by Lili Porter
“Papa wants another teleconference before the meetings begin. We’ll be with you, of course,” Daniel said. “And, what are you gonna do about Kari?”
“What do you mean?” Paolo asked, crunching the colorful sweet loops.
“Her hanging around here while you have a long, drawn out conference with Papa? You know how long winded he can be. Might not be a good idea, after the fight you two had over her,” Daniel said.
Paolo wasn’t sure what Daniel’s intent was. “How about this? You let me handle Karisma and Papa.”
“Great, then, you handle them. One more thing, Paolo,” Daniel said.
Paolo raised an eyebrow and shrugged a shoulder at Daniel. “What?”
“Maria Elena,” Daniel said, looking him in the eye.
“What about her? And don’t think I’ve forgotten that shit you pulled in the limo. Do something like that again, and I’ll kick your ass.”
Daniel sniggled. “You can try,” he challenged.
Paolo put down the spoon and balled his fist into his side. “Have I ever failed?”
Daniel smirked at him. “There’s always a first time, big brother.”
“Think it’ll be tonight?” For as far back as he could remember, he and Daniel had tangled. Though he tried, Daniel could never best Paolo. They stared at each other a while longer and when his brother didn’t answer, he went back to his cereal.
“Look, she and her mother are on their way here to see you,” he said, pointing at Paolo.
“What!” he exclaimed incredulously. “What the fuck does she want? We’re over. What don’t they get?” he said, finishing his late night snack.
“The woman wants you, brother, and she’s willing to go the distance, apparently. Whatever the distance is,” Daniel said.
Paolo was incensed. “See to it that she doesn’t get anywhere near the property. If she gets onto this land, I’m whacking off some heads. What the fuck does she think? That she can force me to marry her? Damn it!” He stood up, hands on his hips.
“I’ll make sure she stays away from here,” Daniel told him.
“And that she stays clear of Kari, too,” he warned.
Daniel nodded. “Done.”
“Where is she now?” he asked.
“In the air. They should be here in ten hours or so,” Daniel said.
“I’ll need to talk with her and encourage them to get the fuck back to Italy,” Paolo said.
“Shouldn’t you let Kari know?” Daniel asked.
“You had better not be serious,” Paolo said, taking a giant step toward his brother so he was in his face. “She doesn’t need to know this and she’d better not find out.”
“Aren’t you the slightest bit worried about how everyone knows who she is? Not to mention those pics of you two are everywhere,” Daniel countered, standing his ground.
“Which is why I have extra security helping Kari stay protected. That stalker was just a convenient excuse, but I want to get that prick, too.” He retrieved the gun from the countertop.
“Hopefully you have as much control over the meetings later as you’re exerting right now,” Daniel said.
“Watch it,” Paolo said. “Now, if there’s nothing else, I’m going to bed.” He turned to walk out. “You staying?” he asked, not bothering to turn around.
“May as well,” Daniel said, watching Paolo’s retreating back.
“See you in a few hours,” Paolo said, as he disappeared around a corner.
Paolo walked away from his brother, making his way up the stairs to his bedroom, where his beautiful queen awaited him. Fuck, Maria Elena was going to be a problem. He was sure of it.
***
Carlotta Bianchi sat with Maria Elena on the family’s private jet. She wasn’t sure that this mission would be successful, but she wanted her daughter to have the chance to attempt to win Paolo’s heart. It was risky and her daughter was clearly up against a lot; a beautiful “other” woman and a man who was stubborn and determined to veer his own course, even if it meant breaking tradition. Men like that scared Carlotta, but she would be strong for her daughter and do anything that she could.
Maria Elena sniffed. “Mama, what if he turns me away? What if that bitch is with him? This might not have been the best idea.”
Carlotta patted her daughter’s leg. “If she is, you let her know who you are. You make it plain and you give her no choice but to leave. When all is said and done, he’ll realize he loves you, and he’ll come around, don’t worry.”
