by J. L. Drake
“Would you have come if it were any other reason than business?”
“No.” She’d said it, but did she really mean it?
Roman sat back in his chair. He wore a hurt expression briefly before it vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
“Then I’m glad you had no choice but to use Firenza.”
The man was infuriating. Even with such an appealing dish in front of her, she suddenly couldn’t eat a bite.
Roman placed his fork on the table. “What’s wrong?”
“This.” She waved her hand in the air. “I shouldn’t have come.” Madison stood and Roman did also.
“I thought you were hungry?”
“I am and this looks delicious but I can’t do this.” She tossed her napkin on the table.
“Do what?”
“Valentina is not here. This was a business meeting. It was a mistake to come here. Please have her call me when she’s feeling better.” Madison strode toward the kitchen.
“Have dinner with me. Don’t let all this good food go to waste.” She heard a twinge in his voice. The man didn’t give up. Madison stopped short.
Her lips trembled. “I know how you work, Romeo Caponelli. You wine and dine women, they fall for you, and then you leave them by the curb with the trash.”
“Don’t call me that,” he scolded, and she knew she’d crossed a line. “Romeo was a weak man. He didn’t even have the decency to die a respectable death. Poison.” He swore. “His woman was braver than he with a dagger to the chest.” He slammed his fist against his sternum. “I don’t want that. Not from you.” He lowered his head and sighed. “Yes, in the past…that was Romeo, the boy. I’m now Roman, the man.”
“Well, I don’t need a man with a past.” Madison definitely didn’t need that.
“What do you want Madison?”
She wanted him, but she didn’t need what came with him.
“What I need is a man who is content with living and raising a family in a small town. Genoa is a safe place where people know their neighbors, but some people might think it is boring.”
“I don’t think anything like that about you, and I don’t think this town is boring. I am at the point in my life where I do want to settle down and raise a family. Genoa seems like a perfect place.”
“But the mafia and your past…” She wasn’t letting it go.
The tension in the air was thick enough to slice with the serrated bread knife he’d just used.
A few seconds hung in the air before he spoke. He calmed. “I’m sorry. Please sit down.” He gestured to the chair she’d vacated but Madison stood her ground.
“Okay, I can’t change who my family is and I’ve had girlfriends. Just as there have been men in your life, I’m sure. Don’t let the past hurt the future. Please, have dinner with me. It’s all that I ask.”
She nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. Why was she so emotional? This wasn’t like her. Madison swung around and did as he asked. Roman settled into his chair and picked up a fork.
“I had no idea that Valentina was sick. I apologize if you feel that you were deceived. It was not my intention.” Roman didn’t strike Madison as a man who apologized too often. “Maybe I should have suggested we do this another night, but I’m being sincere when I say I wanted to see you.”
Madison sat speechless, her mind still not made up.
“Please eat.” He waved his hand across the table. “I cooked this especially for you.”
She still didn’t move.
“Have you eaten anything today?” he asked.
Madison shook her head. Her chin fell to meet her chest.
“Eat.” It wasn’t a request.
She sniffled, angry with the threatening tears. This was so not her. Was it the man or her hormones that had her all out of sorts?
He took a sip of wine. “To me, control is everything,” he started. Madison’s face lifted at the turn of the conversation. She hated being in control all the time. How easy it would be to have someone else shoulder some of the reasonability.
“When you were kidnapped, I’d never felt so useless and vulnerable. The thought of something happening to you…” He shook his head and bit into a piece of bread. Why was he bringing that up? Madison battled with that nightmare every single day. In just a few hours, it had been mentioned twice—by Arlo and Roman.
“Don’t ever let your guard down again,” he warned, and then softened. “Promise me.” His eyes glared into hers.
“I promise.” Her lower lip trembled and she picked up her fork. Madison and Roman ate in silence. The only sounds in the room was of utensils clicking on the plates. The quiet was deafeningly loud.
She couldn’t take it any longer and finally spoke. “So why did you really come to Genoa? It had to be more than just opening a restaurant.”
“My father is getting older. Soon I will be taking over the business. I want to move the family into a more legitimate business.”
“That’s good to hear.” If only that were true. “So what are you thinking?”
Roman spoke up and had several good ideas, all of which made sense to her. Restaurants, jewelry stores, car dealerships. Although the bridal business had never been her choice to go into, she did excel at it. The chance to brainstorm for options to move his family toward more respectable areas was invigoration to say the least.
“What do you think I should do?” The question took her off balance. He was the one who demanded control, yet he was asking for her advice.
She bit her lip and thought for a moment. “Wineries. The state is becoming a big force in the wine industry.” Who didn’t enjoy wine?
“That’s a great idea. I will look into that.” Roman’s mouth was firm.
His quick acceptance of her suggestion caused her to puff her chest out and his gaze dropped briefly to her breasts. He took a drink of wine and seemed to study her over the glass.
“Was your dad Italian?” Roman asked out of the blue.
She shrugged her shoulder. “I don’t know. Why?”
