see you again, and now I can’t shake you off.”
“Is that the last time you saw him? At the opera house?” I asked innocently, knowing she’d seen him mere weeks ago in Spain during my visit.
Mom realized she slipped, but she wasn’t about to let that ruffle her feathers. “That’s beside the point. I don’t like this, Athena. You need to reconsider. He’s simply too old for you.”
That couldn’t be the only reason. After all, the man she was sleeping with was thirty years her senior.
“Athena can decide for herself who she chooses to spend her life with,” Manuel stated, his voice colder than Siberia. “But if my age and affection for your daughter bothers you, please feel free to skip the wedding.”
Before I realized what I was doing, I leaned into him, not caring what my mother thought about it. Or perhaps I was staking a claim, knowing full well she’d always found Manuel attractive.
“But we hope you won’t,” I added.
“You ladies should change.” Manuel pressed a kiss to my temple, his masculine scent wrapping around me like a protective cocoon. He turned his head toward my mother and asked, “Are you staying, Alexandra, or should I arrange for your transport?”
Mom’s shoulders slumped, resigned. “I’m staying. Athena is my only daughter. Of course I wouldn’t miss her wedding day.”
Relief washed over me and I smiled, taking her hand in mine. “Thank you.”
She still didn’t look ecstatic about it, but she gave me a nod and the slightest of smiles. “Anything for you.”
Isla clapped her hands. “Just wait until you see the gown.”
“Can’t wait,” I said, grateful for Isla’s enthusiasm.
“I will see you at the altar shortly, amorina .”
Releasing me, he strode toward the house along with Enrico. I wondered when he’d had the time to organize everything. It pays to be rich, I guess .
“One sec,” I told my mom and Isla, then ran after them. Once inside, I grabbed Manuel’s hand, pulling him to a stop. When he shot me a confused look, I blurted out in a breathy tone, “What do you mean you’ll see me at the altar?”
Enrico chuckled. “I’ll leave you to it.”
Neither of us turned to look at him, our gazes locked in a wordless exchange.
“Manuel?” I breathed. “Thank you.”
“Of course. I’d pull stars from the sky for you, amorina .”
Gosh, when he uttered such sweet things like this, my heart threatened to melt away for him into a puddle at my feet. How was a girl supposed to remain sensible around him?
“Are you sure we’re not rushing this?”
“You said yes,” he stated calmly, but there was heat in his gaze that could light me on fire. “I don’t want to waste any time.” He took my nape with a calloused palm, holding me firmly. He bent down, his lips brushing lightly against my cheek. The light touch sent shivers through me. “I’m not getting any younger and I don’t want to give you a chance to change your mind.”
“What if it’s your mind that changes?” I retorted breathlessly.
“Impossible.”
Then he kissed me deeply, his tongue licking its way into my mouth. I fisted his suit jacket, pulling him harder against me. He groaned low in his throat, his free arm circling my waist, pulling my body flush with his. He devoured me, obliterating me with his lips in a way that made my toes curl. Our kiss was what every romance writer in the history of mankind had written—consuming and passionate.
Finally, he pulled back and pressed our foreheads together.
“Don’t make me wait,” he said softly, his words mingling with our heavy breathing. “Tonight, I want you in my bed as my wife.”
“Okay,” I heard myself answer, and I was rewarded with a smile that could easily melt an armor made of iron, never mind my panties.
Italian men certainly knew how to charm women into submission.