“Antonia,” Alexandercorrected.
Samuel’s brow twitched. “There’s something else you shouldknow.”
The edge to Samuel’s tone spoke to a serious problem, and Alexander followed his household manager into the study. “TheBabbler’sstory cameout.”
Scanning his iPad, Alexanderswore.
Boston Billionaire’s Night TurnsViolent.
The article bordered on libelous. Though theBabblerdidn’t come right out and accuse Alexander of beating Elizabeth, they quoted one of her neighbors. “He broke down the door to get to her, and I heardscreaming.”
A blurry photo revealed Alexander hovering over Elizabeth’s hospital bed, and an anonymous hospital source listed her injuries and implied that Alexander had been thecause.
“He wouldn’t let the police interview her. Brought in a private physician andeverything.”
Alexander seethed. Ben was going to have a rousing good time withthis.
“Have you notified Philippa?” Alexanderasked.
“Of course, sir. Despite your admin’s many talents, she can’t get the story retracted, but she wanted me to inform you that as soon as Miss Elizabeth is able, she’d like to set up an interview for the two of you. Otherwise, theBabbleris going to continue to harp on this, and more reputable sites could pick up the story aswell.”
“Bugger and blast it,” he muttered. When he was upset, little colloquialisms from his mother bubbled up to the surface. “I’ll speak to Elizabeth when she wakes up. You took care of what she needs for the next fewdays?”
“Yes. I filled the closet an hourago.”
A dry chuckle escaped Alexander’s lips. “Lovely.”
“You didn’t lock the door,sir.”
Before he could reply, Elizabeth’s phone rang. Too tired to think straight, he jabbed thescreen.
“Who is this?” a woman’s voice, rough with a Boston accent, demanded. “Where’sLizzie?”
“Resting.” Alexander peeked at the screen. “Antonia…? I’m afraid I don’t know your lastname.”
“Grimaldi. Are you him? Fairhaven?” The accusationgrated.
“Iam.”
Toni huffed. “If you hurt her, you’re going to have to deal with my whole Italian family. And I mean that in every stereotypical sense of the word.Capite?”
“Elizabeth is safer here than anywhere else. A man broke into her flat last night and attacked her. She has a mild concussion, but she’ll make a full recovery. I can’t speak to her willingness to accept visitors, as she’s sleeping, but I’ll tell her you called. If she feels strong enough to see you, you’re welcome in myhome.”
“Make sure she calls us. If she doesn’t, I’m bringing my family over. You don’t want that. Get her to call.Soon.”
“I will. Goodbye, Miss Grimaldi. I look forward to meetingyou.”
An hour later, after scheduling a meeting with the U.S. Attorney for late afternoon, having a tense conversation with Ben, and exchanging a dozen messages with Nicholas, Alexander returned to thebedroom.
The bed in the dimly lit suite was empty, save for the cat, who’d settled in the bunched-up blankets. “Elizabeth?”
Moving gingerly, she limped out of the bathroom. Worried she might shatter with each step, Alexander wrapped his arm around her waist and guided her back to thebed.
“I’m capable of walking on my own,” she said, glaring at him through swollen eyelids as she shuffled next tohim.
“Most of the time, yes. Right now? I’m not so sure.” Alexander pulled back the blankets, much to River’sire.
“Back in bed with you,chérie.”