“You just have a look about you, like there’s an olive tree in your ancestry.”
“I wouldn’t know. He died before I was born and my mother refuses to tell me anything about him.”
“What was his name?”
She plopped a piece of fresh mozzarella from the dish on the table into her mouth and closed her eyes in culinary pleasure. Madison loved cheese.
“You’re going to laugh,” she said.
“Why?” He rested his elbow on the arm of his chair, seemingly curious about what she had to say.
“It’s Smith. John Smith.” Her face reddened and her eyes lowered. “I know, it’s the most common name in the world.” It sounded lame even to her. It stung when she thought about the times she’d asked her mother for more information. Was her father some man her mother met, a one-night stand, or had he really died in an accident? It always nagged at Madison, but she couldn’t just fault her mother. No one had stopped Madison from doing her own search for the man. It was just easier to not know.
Chapter Four
Roman
John Smith, my ass. Roman couldn’t stop the smirk that lifted the corner of his mouth, and he quickly lowered it before she could notice. Not knowing Madison’s mother, it was hard to tell if that was the truth or not but something didn’t seem right.
“So Miller is your mother’s last name?” It obviously wasn’t Smith.
“Yes,” she replied.
Her skin glowed under the gentle flicker of the candlelight. He’d tried to stay away. She was so different than anyone he’d ever pursued and maybe that was what lured him to her. No woman ever turned him down, and the vulnerable side of Madison drove him mad. He wanted her but it was more than that. He wanted to protect her, take care of her, and love her. Roman did everything he could to not think of her again. She deserved better than him. Madison needed peace and stability. One of those guys who left at night to hang with the guys, not because he had
“business” to tend to or someone to kill.
Try as he may, he couldn’t stay away. She calmed him and intrigued him like no other. Since the first time he laid eyes on her, life had been torture.
The thought of someone else coming into her life sent his temper into a frenzy. Fighting it had become too much. He’d done the only thing he could think of; he made her come to him. It was devious and childish. However, it worked. He cursed himself for being a coward, but manipulation was a specialty of his. Making others do what he wanted was a game he’d learned at an early age. Now he felt like a heel for forcing her to have her show at Valentina’s club. He’d never considered how much stress it could put on her. With a bit of luck, he’d be able to make it up to her somehow and the meal was his first attempt.
“I hope you left room for dessert.” Roman slid back his chair and headed for the other room.
She groaned. “I don’t think I can eat another bite.”
Madison may have said she was full, but that didn’t stop her from picking her fork up after he placed a piece of chocolate cake in front of her. “You made this?” Her eyebrow lifted.
“I’m afraid I can’t take credit for this one. It’s from the coffee shop.” The first time he’d ever laid eyes on that luscious backside of hers, she’d been debating over a sinful looking chocolate layer cake at the Genoa Java Shop all those months ago. This was the same kind of cake.
“You remembered.” Her voice held surprise and appreciation.
Her smile made his efforts worthwhile. He only needed to think of a way to manipulate his way into a second date.
“After all this food, I’ll have to take two trips around the lake.”
“I think you look perfect just the way you are.”
“That’s because I’m covered in layers of sweaters.” She swiped her hand down the front of her but the comment didn’t deter her finishing the cake.
“Do you walk around the lake often?” It was a good twenty miles around, so people tended to just do short sections at a time. Even though the area in which he lived was far from the heavily traveled areas, it was the path that Madison usually took. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t take his morning coffee by the window hoping he might see her shapely, yet slender figure walking or jogging by early in the day. If he did spot her, it was the highlight of his week.
“I try to walk every day to clear my head and I run several times a week. When it’s not too cold, of course.”
“Of course.” Roman kept his gaze locked on her face, enjoying her savoring the cake. She did everything with such passion. He quickly shut down the thought about what other things she might do with such fervor.
“What about you?” Her brown eyes were even darker in the candlelight.
“I exercise here. Boxing, weight lifting, and martial arts.”
Madison slowed her chewing and put her fork down.
“Do those estate gates and walls keep people out?”
“That’s the reason most people have them for,” he teased.
She leaned closer and rested her elbow on the edge of the table. “What about the path out front? What’s to stop someone coming across the lawn?”
“Are you worried about me?” Hope sprang.
Slumping back in the chair, Madison folded her arms across her chest and shrugged. Maybe she did care.
“Don’t be. We know when to be extra careful,” he said, trying to calm her fears.
“But what about out there?” This time she pointed out the window.
“Cameras. Also motion sensors going both across the property from side to side and on the lawn. Small animals can sometimes set them off.” He’d finished his dessert and pushed the plate away. “Unfortunately, if it is snowing, raining, or the lawn care company is here we have to turn them off.” Roman leaned forward, locking eyes with her. “So does this mean that you at least care?”
“I never said I didn’t.” She sat back up.