Maria Elena turned to her mother. She said, “He said that he did not love me, Mama. He says he never has and that he loves her, that Karisma Montgomery.” Of course, Paolo hadn’t said that, but Maria Elena trusted her instincts with it. There was no other reason for him to be so dishonorable.
“She is not like us, even if she loves him back, she doesn’t understand our life. You will be there supporting Paolo when that time happens,” Carlotta replied.
“I want to be first in his life,” Maria Elena said, her pride taking over.
“Well, I don’t mean to hurt you, daughter, but right now, you are not. Being the second choice with a good man is not bad. Your life will still be better than most.
“I want to be loved!” Maria Elena countered, folding her arms and glaring out the window.
“Focus on the prize and do what you must,” Carlotta said. She was also prepared to do what she must and she didn’t know exactly what that meant, but she would not have her daughter live a heart broken life because of Paolo Montovani, boss or not.
“This is that woman’s fault. She’s turned Paolo away from his duty and came between us. She’s bewitched him; seduced him with her willing body!” Maria Elena spat in disgust. “What’s he going to do? Move her to Reggio? Can she give him children in his image and likeness? No, she can’t! But I can! My children would look like him, not hers.”
“Maria Elena, stop it! You are working yourself into a frenzy and it’s not productive. Stop diving into the future and worry about now and see what you can do,” Carlotta scolded.
“Rrrrr,” Maria Elena mumbled.
“Attendant,” Carlotta called out, waving their private stewardess over. “Wine for my daughter to calm her nerves.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Maria Elena drank the wine fast, but kept on pouting and ranting about Karisma Montgomery.
Finally, her mother took her by the arm and looked her in the eye. “Do you want that man, or not?” she asked.
Maria Elena looked at her mother and frowned. “You know I do.”
“Then we’re going to make sure you get him and keep him. We stay as long as we have to. Stop crying and start fighting. Show who you are and what your family represents, Maria Elena.”
***
Karisma had just faded off to sleep, still wearing the smile from the sexy, steamy session she’d just had with Paolo when she was snapped to reality by MC Hammer’s Can’t Touch This. She jumped up.
“Who’s calling this early?” Paolo called from the bathroom.
“Val. I wonder what she wants,” Kari said. She picked up the phone and answered it. “Hey Val.”
“Girl! Guess what?” Val called out excitedly.
“It’s 5:50 and you’re excited. Must be big. What?”
“You got Maxim’s Woman of the Year! Congratulations!” Valerie shouted.
Karisma pulled the phone away from her ear. “What? You’re lying!”
“I swear it, girl! They just called. You got it!”
“Oh my gawd!” Karisma gasped. Then she screamed. Rolling around the bed kicking her legs out, she whooped it up.
Paolo walked out of the en suite, with a towel around his waist. “What’s going on?” he asked.
“I got Maxim’s Woman of the Year,” she yelled. Giggling, she thanked Valerie for the call, and told her she’d see her in a few hours.
He jumped on her and they rolled on the bed together laughing. “Congratulations, love,” he said, and kis
sed her.
“Thank you, baby. I wasn’t expecting it.”
“You deserve it, beautiful,” he said. “I wish I could ravage you right now, but work calls. It’s going to be a long day.”
“Okay, I’ll have my people come pick me up here; a little later if that’s okay. I wanna sleep a few more hours. I have so much to do today.”
“I love you, baby. Get some sleep. Be safe, today.”
She looked at him, lovingly, and nodded. “You too,” she said softly. She felt drugged when he was near. He had a calming effect on her, yet she felt apprehensive at his last words to her. She knew what dangers lurked out there for her, and she hoped that she had the best protection money could buy. She was going to be safe, she always tried to be. He was certainly protective. She liked it, but wanted to make sure she kept it in check.
***
By 10:30 AM, Karisma’s entourage descended upon Paolo’s home after clearing security. They were all out audacious, blowing in with full on celebrity brass and brazenness.
Paolo’s maid welcomed them in, seven in all. Sierra, Maya the make-up artist, Tomas the hairdresser, Lyric the stylist, and Valerie, too. Behind them were Wolfe and Jamil Odebo.
