Chapter 28
Twenty-Eight
NICO
Honesty isn’t something that comes naturally to me, and I’m surprised that I laid my cards on the line.
However, being here, surrounded by ruthless energy, I’m reminded of how dirty my father plays the game. This life doesn’t come wrapped in a gift bow; it comes drenched in blood, and I’ll be damned if I add mine to that.
So, Regina must understand her part in this before I feed her to the wolves.
She is quiet as we dry off and as we change in my dressing room; conversation is minimal. I hate the chill between us, but it’s a necessary one.
As I help her into the shimmering creation that glides over her skin as if it’s on rails, a strange lump catches in my throat as I observe her hesitancy when she stares at me with none of the happiness she had earlier.
“Do you think I measure up?”
“You exceed expectations.”
Her smile dims, and I hate how cold that sounded.
Yes, I expect a lot from Regina—a virtual stranger—and I’m wondering if I have done the right thing in using her at all.
I’m surprised at how much I like her. I never expected to and as I fasten the diamond choker around her neck, my fingers brush against her skin and it shocks me how I dip my lips to her neck, breathing in deeply the scent of a woman who I never expected to be so delightful.
“Tell me what to expect.”
She shivers as my breath dusts against her skin, and my voice is husky as I whisper, “We will dine as a family before our guests arrive tomorrow. We always dress for dinner at the insistence of my father. He has standards that haven’t slipped, and we are expected to follow his rules at all times.”
“It’s not a bad rule though, is it? I mean, I’m loving playing dress up, but part of me would enjoy myself just as much if I were wearing loungewear.”
“Which you never will in his presence.”
I sigh as I spin her around to face me, and as I gaze into her eyes, I attempt to drive some warmth into mine.
“My brothers are like me, closed, unemotional bastards so it’s no wonder my mom is happy you are here.”
“I guess.”
Regina’s smile is soft, delightful and like a breath of fresh air.
She shimmers like a goddess all in black, the sequins of her dress catching the light from the chandelier.
The diamond choker merely shines against her beauty, causing her to dazzle like the brightest star in the blackest night.
Her heels are black Louboutins, and she stands tall before me, her dark hair pulled into a chignon, her large smoky eyes a particularly stunning feature.
She is now world’s away from the shivering creature I rescued from the red carpet and with a soft smile I ease her worried frown away with my fingers and whisper, “You are beautiful Regina and I have every faith in you to win my family over.”
“But what if they hate me? I’m not gonna lie, Nico, I’m a little nervous about that, and this woman who will arrive tomorrow, she will be pissed that I’m here at all.”
Imagining Desiree’s rage brings a smile to my face, and my grin is a genuine one. “Just be yourself, baby girl, and they will love you, and as for Desiree Bendetti, leave her to me.”
My tone is ominous because I will shut that particular threat down before the first course of the celebration Christmas Eve banquet my mother always provides.
My heart is heavy as I take Regina’s hand, and as we head out of the dressing room toward our fate, I am praying that Regina is up to the job.
We head through the mansion, each step a slow one as they lead toward misery. Regina gazes around her in awe as we pass along corridors that reveal the doors to several rooms. The grand staircase is lit like the Christmas tree beside it, transcending the levels, glittering like a beacon in a storm.
“This is amazing, Nico.”
Regina points to the glittering space that only appears even more impressive at night, and as we move downstairs, we head toward the formal living area that is only used for visitors and special occasions.
We pass through the grand hallway and head toward the other wing of the house. Regina gasps with joy as we walk along the marbled hallway lit by several Christmas trees, creating the illusion of magic in an otherwise cold, empty space.
“Your electricity bill must be huge.”
She grips my hand a little tighter, and I shrug. “I wouldn’t know.”
“Does your mom do all of this herself? I mean, she must begin in October. I’ve never seen so many trees.”
I chuckle softly at the thought of Mom doing any manual labor.
“No, she hires a team of interior designers who descend on the house in the middle of November. My parents head to the city to do Christmas shopping, and when they return, their schedule is filled with entertaining engagements as they catch up with associates.”
“Not friends?”
If anything, her voice is sad, and I shake my head. “They have few of them. Vito Bendetti being one of a select group.”
“That’s sad.” She sighs. “I kind of get that. I don’t have many, but the ones I do have I cherish.”
She hesitates and then says sadly, “I wish I could speak to Quincy. She must be pissed that I haven’t called regarding Christmas. I don’t suppose you can get a message to her.”
I pretend to consider it. “Of course. I can arrange for a message to be delivered.”
“Oh, thank God.”
She stops, and her smile is infectious as she laughs. “Why didn’t I think of that before? Good old communication by the written hand. We could ask someone to drop by and explain what’s happened. It would really make me feel better.”
“I’ll ask my assistant to stop by there in the morning and deliver a note.”
“That’s perfect. If I tell you where she lives, they can go there and explain what’s happened. Perhaps take her some flowers. I’d pay of course.”
“There is no need to worry about that. I’ll arrange everything.”
Her smile is a brilliant one that lights her face and she surprises me by kissing me on the cheek and whispering, “You really are Prince Charming, you know.”
A deep chuckle behind us alerts me that we’re not alone, and as I turn, my brother Joseph is watching with amusement as he walks behind us.
“Joseph.” I nod, resigned to the usual stilted conversation between us as we attempt to deal with the ordeal that comes around every year like a visit to the dentist, necessary but dreaded all the same.
“So, this must be your fiancée, Regina.”
Joseph’s eyes twinkle, and it reminds me how he has always had the ability to disguise evil with a crooked smile.
“Yes, that’s me.”
Regina sounds happier than before and smiles at him shyly. “I’m so pleased to meet you.”
She offers her hand, and the diamond shines against the light of one of the nearby trees.
His eyes focus on that, and then he nods toward me with a hint of amusement on his face.
“Perfect.”
He kisses the back of her hand like the gentleman he is definitely not and murmurs. “I will look forward to welcoming you into the family, Regina.”
He turns his attention to me and says in his husky tone, “Well played, Nico. I must congratulate you on your cunning.”
Regina’s smile dips as she realizes he knows me only too well, and I shrug, tugging her back against me. “I’ll take that as a compliment. What about you? You should start planning your escape because the sword may be pointing in your direction now?”
I relish the light dimming in his eyes as he faces the reality we all know is coming.
“Perhaps I will walk the same road as you. You should tell me your secret.”
“My secret is to always be one step ahead of the game, dear brother, and to plan for every eventuality.”
Regina glances between us with a frown, and as we turn toward the living room, the easy atmosphere has departed as we prepare to face the one man controlling all our destinies, whether we like it or not.