Family Bonds- Eli and Bella (Amore Island Book 6)

by Natalie Ann

  “So you mean you don’t have anyone to confide in?” he asked.

  “Yes. I don’t have a lot of close friends. It made me realize that now. This is going to sound horrible, but I could at least talk to the housekeeper at my uncle’s. She’d been with him for twenty years and we were close. Sometimes closer than I was with my own mother.”

  He pulled her by him and she didn’t resist, so he put his arm around her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Bella. I had no idea.”

  “You wouldn’t know. You couldn’t. Then I saw you with Adele. She’s such a happy little girl. I don’t remember ever being that happy as a child. I could never laugh and giggle like that in public. Her parents must be doing something right even though they aren’t together.”

  “Adele’s mother passed away when she was three. Seth is doing it all on his own and now Ava has entered their life. Seth’s mother helps too. What’s that old saying—it takes a village?”

  “I had one. Paid villages in my life. My parents were always being pulled in other directions and had obligations. I asked to go to boarding school,” she said.

  “Why is that?”

  “I thought it’d be easier. My parents were leaving me with paid staff all the time anyway while they traveled. They were always making arrangements. I assumed, or hoped, if I was away at school that when I was home they’d make more time to be with me and do things.”

  He was stroking his hand up and down her back. “And did they?”

  “The first few times,” she said. “Then it became a habit that I wasn’t there. Uncle Oliver traveled so much that his staff ended up talking to me and checking in on me while I was away at school after my parents’ death. I wasn’t sure if he asked them to, or they felt bad for me.”

  “Maybe a little bit of both,” he said. “So you’re seeing things here that you never had and were wishing you did?”

  She looked up at him, her big blue eyes wet and glossy, her mouth open, her lips almost a cherry red. He had to be losing his mind because her mouth moved closer to his. “Yes,” she whispered.

  The next thing he knew they were kissing. Softly. Tenderly. Nothing savage he would have liked when he imagined this occurring, but more like caring.

  Her arms went around his neck and she deepened the kiss while he tried to wrap his mind around what was going on. Yep, he wanted this but had no idea she did.

  He was going to be mighty pissed off if she said this was a mistake when she was done.

  Unfortunately, one of them had to start talking. There was one thing he hated in life and that was the unknown. Which was why he was struggling with her situation as much as she was. He had no clue where Oliver was, what was going on, or how long he would have Bella around.

  He leaned back and ran his hand down her cheek. Her eyes were closed and they popped open suddenly. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”

  He wasn’t going to let her back out of this. “I think you did mean to do it. I think your defenses were finally dropped enough that you just let yourself feel.”

  “What must you think of me?” she asked, trying to stand up. He let her go, as he needed the space.

  “I’m thinking I’m glad you made the first move.”

  She turned and looked confused, her blonde hair falling out of the ponytail that she’d put it in when she’d gone for her walk. She was still in her summer dress from earlier. The day they’d gone shopping was the only time he’d seen her relax her attire.

  “Why haven’t you?”

  He laughed. “So many reasons.”

  She crossed her arms. “And what are they?”

  “Years ago the last thing I needed was to end up in your uncle’s holding cells again.”

  “You wanted to kiss me six years ago?” she asked.

  “Shit yeah,” he said.

  “You never let on. You acted like it was all about learning the ins and outs of the casino.”

  “Again,” he said, laughing. “Not wanting to end up in the basement with the goons. I couldn’t trust Griffin to keep his hands to himself either. It was best to do what I was there for and leave.”

  “And never see me again,” she said.

  He wasn’t sure how to answer that. He’d thought of her often over the years, but their lives were apart. Maybe it was best to just say that. “I’ve never forgotten you,” he said. “But you lived there and I’m here. This is my home. That was yours.”

  “I don’t know that I’ve ever considered any place my home. I don’t know my identity much either.”

  He stood up and moved toward her, pulled her into his arms and held her. “Then I think you need to take this time to find that,” he said.

  “With or without you?” she asked.

  He grinned but didn’t let her see it, rather turning to look out the window to the ocean beyond. “Do you want to get to know me better?”

  “I wouldn’t have kissed you if I didn’t.”

  He laughed. The only problem was he was used to short relationships. He couldn’t commit to anything else because his job took up way too much of his time. He didn’t know where she stood on that either.

  “I’m not sure you are equipped for it,” he said.

  She looked at him. He could see he might have hurt her with those words, but it was why he said it. He had to know her thoughts on things. This was temporary in his mind. He had to tell himself that. She was going back home and he’d be left here thinking of her for years to come.

  “I’m not naive,” she said.

  “I don’t believe I ever thought you were.”

  “So you think I can’t handle a fling?” she asked. “I’m fully aware that is all you have. In the short time I’ve been in the office I’ve heard it enough. It’s even been hinted that is what we’ve got.”

  His face heated. “And so you figured you might as well make it true? Is that what this is about?”

  “Not like you think.” She moved away from him and grabbed the tissues and blew her nose adorably. She wiped at her tears that were all but dried up.