“There are no guarantees in life, Madison. Anyone’s home can be broken into. The security measures taken here are necessary.” He waved his hand. “You are safer in my home than in yours. I know you don’t know what to think about me and my family, but if you ever need anything, anything at all, always know that you can come to me for help.”
Her gaze lowered and she shook her head. It was a start. He reached out to grasp her hand with his. She turned to look out the window. “Let’s go into the living room. How about watching a movie?”
“It’s getting late.” Madison wiggled in her seat. “I should go.” This business dinner had spun into something that was way too personal. He felt it and she obviously did too.
Despite her disagreement, Roman led her by the hand into the living room. A crackling fire burned in the fireplace.
“I think that I should go.” Flipping the television on, he passed her the remote, ignoring her request to leave. “Pick something.”
The phone in Roman’s pocket vibrated. He checked the screen. It was Arlo. Ignoring it, he sent a text saying he was not to be disturbed. After turning it off, he tossed it on the counter.
“I’ll be right back.”
“I really think—”
“Pick a show or movie and I’ll be right back.” It didn’t take long to put the leftovers in the fridge and the dishes in the dishwasher. He had staff that would do the rest in the morning. These simple tasks gave him a sweet sense of home. When you do something mundane for someone you care about, it gives a sense of satisfaction that is unlike anything in the world. Roman loved his house, but without a wife and children it was just that, a house. He wanted a home.
The bread he held slipped from his hand. Wife? He’d had thoughts of it before but now that Madison was in his home, it made it more real. The arranged marriage shit wasn’t going to happen. He wouldn’t let it. He would make his father understand. Madison was an outsider, but he’d make it work. She would be able to fit in with the rest of the family and be accepted by them. The bottle of wine beckoned and he didn’t bother to find a glass. The dessert wine was too sweet for his taste, but he swigged it anyway. If there’d been a brandy nearby, that would have been his first choice. Roman had a challenge in front of him. He knew what he wanted. He just needed to convince two other people—his father and Madison.
Roman turned off the lights. The combination of wine and spending more time with Madison had his blood pumping. In the living room, he scanned the area and stopped, his heart thumping. What the hell? He called her name and searched everywhere downstairs.
Cursing in two languages, Roman puffed out his cheeks and stormed back to the island in the kitchen. He grabbed his phone off the counter and punched in Arlo’s name.
Arlo picked up on the first ring.
“What the hell happened?” Roman paced the room and headed for his office. “Where is she?” he yelled at the top of his lungs and punched his black walnut desktop.
“I’m taking her home.” Arlo’s voice was low.
“What the fuck? I didn’t tell you to take her anywhere.”
He was whispering. “No, but she did. I was outside the front door. Madison came out and asked me to drive her home.”
Roman paced the room, stopped, and pinched his thumb and index finger on the bridge of his nose. The urge to order her back here was overwhelming, but she’d have no part of that. It would just piss her off. He’d have to be patient.
“I thought you knew.” Arlo was apologetic.
“No. I didn’t.” He hated being patient. “Get your ass back here as soon as possible.” He didn’t bother to wait for an answer and tossed the phone across the room. The next time Madison stepped foot in his house, she’d be spending the night in his bed.
Chapter Five
Madison
Her town was her sanctuary, but today, she couldn’t get away fast enough. As soon as the sun popped up, she was dressed and out the door. The need to flee was overwhelming. She had agreed to dinner but just being in the same zip code as Roma
n was too close. Damn it, their dinner had been too intimate. She’d had to leave. As much as her head refused to give in, her heart and body ached for his touch. She had to be strong. He was all wrong for her.
Madison rested her head on the car seat. As much as she tried to fight it, the one place she wanted to be was in his arms, but she’d done the right thing.
Raising her head, she ran her fingers through her messy hair. She’d left in such a hurry she hadn’t bothered to even comb it. What did it matter?
Who cares what people think?
Stephanie knew Roman was Mafioso and made her opinions on the matter very clear. Madison concentrated on the fact that Valentina owned Firenza and that’s who she needed to work with, not her sexy brother. The man made her weak in the knees and her mother’s absence made the whole situation with the show fall on her shoulders.
Madison backed her car out of the garage and headed north. The destination didn’t matter. She just needed to go somewhere, do something. Putting miles between her and the man who never left her mind, gave her a chance to think. As she left town, the calm countryside numbed the tension flowing through her veins.
An hour later, Madison headed back to Genoa after clearing her head. A billboard for Valentine’s Day caught her attention and she rolled her eyes. She had a love-hate relationship with Cupid’s holiday. It was great for the business, as many people got engaged or married on February fourteenth. The loneliness of being single on that particular day of the year was like a knife to the heart.
She would never settle for someone who didn’t make her heart sing when she heard their voice, and being with someone just so she had a companion in life was also not an option. Madison wanted more, and that more came with passion and love. Maybe she’d been too fussy all these years. Even if she lived the rest of her life alone, it was better to be by herself than to be with the wrong person. She wasn’t going to settle for less than a soul mate. When the word soul mate came to mind, only one person’s face came into view. Roman’s.