by Angelo, Judy
But he wouldn’t let go. “Arie, it’s not what you think. I can explain.” It probably sounded lame but he didn’t know what else to say. All he could tell her was the truth. Hopefully, that would be enough.
“I love you, Arie. Only you. Please don’t ever doubt-”
“That’s Daniela, isn’t it?” Arie lifted her face and glared at him, her eyes glistening with tears. “Daniela, your ex-girlfriend. The one your family loves.”
“Where’d you get that from?”
“Oh, your father told me all about the beloved Daniela, the one who should be the one in your life right now.” Her frown deepened. “And he told me that you broke up with her only a year ago. Why didn’t you ever tell me that?” She drew in a trembling breath. “That was just months before we met, Rome. Months.”
“Which means absolutely nothing, as far as our relationship is concerned.” He reached for her hand, wanting to reassure her, but she snatched it away. Determined to make her understand, he pressed on. “When I met you my relationship with Daniela was already over. Dead and done. There was no-one in my life when I fell in love with you.”
She gave him a look of disbelief. “Are you sure it was love? Or did you just fall for me on the rebound? Under other circumstances, you probably wouldn’t even have given me the time of day.”
“Arie, listen to me.” He reached for her hand again and this time no matter how hard she pulled he wouldn’t let go. “I love you and there’s nothing in the world that can make me stop. When I fell in love with you it was real. When I asked you to marry me, I meant it. I want nothing more than to make you my wife.”
She bit her lip and kept her head down, refusing to look at him. Then she shook her head and when she spoke her voice was tinged with hurt. “And what about Daniela? Why didn’t you ever tell me about her?”
Rome drew in his breath then he shook his head. This was the part he’d been avoiding all this time. It was an embarrassment but he had run away from it long enough. It was time to get it out in the open. It was only fair.
He gave Arie’s fingers a squeeze. “Yes, Daniela and I were in a relationship before I met you. But it wasn’t real, Arie. At least, not to me.”
Not surprisingly, she gave him a look of confusion. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He let her go then got to his feet and shoved his hands deep inside his pockets. He was not proud of how he’d handled his love life before he met Arie. His back to her, he began to speak in a low voice. “Daniela and I were together because of our parents.”
“Come again?”
He didn’t turn around at her question but she had every right to ask it. They were in the twenty-first century, for Christ’s sake. These days, who went into relationships for the sake of their parents? It was past embarrassing. It was pathetic.
“Daniela and I have known each other since we were kids. Our parents are old friends. Business associates, too. Ever since we were kids they kept saying that Daniela and I should marry, that it would be the perfect partnership. We’d end up with a multi-billionaire dollar conglomerate.”
“An arranged marriage?” Arie’s voice was faint with obvious disbelief, and how could he blame her? He wouldn’t believe it himself if he weren’t the one caught in the middle of the whole fiasco.
“An arranged marriage of sorts,” he said on a grunt. “It wasn’t real. It was nothing formal. It was just that Daniela and I knew that was what our families wanted and we never even questioned it. We just sort of…fell in line.”
“So…what happened? How did you end up…with me?”
He turned around then and looked down at Arie, at her face so earnest, her eyes almost pleading. “Daniela got tired of the farce. She broke up with me, said she’d fallen in love with someone else. Thank God she did. It brought a close to something that should have ended ages before.”
“So you don’t love her anymore?” Arie’s eyes searched his face like she wasn’t quite believing what she was hearing.
“I’m not even sure I ever truly loved her.” Rome shrugged. “I guess I was just taking the easy way out. It was what our families wanted. It was expected that we would be together. I was too complacent, too lazy to bother to rock the boat.”
"But what if you’d met someone else? Fallen in love?”
He shook his head. “Never happened.” Then he paused as he stared down at her. “It never happened until I met you.”
For a moment Arie just sat there, silent, seeming to ponder his words. Then she cocked her head to one side and gave him a solemn look. “That was pretty convenient, wasn’t it? Daniela moves on and you meet me then all of a sudden you’re in love. Why should I believe any of this?”
“Because it’s true. No matter how it sounds, that’s the way it happened and I’m not going to apologize for it.”
“Oh, really? And what happened just now, what was that all about?” Arie gave a snort of disgust. “You certainly didn’t act like a man who was in love with me. You had your hands all over her.”
“No, I didn’t. For some strange reason Daniela wanted it to look that way.” Rome let his breath out in a hiss of frustration. “Since we parted I haven’t kept in touch with her. You asked what that was about? I’m asking myself the same thing.”
Arie grimaced, seeming deep in thought, then she let out a soft sigh and when she looked at him again the worried wrinkle in her brow was beginning to smooth. “So there’s nothing between the two of you?”
“Absolutely nothing,” he said, his tone emphatic. “You are the one and only woman in my life.”
On hearing his declaration Arie’s brows smoothed just a little bit more and it was only then that Rome began to breathe easier. “You have to believe me,” he said as he watched the emotions play across her face. “I’m telling you the truth.”
She folded her hands on her lap and looked up at him, her face earnest. “I want to believe you,” she said, “but can I really? I mean, it’s your word against…her actions,” she dropped her eyes, “and all that stuff your father told me.”
