Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

A lexandra

Hot and cold.

I’d done my best to lighten up since I knew nothing good would come from me sulking or acting like a child. I had to adjust. I’d learned to become the master of that. Plus, who could complain while being in a fantastic place like this?

Suddenly, Nico’s expression had turned dark all over again like it had when he’d walked out of the dining room the first time. I honestly didn’t know what to make of it.

But there was no doubt he’d shut down almost entirely.

I was trying to think of something to say to bring him out of his obvious funk when I heard what had to be a horse whinnying. “Is that a horse?”

He took a deep breath. Was it a sudden struggle to talk to me? “We have horses, yes. Given the size and the makeup of the property, they are often the best method of traveling and seeing all the produce.”

“Just through the vineyard?”

“Yes.”

“Can I go see?” I didn’t give him an option of saying no. I had a feeling that’s exactly what he’d intended on doing. I raced through the vineyards, careful while doing so. When I finally reached the other side, the sight of a massive barn and huge corral was almost as shocking as everything else. There was no real reason for its existence to surprise me, but it did.

Horses were roaming the pasture, freely enjoying munching on grass. There were also bales of hay and water located where they could easily get to them. They seemed to be in every color, all stunning.

It felt as if I’d dropped into a romantic movie. I wasn’t certain if Nico had followed me, but I continued to move closer until I was standing at the fence. I had to step on the first wooden rung so I could easily see over. And hopefully be able to touch one of them.

I knew immediately when Nico was behind me, moving against the fence. He was much taller, easily able to see over the top rung without needing to boost himself. I was jealous. The crackle of current was unmistakable, this time making me feel uncomfortable.

“You ride?” he asked.

“Gosh, no. I always wanted to, but I was scared of horses as a kid. When I was dancing, my aunt forbade it. She said I could break my ankle. After that, I revered them from afar.”

“They are majestic animals. Many of our horses are second and third generation. We also find horses that are being sent to the glue factory and give them a second chance. I have a trainer who spends months rehabilitating them.”

“A glue factory exists?”

“In various formats that I won’t go into. It’s a disgusting trade and practice that I’d tried to have shut down.”

Just learning a few things about the powerful man was incredible. And what I heard I really liked. Very much so. “That’s horrible. While I’m here, I’ll help in any way.”

He had a way of eyeing me as if I’d said something stupid. Maybe he truly believed I had nowhere to go, no home to return to. Maybe not now, but one day. I wouldn’t allow that goal to fall by the wayside.

“Well, why don’t we start by meeting a few of the other horses.” I was shocked he was going to allow me to walk in any further. He led the way and almost instantly three horses walked over to me tentatively.

I might not know animals like I wished, but there wasn’t any doubt the three were sizing me up, trying to figure out if I was friend or foe.

“I think they like you,” he said, his voice way too husky for me to keep bad girl thoughts from entering my mind.

“How can you tell?”

“Pet the palomino.”

“This one?” I asked. The beautiful baby made me think her gorgeous coat had been painted on.

“Yes.”

I was now tentative myself, lifting my arm and expecting the horses to flee in fear. They did no such thing, the palomino leaning in and his or her eyes closing when I stroked between them.

“You are a beautiful baby,” I whispered, cooing more than anything. I was almost instantly nuzzled by the big black horse, the tall baby stamping his foot. At least he looked like a masterful he. “Don’t worry. I won’t forget about you.” I rubbed his muzzle and flank, laughing gleefully as I was doing so.

Everything about the moment was so special, something I never thought I’d do. The third horse was even greedier, needing me to pet him more. I felt love and there was no fear. If I wasn’t such a scaredy cat, I’d ask to have one saddled up, but I knew better.

I’d fall directly on my butt.

“Let’s head to the barn. I think Romeo is still on shift.”

“Romeo?” I hated leaving the horses who seemed to be trailing after us.

He laughed. “Yes, his God-given name. It would seem his mother had a sense of humor. I bet you can guess his sister’s name.”

“Oh, dear God. Juliet?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Poor girl.” As we headed closer to the barn, I realized just how massive it truly was. It had to be three times the size of any barn I’d seen.

The two main doors were wide open and secured, but I could see other areas where light and air could be brought in. And I was shocked when I walked in and I felt cool air. “Is this climate controlled?”

“Absolutely. We even pipe in music especially during a storm. So many of the horses cannot tolerate loud noises.”

I had to stop and turn toward him.

“What?” he asked, returning to being amused.

“You’re nothing like I envisioned you over the years.”

“Hmmm… A big belly and balding?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

He laughed, but the sound was still stilted.

I was amazed. There were horses everywhere, some in their stalls eating or resting. Others were being groomed by at least four or five people. I could tell it was being done on the other side as well. “How many people tend to the horses?”

“We have twelve workers, Romeo in charge. My mother would have my hide if she didn’t believe I was caring for them well enough. She doesn’t need to worry. I adore horses and have since I was a kid.”

“That means you ride.”

“Yes, I ride. It’s relaxing for me.”

I was about ready to ask if he’d teach me when I noticed an extremely handsome young man walking in our direction. He was looking from me back to Nico. When he walked closer, he actually allowed his gaze to fall to my scuffed tennis shoes. Who was this guy?

“ Chi è il nostro ospite , Don Nico?”

Don Nico. Now I knew I was right about my godfather’s position. It was strange hearing the term, something I’d only heard on The Sopranos years before.

“English, Romeo. This is my goddaughter, Alexandra, here for a long visit from America.”

Romeo’s eyes opened wide and when I offered him a handshake, he took my hand and pulled it to his lips. I didn’t know whether to be put off or if it was a regular greeting. It must not be too odd or Nico would likely showcase that on his face.

