Chapter 31
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LORENZO (40YRS)
I turned away from the window I’d been staring out of, to look at Remo and Alessia sitting on the opposite side of the table. We were in my study on the estate discussing options. Shit was about to hit the fan. The D’Angelo’s had grown antsy about the fact that I hadn’t given them the promised heir yet. Mother had become a nagging bitch since Alessia turned eighteen six months ago. Both sides were waiting for the news that she was pregnant.
“I need you take her and disappear, Remo. Don’t tell me where?”
“Why?” Alessia asked, her eyes wide with worry.
“It’s the only way I can keep you safe.”
“But—” She stood. “Do you think my family will harm me?” she asked on a shaky breath.
“It’s not your family I’m worried about. You’re untouched, they can take you back any time, get you remarried—”
“I don’t want to go back to them.” She sniffled.
I frowned. Remo stood and pulled her into a one-handed hug, shocking me when she turned and her face sought the crook of his neck. Sensing my surprise, he met my gaze with a shrug. I’d never seen my brother that affectionate with anyone. The notion made me smile and he scowled when he realized I was on to him. I didn’t miss his subtle move to extricate himself from her hold.
Not wanting to embarrass him any further, I looked at Alessia. “They’re your family, why don’t you want to go back?”
Fidgeting with the hem of the black two-sizes-too-big t-shirt she wore over jeans that hung loose on her petite frame, she hesitated. She was a stunning girl even if her dress sense was less than appealing. “They’re horrible to the girls in my family. I’ve seen my sisters being married off to men that treat them like pets, rather than the beautiful women they are. They’re miserable and if I go back, they will do the same to me.” She looked up, her big blue eyes pleading. “Please, don’t send me back,” she hiccupped on a sob. “I know you don’t have any feelings for me, but I’m prepared to stay by your side as your wife for the rest of my life if I have to.”
Remo opened his mouth to say something, then closed it and I cocked a brow at him. He shook his head. I had a feeling he was falling for her.
“Go to you room, Alessia, when we’re ready to discuss this further, I’ll call for you.” Giving me a resigned smile, she nodded.
About to leave, she looked at Remo. “Will you come sit with me again—”
“Go,” he dismissed her before she could finish her sentence. Hurt flashed across her face as she turned and left the room.
“It’s okay to show a little emotion if you’re falling for someone, Remo.” I moved to the bar and poured us a bourbon.
“That’s rich coming from you,” he scoffed.
Frowning, I handed him the glass then moved around to my seat. “Why?” I asked, sliding into the leather chair.
“I don’t have to spell it out, Renz. As my brother, I can say it to your face, you’re a coward. You always told me to take what I want, repercussions be damned. Fuck, it’s been your motto for life. Yet, when you needed it most, you ignored it.” He tossed back his drink and set the glass on the table. “When will you show the emotions, you’ve felt for so long? You let love walk out of your life because you were scared to break a young boy’s heart, his beliefs, his trust and you chose to suffer.”
Ignoring him, I swiveled my chair to face the window and sipped my drink. “I need you to take Alessia and set up her for a couple of months. I don’t want to know the location, in case—”
“Why do you say it like you’re going to fucking war.” I could hear the irritation in his voice and I figured it had a lot more to do with me pretending I hadn’t heard what he just pointed out than my instruction. Of course, I heard. I just didn’t have an answer.
“You know why.”