“Damn what he told you.” Rome spat the words out, he was so pissed. “My dad had his own agenda. I can see that now. My mother and my father, both of them do. They set me up.” He balled his hands into fists. “I can’t believe they would stoop so low.”
Arie bit her bottom lip and when she released it, it began to tremble. “I told you they’d hate me. Why didn’t you listen?”
The dejected look on her face pulled at his heart. He dropped to his knees in front of her and took her hands in his. “No, Arie. It’s not that they hate you. It’s that they’re holding on to an illusion. They can’t let go of the dream of Daniela.”
Arie shook her head and gave him a sad smile. “Wishful thinking, Rome. And what you said about Daniela being over you? You’re wrong. She still wants you. I can see it even if you can’t.”
“What can I do to make you believe-”
“Enough.” Arie put up a hand, silencing him. “I’ve had enough of talking. It’s good that you didn’t take my things from the car. Please take me back to the hotel. I don’t want to stay here a minute longer.”
The look on her face told him her mind was made up. There was nothing he could say that would make her stay. And it was all the fault of his family. They’d messed things up…royally. Then again, maybe he should lay the blame squarely at his own feet. How could he have been so naïve as to think they would accept Arie, no questions asked, with open arms?
Releasing her hands he stood up. “I’ll take you back to the hotel,” he said, “but there’s something I have to do first. Wait here until I get back. Please.”
Arie’s mouth was set in a stubborn pout but she folded her arms across her chest and settled back in the seat. She looked like she would stay put.
Grateful that she hadn't put up a fight, Rome turned on his heel and strode out the door. Even if he couldn’t repair the damage already done there was one thing he was determined to set straight before
he left.
He had to tackle this problem that had reared its ugly head – the new and confusing and dangerously seductive element of Daniela Scalise.
CHAPTER NINE
Rome found Daniela relaxing in the solarium, having tea with his mother. After stirring up so much trouble the woman sat there looking as comfortable as could be.
He didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Daniela, we need to talk.” His voice was grim as he walked into the room. “Mama, can you excuse us for a minute?”
Lily looked from Rome to Daniela then back to Rome. “What did you want to talk about?” she asked, her voice uncertain. In fact, she looked darned nervous right at that moment and she had every reason to be.
“This is between Daniela and me, Mama,” he replied, his tone curt. After the way she'd conspired to mess up his life he owed his mother no explanation. “Could I have a minute with Daniela?” he asked again. “Alone.”
To her credit, despite her look of doubt his mother did not question him again. Resting the teacup on its saucer she got up from around the table, whispered her excuse to Daniela and walked out of the room.
Rome waited a full three seconds after she’d gone then he walked over to close the door firmly behind her. Then he turned to the object of his anger.
“Tell me something,” he said, his voice deceptively soft, “do you take pleasure in screwing up other people’s lives? What the hell is this game you’re playing?”
Looking totally unperturbed, Daniela didn’t answer. Instead, she raised her teacup to her lips and took a leisurely sip. After savoring the liquid she swallowed and only then did she turn her dark eyes on Rome. “Game?” she asked, her tone cool. “Who says I’m playing a game?”
Rome’s gaze narrowed as he watched her. She was trying to tick him off, he could see that much. The question was, why?
Instead of flaring up in fury as he guessed Daniela was expecting, he decided to take it cool and calm just like she was. Two could play that game quite well.
He could see she was surprised when he walked over and sat down next to her, taking the chair his mother had just vacated. “Daniela,” he said as he picked up a spoon and began to toy with it, “if you’re not playing a game, what exactly are you doing?”
For some reason the question made her laugh. “Ah, Rome, if you only knew.”
He kept toying with the spoon, not looking at Daniela, focusing his attention on the utensil in his hand. It was either that or explode and he wasn’t going to do that. He would not give her the pleasure. “What should I know, Daniela?” he asked, his tone deliberately pleasant. “You’re dying to tell me so why don’t you?”
She chuckled. “You know me so well.” Then she reached over and took the spoon from his fingers and dropped it with a clatter onto her saucer. “I’m not playing games,” she said with a sly grin. “I’m simply doing someone a favor.”
He raised an eyebrow then sat back in the chair. “A favor. Can you be a bit more specific?”
She shrugged. “If you insist. I’m doing your mother a favor. She asked me to…scare off a certain someone who’s no good for you. After all we meant to each other how could I say no?”
“My mother set you up to this? So this wasn’t you trying to start up where we left off?”
“Goodness, no. Of course not.” Daniela looked like she thought it was the most ridiculous idea in the world. “I’m happily engaged to a wonderful man, a man I truly love. Why would I want to get back together with you?”
“Why indeed?" He shook his head, knocking the thought loose from his mind. “So you’re engaged,” he said, turning thoughtful. “Does my mother know this?”
The question made Daniela hesitate. “No, I guess not. I never mentioned it.” Then she shrugged. “But that’s not important. She knows I’m in a relationship. After all, that’s why you and I broke up.”