In the conference room, the commotion was loud enough that it interrupted Paolo during his meeting. He nodded to his guard and the man slipped out to find out what was going on.
“What’s going on there?” Raffaelo asked, his brows bunching in agitation.
“I’m not sure, just a second, Papa,” Paolo said. He got up, followed by Aaron, Davit and Daniel, and they looked out into the foyer to see the mass of loud, demanding people.
One of his men walked over to Paolo. “Miss Montgomery’s people, boss.”
“Her people? Who?” Paolo walked out into his living room, trying to stay controlled despite the interruption.
Paolo found himself face to face with Karisma’s Hollywood glamour team. Sierra made introductions and Paolo smiled and nodded, then simply said. “Karisma’s upstairs.”
“She knows we’re here, Paolo. She asked that we be sent up. She was finishing her shower,” Sierra said rather cautiously, trying to explain.
Paolo didn’t really want these people in his bedroom and he wasn’t sure what to do. He couldn’t keep this second meeting with his father stalled. As it turned out, he didn’t have to decide.
“Hey, hey, hey!” Kari shouted from the top of the stairs. She broke out into a decent imitation of Duane from What’s Happenin’! “How are my people today?”
She came down the stairs, smiling and happy. It took Paolo’s breath away.
The whole team began moving in her direction, speaking all at once. Tomas’s nasally whine broke through when he said, “Hey, yourself, Miss Thang! Look at you! Somebody musta got some last night, ‘cause you are too cheery for this time of day, chile!”
The others laughed because Karisma did.
Paolo shook his head and walked over to her. Holding her around the waist, he kissed her. “Good morning, again,” he whispered in her ear.
“Morning, baby. You fine with all this?” she asked in a low voice, her hands on his strong arms.
“Not a problem,” he assured her.
“Your housekeeper cleaned your room. Can we use it?” she asked.
He wanted to say no, but he couldn’t turn her down. “You can use anything that’s mine, love. Now, I’ve got to get back to my father.” He brushed his lips across hers lovingly. Then Karisma blew him a kiss as he walked away, which was received by him and followed up by a bunch of howls from her entourage.
Karisma smiled coyly. She knew they were all curious, but she wasn’t about to spill the details—too many of them, anyway.
***
“Ooh, chile, that man is yummy all day long!” Tomas exclaimed. “He smelled good, too. No wonder you all up here in his Malibu bed.”
Karisma and the women laughed. They entered the expansive and modern master bedroom with the king-sized bed, and cherry wood floors. Maya was happy that the room filtered in a lot of natural light. She was ready to get down to business. The team began the arduous task of getting Karisma ready for a photo shoot that was featuring the most influential women in the music industry. Later she and the band were meeting in the studio.
“He is delicious, Kari. Where the hell did you find him?” Lyric asked.
“He found me,” Karisma answered. “He came to our Grammy party. Don’t know how you could have missed him.”
“I would have remembered him, believe me!” Lyric exclaimed.
“Hel-lo!” Tomas said, giving Lyric a high five.
Sierra looked at them and grinned as she answered emails on her tablet. “You two are cock hounds,” she snickered.
“Says who?” Tomas said facing Sierra, who had made herself comfortable on the sofa against the wall.
“You know it’s true. You’re drooling.” She didn’t move her eyes off the tablet a single time.
“Just ‘cause you don’t seem to be interested in men. Wait, do you like women?” he asked, eyes bugged out.
She looked to the red headed minion known to all as Tomas and said, “Shut up, Tomas. And you know the answer is no.” Sierra liked men all right. Just not available men. Married men suited her better. She liked the freedom of having a married lover who made no real demands on her time.
Lyric began laying clothes on the bed as Karisma eyed them.
“So are you two together?” Maya asked as she began applying foundation to Karisma’s face.
“Yeah, we’re in love.”
“Whoa, love? I thought you just met a few weeks ago,” Tomas said.