  “Then tell me what you think. I don’t want any guessing.”

  She squared her shoulders. “I know you think I’m quiet and withdrawn. That I’m reserved. It’s how I was raised and I don’t know much differently. You don’t seem to know anything other than temporary and that is all I’m here for. I just don’t know the length of time.”

  “And in that time you want to be someone else?” he asked.

  “I do. If anyone can help me be looser or more carefree, I figured it could be you.”

  “How often do you date?” he asked.

  “A lot less than you, but I do. Have I slept with guests of the casino? No. I’ve heard you do.”

  There was the heat again in his face. “Don’t believe everything you hear.”

  “Parts of it are true I’m sure.”

  No use lying. “I won’t say it hasn’t happened.”

  “Exactly. I know my situation is different and that you are watching out for me. You’re doing what my uncle asked you to. Why not do what I’m asking you to? Unless you aren’t interested?” she said, lifting her chin.

  “I’m interested,” he said. “But you’ve had an emotional day. Think about it and let me know. If you decide to change your mind we can forget this ever happened.”

  “So it means that little to you that you can forget it?” she asked.

  Damn, he had no idea she had a backbone like this. He moved in closer and yanked her forward, her body bumping into his, his mouth slanting across hers so that she knew exactly what his thoughts were on this matter. Then he moved back and marched to the door. “Let me know where you stand. You have to understand from my point of view. I promised to protect you and if that means I have to do it from myself then I have to put that first.”

  Then he walked out the door wishing he could have slammed it, but they had a soft closer to keep the noise down. No satisfaction in that.

  13

&nbs
p; Looking Over Her Shoulder

  “Thank you for inviting me to lunch today,” Bella said to Janet when she met her in the lobby two days later. She hadn’t thought she’d be spending time with Eli’s mom so soon again, but Janet had called her yesterday and asked and, well, it didn’t seem right to tell the woman no.

  Not that she’d talked to Eli in the past two days. He kissed her senseless after she’d challenged him with the words of not meaning much and would have slammed out her door if it wasn’t a soft closure, she was sure.

  “No problem, dear. We’ll be taking one of Eli’s cars today and a driver. It will allow us to have a glass of wine and chat. Plus, I believe Griffin will feel safer knowing your location.”

  She forced a smile, and looked around the lobby. It wasn’t said loudly and no one seemed to be paying attention to them. Just a man sitting on a leather bench that she’d noticed the last two days, but that wasn’t uncommon either. When she went to turn back to Janet the man stood up and moved toward a woman coming out of the salon and hugged her. Guess he was waiting for his wife.

  She should be used to this in the time she’d been here, but she wasn’t. The looking over her shoulder was getting old.

  It was one thing to have this level of security when she was home, but another thing when she was in a different country.

  No, she didn’t feel like she was a prisoner here. She wouldn’t rebel and try to leave or hide from it, but she didn’t have to like it either.

  She followed Janet to the entrance for staff and went to pull her card out but should have realized that Janet would have one herself and swiped it. Didn’t Eli say his father owned some of the casino? It would stand to reason his mother would have access anywhere.

  Once they were in the car and on the way, Janet said, “I want to apologize for Monday.”

  “Why?” she asked.

  “Eli called me yesterday and said my visit upset you.”

  “No,” she said firmly. “That isn’t what happened. I told Eli that.”

  “My son is very protective. Even of me. But in this case, he knew I’d want to hear that so that I could be more aware the next time we were together.”

  “Does he know we are having lunch today?” she asked.

  “I didn’t tell him, did you?”

  She smiled. “No. Though I’m sure he will find out via Griffin since we are in my assigned car.”

  “And you don’t like that fact, do you?” Janet asked her.

  “Was it my sarcastic tone or the frown on my face that gave it away?”

  Janet patted her leg. “Both. Have you heard any news regarding your uncle?”

  “No,” she said softly. “It’s not like him to be silent this long.”

  It was starting to build and she worried that there was something seriously wrong going on.

  “I know Griffin and Eli will be doing everything they can to look into matters. Have you talked to them about it?”

  “I haven’t. There hasn’t been time. I hate to bother them as they’ve got other work to do and I’m sure they are very busy. I know what it’s like working in a casino.”

  “I’m sure you do. That’s what my boy needs. Someone who can understand his passion.”

  She wasn’t sure where Janet was going with this. She grinned though. “I’m sure Eli has a lot of passions.”

  “You are referring to women? It’s probably hard not to hear things.”

  “Something like that. But it’s not what you might think. Or others think.”

  Janet grinned. “I’m positive there are a lot of questions surrounding you and why you are here and spending time with not only Eli but myself. I picture you the type that can handle that.”

  “I can,” she said. “I don’t answer a lot of questions when asked.”

  No reason to tell Janet about her conversation with Eli nights ago. Looking back, she realized how embarrassing it all might have seemed.

  She wasn’t sure what possessed her to make the offer.

  Well, that was wrong. She knew what did. The same thing that kept him popping up in her brain for years.