She said it so casually, like it was what everybody did. You’re in the middle of a relationship until you find someone you like better and then you move on, just like that. Not that he was complaining, though. She’d done him a huge favor when she’d fallen in love with someone else.
“What do you know about the woman I’m in love with?”
“N…nothing.” Daniela blinked. “Why do you ask?”
“I ask because I find it a bit strange that you’re so quick to destroy my relationship when I willingly gave you the freedom to pursue yours.” He could see his words were having an effect on her so he pressed on. “You know what it is to fall in love. Why are you so happy to deny me that pleasure?”
“I…it was your mother. She said the woman wasn’t right for you.” Daniela swallowed. “I was only trying to help her.”
Rome gave a snort of annoyance. “Don’t do anybody any favors, especially not my mother. Not where I’m concerned, anyway.” He folded his arms across his chest. “Do you remember how your family reacted when you broke up with me?”
Daniela winced then she nodded. “They thought I was being an idiot. They didn’t want me to be with Warren at all.”
“Exactly. They would have loved it if we’d stayed together but you made your choice and I respected that even if it took your family a while to accept.” He tightened his lips and when he spoke again his voice was cool. “Now I would appreciate it if you would pay me the same courtesy and respect my choice and stay the hell out of my business.”
A crimson blush crept up Daniela’s neck and she dropped her eyes. “I’m sorry, Rome. I didn’t think…”
“Well, please do,” he said, not letting her off the hook. “There’s a lady sitting in another room in this house who was hurt by your thoughtless actions. I’m going to have to work real hard to make things up to her.”
“I’m sorry,” she said again and this time she actually looked like she meant it.
But now that he understood her motive Rome had no desire to spend another minute with Daniela. It was time to tackle his parents.
Without another word he pushed back his chair, got up and walked out of the room. He could feel Daniela’s eyes boring into his back the whole time.
He could only hope that when it came to affairs of the heart she’d learned her lesson – to mind her own freakin’ business.
***
“I can’t believe you guys.” Rome had to fight to keep from raising his voice at the two people who had cared for him since birth. He could not believe they would go to such lengths to sabotage his life and his chance at love. “How could you do this to me?” he demanded, his voice hoarse from the strain of holding on to his temper. “What did I do to deserve this?”
“It’s because we love you, Rome. We only want what’s best for you.” Lily made as if to go to him but the look on his face must have told her that was the last thing he wanted just then because she stopped short and began to twist her hands nervously in front of her.
“I didn’t expect this from you, Mama.” He didn’t try to hide his disappointment. He knew Vittorio could be ruthless at times. He’d demonstrated that side of his personality in more than a few business dealings. But his mother had always been a source of support, nothing at all like the woman who had convinced Daniela to be her accomplice in deceit. What had come over her?
“We felt we had to do something. You were acting on impulse. We had to stop you from making a mistake.” It was Vittorio who was speaking now and his tone was totally unapologetic. “From what you told us, you met this woman and in less than two months you had asked her to marry you. A virtual stranger and not even an Italian.”
“So which was worse?” Rome shot back. “Her being what you call a virtual stranger or her not being Italian? Which was the worse sin?”
“Now you’re being unreasonable,” his father growled back. “You didn’t expect us to welcome her with open arms, did you? Take her into our family just like that without checking her out? Without testing her?”
“Check her out? She’s my choice, not yours. What makes you think you have the right?�
�� Despite his efforts, Rome’s voice rose in exasperation.
But Vittorio didn’t back down. Milano that he was, he faced his son head on. “You’re forgetting something, my boy. You are heir to the family business. All of this rests in your hands. For the sake of the business, the family and the future we have to ensure that you make the best decision.” His lips tightened and he shook his head. “Daniela was the best choice, for the family and for you, but you let her slip through your fingers.”
Rome stared at his father then he was the one shaking his head. “You don’t get it, do you? This is not about what’s best for the business. This is my life. It’s about what’s best for me.” He looked across at his mother and he could see the remorse, plain and stark on her face. “Daniela made a choice,” he said, “the choice that was best for her. Now leave me alone and let me make the choice that’s best for me.”
“You’re making a big mistake, son. If you continue with this foolishness I may have to take drastic action.”
The heated words made Rome swing back toward his father. “Is that right?” he asked, his voice cold as steel. “Are you threatening to disinherit me like you threatened when I was sixteen? Well, guess what? I’m not a kid anymore. I’m a goddamn man who doesn’t give a hoot if you decide to do that. I’ve made my life and I've made my choice, and damn if I’m going to change it because of your threats.” With that he turned and marched toward the door.
“Rome, wait. Please. Don’t leave like this.”
It was his mother who was pleading with him but Rome was past listening. His father had pissed him off in the worst way and he didn’t know if he would ever forgive him.
After he stalked out of the library room Rome didn’t know what else was said and he really didn’t care. He had more important things to worry about, like the woman his family had hurt so badly, a woman who didn’t deserve any of that.
When he got back to the green room Arie was sitting exactly where he’d left her, waiting for him. He went over and took her hand. “Come on,” he said gently as she looked up at him, her eyes searching his face. “Time for us to get out of here.”