“Welcome to Palermo and to my humble abode.” Romeo grinned as he let my hand go. “I hope you enjoy your stay. Can I show you around?”

I hesitated, which was ridiculous. Nico wasn’t my keeper. “Yes, I’d love that.” We walked slowly into the barn and he described just perfectly his job with the horses, making certain they were in top shape both physically and nutritionally. He knew every horse’s name and I could tell he wasn’t reading the plaques on the gates either.

“They are like children with strong emotions. They feel pain and sadness and know when you are. There is nothing like riding a horse into the sunset, knowing the two of you are very sympatico.”

His accent was incredible, thicker than Nico’s, but I could easily understand him. He was also very sexy, more so up close. I started asking questions, engaging more in the conversation. It was wonderful, so much so I had a feeling I’d lost track of time.

He was very animated, laughing loudly when I said something funny or asked an odd question. I felt awkward at first, but was so eager to learn, I was avidly listening to every word he was saying. The moment was special. Priceless.

And of course interrupted by Nico only a few minutes later.

“We need to leave. I have a meeting,” he said way too gruffly.

“I can bring her home, sir, if that’s alright.”

“No!” Nico’s sharp answer shocked both Romeo and me.

The trainer seemed taken back and I turned to glare at Nico. “I won’t be that long.”

“You are coming with me. We can visit the horses later.”

He made the statement as if saying we would only if I was a good girl. What the hell was wrong with him?

“Thank you for the amazing conversation. I hope to learn more,” I told Romeo, offering a huge smile.

Now the guy seemed extremely nervous, unable to look me in the eyes. I was pissed off now. Why would Nico do that kind of thing?

I followed Nico back to the car, but was unable to keep up with the man’s long strides. By the time I slipped into the passenger seat, I was fuming. He immediately started the engine, roaring it to life.

“What the hell was that about?” I demanded.

He said nothing and I was ready to pummel my fists against his arm.

“Talk to me, you big lug. You act like you don’t want anyone else to talk to me. Why? He was just teaching me about the horses.”

“You are not to be alone with him.”

Oh, my God. I figured it out. He was jealous. Really? He was actively doing his best to push me away, but he was suddenly jealous? I burst into laughter. What else could I do?

“You’re jealous,” I stated and couldn’t help but continue laughing. He instantly bristled.

“I’m not jealous, for God’s sake.”

“Oh, that’s right. You can have any woman you want, even ten at a time. Right?” I didn’t care if I pissed him off. His behavior had been childish.

I wasn’t certain if he wouldn’t jerk the car to a stop, berating me before spanking me all over again. When he did nothing but toss me a tight-lipped look, his jaw clenched, I knew I was right. On top of his nasty attitude, the electricity in the car was reaching a boiling point. If that was possible.

“I don’t date.”

I was honestly more surprised by his statement than I could ever imagine I would be. “You’re likely the most eligible bachelor in all of Italy and you don’t date? Do you expect me to believe that after all the tabloids I’ve seen?”

“You were checking up on me.”

“Didn’t you do the same with me? Didn’t you discover all the nitty gritty things about my life? Lurking on my social media?” Jesus. I was right. There was no lying in the man’s eyes. “You’ve had one woman after another on your arm, all beautiful and if I had to guess, all from fabulously wealthy families. I’m surprised you’re not married by now.”

When he swung around a curve with enough speed the tires squealed, I knew I’d pushed every last button, but around him, defiance came naturally.

“Jesus. That really pissed you off. You don’t mind keeping me at arm’s length, but you don’t want anyone to have me? Is that it?”

Nico slowly exhaled, his breathing more ragged than before. “I don’t date because the women I come into contact with are all the same. They want a name of worth attached to them, their pictures posted in every local rag and to be treated like a celebrity. I’m not into that shit.”

Why was it that I could easily tell there was more to his story and his anger? He’d had someone special in his life. Right now, I wasn’t certain I gave a shit.

“Well, you set yourself up for that fall,” I told him.

“Why?”

He was genuinely curious. I folded my arms, making him wait before I answered. “You drive fancy cars. You allow your photograph to be taken and you’re always in designer clothes. You live in a fucking mansion and if I had to guess, you eat caviar on a regular basis. Don’t you think most women would get the wrong idea? Maybe they think of you as a sugar daddy. Meanwhile, I don’t own a designer piece, unless you consider early TJ Maxx haut couture.”

Well, I’d shocked him. Oh, goody.

His anger remained and he twisted his hand around the steering wheel, once again picking up speed. We were back at the house in no time and the way he pulled into the garage was likely supposed to terrify me. He managed to stop barely an inch from the back wall, immediately throwing open his door and climbing out.

I took my sweet time, gritting my teeth while doing so. He’d already disappeared and I was ready to scream after him that he was an impetuous child, but I held off.

He was leaning against the building when I exited, not bothering to look at me. As soon as I was outside, he yanked his wallet from his back pocket, handing me a pricy looking credit card. “Purchase anything you want from any store. You’ll know if they deliver to my address.”

“Which is?”

I had no freaking idea.

He recited it and I did the same thing in my mind a few times. “Fine. Any special requests?”

His look was entirely different, completely possessive. Carnal. Whew. The man could burn down buildings with his laser eyes. “Purchase a few dresses and heels.”

The request wasn’t strange except for the timing.

“Fine.”

“I’m headed to a meeting. Do not leave the grounds.”

He started to walk off, and bad girl that I was, I shot him my middle finger. He stopped short, turning around slowly and I was fairly certain he noticed my repulsive gesture. What did I care?

The man could stare like no other, burning holes in my retinas. “For the record. I don’t eat caviar.”

With that, he walked away.

What a freaking child.