  There was an attraction there she hadn’t felt for another man before. A charismatic charm she hadn’t seen either.

  He wasn’t cocky with it like so many men could be. He was friendly. He was sweet.

  And he had a lot of women on his arm over the years because of that, she was sure.

  “And it’s no one’s business. Did you have anything special you wanted to do today?” Janet asked her.

  “I thought we were just going to lunch?”

  She didn’t have anything planned. She worked for a few hours this morning, but since she was filling in and more things were going on at night, her days were still somewhat empty.

  “We are but could do a little shopping. I could show you where things are on the island that you might find the need for while you’re here.”

  “I could use some groceries if you don’t mind stopping.”

  “Getting sick of ordering off the menu?” Janet asked.

  “Yes. The food is great, but sometimes I want a bowl of cereal or a piece of fruit and I don’t want to have to leave my room for it or call either.”

  She should have gotten more before but honestly didn’t think she’d be here this long.

  “We can stop at the store then after lunch. On the way I can point out places you might need to visit.”

  “Like what?” she asked.

  They got to the restaurant. Just a little cafe off of one of the main roads. She’d been looking at maps of the island, listening to employees talk and guests alike on what they were doing or where they were going.

  “Well, if you need a haircut, you can get it done in the salon at the casino if you’re in a bind. There isn’t anything wrong with those stylists, but if you want something nicer, my nephew’s soon-to-be wife is a hairdresser on the island. Amanda is wonderful.”

  “Does she do your hair?” she asked.

  “She does now. I was going to someone in Boston, but why bother when Amanda is so close by.”

  “That is good to know.”

  They were seated on the deck in the back. The weather was nice. Not too hot with a beautiful breeze.

  “If you need a dentist, my nephew Coy has a practice in town. That is Drew’s younger brother. Drew is the one marrying Amanda.”

  “Keeping it in the family,” she said.

  “Always.” Janet leaned closer. “If you have any female issues and need a doctor, Ava is the one for that on the island.”

  “Ava Mills?” she asked.

  “Yes. You heard of her?”

  “I met her the other night when I was working. She and her boyfriend.”

  “Ah, Seth. Yes. Nice young man. He’s the president of the bank on the island. There are multiple branches on the island, but he is the president of them all here.”

  She’d heard that too. “Ava and Seth stopped over Monday with Adele. Seth’s daughter. What a sweetie. Eli watched her while they went with Griffin.”

  Janet nodded her head. “Griffin doesn’t just work for the casino, but for other family members as well.”

  It wasn’t her concern but did play back to knowing how busy Eli and Griffin were and now they had to watch her too. She wished she knew what was going on with her uncle.

  By the time they were halfway through their lunch, she saw a family come out, the daughter holding the father’s hand, the mother finding a table to sit at. She wasn’t sure she remembered an outing like that in her life. There was always security around her father and mother.

  She supposed she should be thankful that wasn’t her life now. Being completely surrounded by security at all times.

  “You must miss your parents terribly,” Janet said.

  “What?” she asked, looking back to Janet.

  Janet turned her head to the couple and then back. “Eli was very upset over your reaction on Monday night.” Janet reached her hand over and laid it on hers. “D
on’t be embarrassed. He’s looking out for not just your physical well being but your mental one too. You can tell me to mind my own business, but since you are here, have you thought about reaching out to your father’s family? Or learning more about them?”

  This might be exactly the opening she needed and maybe the person to talk to. A mother like one she’d never had that would listen and give advice. Janet knew the situation in Bella’s life and she wouldn’t advise anything risky, she was confident.

  “I have. I’ve been doing some research online, but it’s hard to sort too many things. It’s basic facts. I’m sure Griffin could find out more, but I don’t want to bother him with it. I know it’s probably not smart to reach out myself either and I haven’t been able to figure out a way to do it otherwise.”

  “I know the perfect way if you’d let me.”

  “I’m all ears,” she said.

  And an hour later they were walking into a law office on the island. “Hailey,” Janet said. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”

  “I would never turn you away and you know it. You caught me on the island today.”

  “Hailey, this is Bella Kingston. A...friend of Eli’s. Bella, this is Hailey Bond.”

  She went through her mental Rolodex, and remembered this was Hunter’s sister. Hunter and Hailey were the children of Charlie Bond.

  “It’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry we are dropping in on you like this.”

  “Nonsense. I’d never say no to a friend of Eli’s,” Hailey said, grinning.

  Janet and Hailey laughed and she wasn’t sure what that was about. “Not like you think, Hailey,” Janet said. “Mores the pity. Can we go into your office? Someplace we can’t be overheard.”

  “Follow me.” Once they were in Hailey’s office, the door shut, she said, “So, what can I help you with?”

  “I’ll start,” Janet said. “Bella is here for a time. She is from Monte Carlo. She’d like to track down some family members but knows it’s not something she can do alone.”

  Hailey lifted her eyebrow. “And we are in private why?”

  “I hope you have some time for me to explain more,” Bella said.