He inhales sharply and then blows out the breath just as fast. “I’m…”
Despite the weight of the subject, the side of my mouth lifts in amusement. Rafael is not a man who’s ever at a loss for words. Actually, he could stand to be rid of, or refrain from voicing some.
I nod even though he can’t see me. “I know. It’s extremely unsettling.”
“How would anyone know about that?”
“They shouldn’t. It’s for this reason, among others, I’m going to pursue this messenger. I need to know how they obtained this information and when. This person, who I have yet to be introduced to, or given their name, is supposed to contact me today to meet up.”
Rafael huffs out a laugh. It’s far from humor and closer to derision; my sentiments exactly. “I can’t believe we’ve heard nothing for over twenty years and now someone not only pops out of nowhere, like a fucking prairie dog, but knows something highly exclusive.”
“It’s very circumspect,” I say. Violetta’s gaze shoots to mine and within her eyes are curiosity and uncertainty. I’m always careful not to reveal more than absolutely necessary to anyone, even my brothers, and although she seems to be listening, I won’t give her any pertinent information. “I’ll be sure to keep you updated as soon as I’m able. Reach out to Maximus and let him know what’s going on as well.”
“Yeah, I will.” Rafael pauses for a moment and then, “You have Carina’s sister there with you, right?”
“Yes, why?”
He exhales. “I’m going to have to deal with the repercussions of your decision. Thanks for that by the way.”
“She asked me to watch over her and I gave your fiancée my word,” I say. When I lift my gaze to connect with Violetta’s, she averts her eyes. “I can honor that vow, no matter my location. Besides, this meeting won’t take very long and I’ll return Violetta back to her sister.”
“Return her? Carina has been busting my balls like you kidnapped her.”
“She is not a hostage.”
Rafael chuckles. “No, but you did literallykidnap her because she’s only seventeen.”
“What did you say?” My voice is quiet like a flying arrow riding a swift breeze, deadly and with great stealth.
“Tris, Violetta’s a minor, but it’s not a big deal because she’s going to turn eighteen in less than forty-eight hours. Carina wants her home by then so they can celebrate. Just make sure Violetta’s back in Chicago so I don’t have to fly down there, okay? You know my Spanish isn’t ideal.”
I make a non-committal grunt, seeing as I’m unable, or unwilling, to speak.
“Well, I’m going to hang up now,” my brother continues, as if he didn’t just mentally castrate me. “I’m getting married today, so wish me luck.”
That outrageous statement breaks me out of the rage coiling around me. But only for a moment. “No.”
“What the fuck do you mean, ‘no?’” Rafael’s voice is so loud I have to pull the phone away from my ear to preserve my ability to hear. “I’m a grown ass man and I'll do whatever I want, with or without your approval,Signor Silvestri.”
“Rafael?”
“What?”
“Shut the fuck up and listen for a second.”
Once again, Violetta has shifted her gaze to me, but this time I ignore her. I’ll deal with her later for lying to me.
When I can do it without putting my hands on her.
My brother mutters under his breath but doesn’t resume his tirade, so I continue. “I can’t speak for Maximus, however, I would like to attend your wedding, to witness what should be the greatest day of your life. You and Carina care for each other, which means this isn’t just a marriage of convenience or to secure an alliance. And that makes it worthy to be honored and celebrated. In my opinion at least.”
Rafael snorts. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a fucking sap? Never mind, don’t answer that. I’m sure no one has. Okay, fine, I’ll wait for you to come back, and now that I think about it, I believe having Violetta there would make Carina happier.”
“Undoubtedly.”
“You don’t need to be a pompous ass every time you’re right, you know.”
“Oh, but I do,” I say with a smirk. “You should be used to it by now, seeing as you’re always fucking up in one way or another.”
