“It’s our pleasure.” Miguel, the older brother, and Emilio, the younger of the pair, exchange glances. “Yes, but I can’t tell you how surprised we were when we were contacted by your lawyers and apprised of the situation. We had thought the Bucataru line ended with the count.”
“What was going to happen to the estate?” I ask. According to the trust lawyers, it was going to revert to them after a certain amount of time. Or that’s how I understood it.
Emilio shrugs. “The caretaker is doing a good job, so we would have just continued the way it is now.”
That seems kind of weird to me, but who am I to argue with them? Miguel pulls some paperwork out of his bag before I can dig into that thought. “If you would sign these, they are just documents transferring the deed into your and your brother’s names. Your lawyer has looked them over and sent you correspondence okaying it.”
Having seen the email from Forrest, I don’t hesitate to sign on my and Jax’s behalf.
“The caretaker’s name is Diego Blanco. He lives at the estate and will be able to answer any questions you have, but don’t hesitate to contact us if there is anything you need,” Emilio offers as they both stand up, and I shake their hands.
Riku is a quiet presence at my back as we watch them go down the steps, but as soon as they are in their car, he wraps his arms around me. “Was it just me, or did they seem shifty as fuck?”
I lean my head back against him. “Yeah, they did give off a bit of a creepy vibe, but Forrest assured me the documents were on the up and up. I guess we did kind of appear out of the blue. Neither the count nor Dragos knew about us, so it really isn’t surprising that they are a little shaken. It was only announced to the world a few weeks ago during the press conference, so I guess they are still adjusting to the news.”
“Jacinta.” Jilly’s voice has us both turning. “If you’re finished with your business, the guys are ready to get this bus in the air again.”
“Yeah, let’s go. I can’t wait to see what I’ve inherited.”
* * *
Another quick flight, then we’re landing in Cartagena. The weather is warm, and the drive up the coast is picturesque, but not as pretty as the view of my new place.
“Holy crap!” Edie, who claimed the spot next to me in the car, leans forward as we drive up the long, winding driveway. “This view is spectacular.”
The estate is perched on a hillside that looks over a pristine white beach with what appears to be a fairly decent surf break rolling in. There are a few surfers sitting on boards, patiently waiting for the next wave.
Ash pulls the car to a stop in the driveway of a sprawling multi-level Spanish colonial mansion with orange roof tiles and white rendered brick. The gardens are a riot of palm trees and green foliage that look like they haven’t been tended to in years.
The other car pulls in next to us, and we all get out to look around. I’ve got Dolce under my arm, holding her tight when she wiggles to be put down. I wouldn’t want to lose her in the overgrowth. “Looks like it needs some work,” Ash comments, putting a hand up to shield his eyes against the sun.
“Hopefully it’s just some maintenance to the gardens. Maybe the inside is okay.” Jace tries to reassure me as the front door opens, and a man steps out onto the veranda. His face is in the shadows, but he looks to be tall and fit, wearing shorts and a T-shirt, and his skin is deeply tanned.
It’s quiet for a moment, I guess he’s studying us, before an American accented voice calls out, “Hi there, you must be the new owner. I’m Diego. Come on in.” He steps forward, and I finally get a look at him.
He’s probably about my dad’s age, with a few wrinkles around his blue-green eyes, which are framed by thin spectacles. His long bleach-blond hair is down to his shoulders, and it has that messy, just got back from a surf look to it. He’s smiling at us. Behind me, one of the guys gasps quietly, but I ignore it.
“Hi, I’m Jacinta Summers, and these are my boyfriends.” I introduce everyone, and I’ve got to give the guy credit, he barely flinches when I announce my relationship. But I wouldn’t have cared if he did. I refuse to hide it from anyone no matter what they think.
“Well, it’s great to meet you all. I can’t tell you how shocked I was when the lawyers contacted me and told me the news. I can’t believe an heir was found after all these years. Come in, please, and I’ll show you around.” He waves his hand at the door, and we all move forward.
Diego gives a quick tour of the house, pointing out the game room, theater, library, and gym. When we return to the sprawling open-plan living area, he shoves his hands into the pockets of his shorts. “You’ve had a long flight, so I’ll leave you to get settled in and explore the rest at your leisure. I’ve hired a chef and a housekeeper for the time you’re here. If you need anything, I live in one of the guest houses at the back of the property. If you want to stretch your legs, there’s a path that leads down to the beach. There’s a boat house of sorts down there with jet skis, surfboards, and SUPs if you want to use them. I look after them all myself, so I can assure you they are all in top condition.”
“Are there any secret passages or rooms in this place like the rest of the count’s properties?” Alex asks eagerly, and Diego’s eyebrows jump.
“You know about them?” He looks at me, his eyes filled with surprise.
“They are my boyfriends. I have no secrets from them.”
“Then yes, there are a few, mostly underground, not within the walls of the estate. I can show you those later if you wish. For now, I’ll let you rest. I’ll see you around.” He waves goodbye and leaves, though it seems a little reluctant.
“Okay, so I guess we better find some rooms for us?” I put Dolce down, and she wiggles off, sniffing and wagging her tail in excitement.
“I want a view of the ocean!” Edie shouts and heads back in the direction of the stairs that lead up.
“Hey, I do too,” Alex complains, but I grab him when he starts to head off after her.
“Maybe not too close to her room though, okay?”