“The heart knows what it wants,” she said. And she felt and meant every word that she spoke, not feeling any resistance to declare her heart’s desire. “It doesn’t matter that our physical bodies have only known each other a short while. I feel like our souls have long been familiar. It’s as though we’re drawn together like the gravitational pull of the moon and tide.”
Valerie looked up as the others did. They all knew that Karisma had a tendency to wax poetically sometimes to justify what she wanted. Her drama suited her well when she was acting, but in real life, well, the results hadn’t been ideal.
“Okay, Kari. Gravitational pull of the moon and tide? Goodness, girl. Slow down and really get to know him, alright? You look and sound like you’re getting serious. He’s good looking and all that, but….” Valerie trailed off.
“What? We’re not getting married, or anything. But for the first time in forever, I feel like my feelings are truly being returned. You all know what I went through with Ray. Paolo’s perfect for me, and I love him. I can’t help the way I feel. And it feels soo good.”
14
Vittore glanced down at his phone to see who was calling and quickly answered. “Hello Carlotta,” he answered in his gravelly voice. “How was the flight?”
“The flight was fine, Vittore. We have checked into our suite.”
“Good, good. How is Maria Elena?” he asked.
“Nervous as a cat, as usual. She resting now,” she said.
“You just make sure that she takes care of business,” Vittore cautioned.
“She will, I will see to it. A Bianchi cannot take an insult such as this lying down. She’s never had to before, but during this visit, she will get through to Paolo and he will understand that there is only one right choice, marrying her.”
“My dear, one of your most embracing qualities is your fierce loyalty to this family and our well being, but you know as much as I do, that Maria Elena is in love with Paolo. She wants him more than revenge.”
“She can have him and revenge,” Carlotta replied.
“Well, many a war has been started over situations such as this,” Vittore said.
“Che sarà sarà, what will be, will be,” Carlotta said. “Well, I will keep you informed. When she wakes up, we are going to set out to do what we came here for. Va bene.”
***
A few weeks of complete bliss passed by for Karisma and Paolo. They fell deeply for one another, loving passionately, almost to distraction. Neither could get enough, but they took what they could—their obligations didn’t stop just because they were in love. It was late March now, and Goldust was preparing to embark on its Southern European tour.
“I forgot to tell you who the latest person is to take to a Twitter rant about me,” Karisma said, walking hand in hand with Paolo on his private beach.
“Who? Perez Hilton?” he asked, smirking slightly.
“Nope, not quite so big, in the US anyway. It’s Maria Elena. She’s really showing her ass,” Karisma said casually. She felt bad for the woman, but refused to accept responsibility for her pain.
“What’s she saying?” Paolo asked tensely.
“Just a bunch of stuff about how I broke you two up. Don’t worry about it. She’s hurt. I get it. It takes time to heal and she has to get to the point where she’s ready to move on, baby. I know how that feels.”
“You’re kinder than I am, baby. Maria Elena needs to shut the fuck up,” Paolo replied.
“I know I came between you and encouraged you to end your relationship with her. I’m not proud of that, but I don’t regret falling in love with you,” she said to him, looking ahead at nothing in particular.
“No regrets, Kari. The decision to cancel the wedding was mine. Falling in love with you has been my greatest joy. You mean everything to me, sweetheart.” He kissed her lips softly.
His mind drifted off to how hard a task it was to keep Maria Elena at bay with her idiotic and spontaneous trip to the States a few weeks’ back. Both she and her mother had shown up, begging to see Paolo and trying to follow him every time he’d left the house. The final straw had been when she showed up at FutureShock, claiming to be his fidanzata from Italy. Some of his men had to be disciplined for letting her get too close. He’d tried to be diplomatic about it, but eventually he had to make sure they left. They had been completely out of control but had left Karisma alone, at least. However, Paolo knew very well that the Bianchi family was stubborn and prideful and that he couldn’t assume they would just let this scorn go, or that Maria Elena would stop acting like a spoiled brat. But if she thought she could harass the woman he loved just because an ocean separated them, she was fucking wrong.