by Kathryn Shay
Then his thoughts turned to Raven; he was overcome with memories of being with her, and his whole body flushed inside his tux. What had happened here with her paintings surrounding them was incredible. And on the couch in his office this morning. He and Raven had forgotten what she’d said about not getting involved with his family, and they made love again. Now, when he was alone with her work, her decision came back and haunted him. He could not have her.
“Like hell,” he said to Silenced. “Like bloody hell.”
“Dr. Parker?”
Blake turned. The floor manager stood at the entrance. “Are you all right?”
Sheepishly, Blake said, “Why, because I was swearing at the painting?”
The older man, Thomas, who he liked, chuckled. “Well, yes, sir.”
“I am all right. Temporary lapse. Are the caterers here?”
A buzzer in the back. “That must be them,” Thomas told him. “Would you like a glass of champagne now?”
“I’ll wait until it’s served tonight. But thanks.”
“I’ll be in the back if you need anything.”
Blake headed out of the room, and as he passed the entry door to the wing, he saw two people come up the walk. As they got closer, his jaw dropped. The pair were invited guests. He’d seen pictures of them on the Internet.
They were the king and queen of Casarina.
* * *
Renata saw Blake Parker standing at the entryway when Antonio opened the door. Like the royalty she was, she glided inside. Alessio followed.
Parker stood back, allowed them in and when they were in the foyer, addressed them. “Your Highnesses, King Gentileschi, Queen Gentileschi, I’m Blake Parker.”
At least he got the formal address right. “We know who you are, Dr. Parker.” Renata kept her voice neutral, controlling the anger rising in her.
“Is there a reason you’re here an hour ahead of time?”
“We wanted uninterrupted time with you.” She heard something Alessio mumbled under his breath. “Correction. I wanted time with you. My husband did not agree.”
“Did Raven?”
“Ravenna doesn’t know we’re here. She would have forbidden it, and we would have had to accede to her wishes.”
Alessio stepped forward and held out his hand. “Blake.” They shook. “Renata is right. I didn’t think we should do this without getting our daughter’s permission.
“Be that as it may,” Renata put in, “where can we talk?”
“My office. May I lead the way?”
She nodded. It wasn’t far, and soon they were ensconced in chairs around a coffee table.
Renata let the warm early evening air flowing in through the windows soothe her. She was tense, and didn’t like the feeling. “What happened today to Ravenna’s painting disturbs me. I understand it was your fiancée who desecrated her work.”
“Yes, and let me apologize for her.”
Renata said, “More than an apology is necessary, young man.”
“And has taken place. After she confessed, her father and mine personally escorted her to a health facility where she’ll get the help she needs.”
“Is she able to leave on her own?”
“No, they saw to that.”
“All right, then.” The king turned to the queen. “Are you satisfied our daughter’s safe?”
“I’m not releasing her bodyguards, if that’s what you mean.”
“You’ve got bodyguards on Raven?” Which she would not be happy about.
“She is a princess!”
“So I discovered. Last night.”
Alessio took Renata’s hand. “I did not mean we should remove her protection, mi amore. I meant, are you finished questioning Blake?”
“Of course not.” When she’d talked to Ravenna this morning on the phone, she’d gotten more than words from her. “Now I want to know what the hell is happening between you, an engaged man, and my daughter.”
Parker blinked. Would he tell the truth or lie to them? “I’m in love with your daughter. I haven’t told her that yet, but it’s true.”
“And what are you going to do about it?”
“I want to pursue our relationship. Unfortunately, she doesn’t.”
“Why?”
“I think you have to ask Raven that question.”
“Ask me what?”
They all turned to see Ravenna in the doorway.
* * *
At exactly six-forty-five, Raven sat in front of Silenced next to Blake alone for the first time since the royal visit. Except, of course, for her bodyguards, Angelina and her cohort, who stood a discreet distance away. Her parents had studied the first section without comment and had left for the next one. The crowd outside, thanks to the stellar reviews, would be let in soon.
“Are you all right?” she asked him.
“I don’t know.” His beautiful green eyes danced. He seemed so much lighter today. “Your mother is...formidable.”
Raven laughed. “She is. I had no idea what she was planning. They told me the plane was late and they’d meet me here.” She leaned into him. “What did she want with you?” The queen had stood and left the office as soon as Raven had gotten here. Raven went after her, but she wouldn’t discuss the conversation.
“She wanted to know if you were safe.”
She motioned behind her with her thumb. “They put freakin’ bodyguards on me.”
“And she wanted to know my...feelings for you. That’s when you came in and they stopped talking.”
“I had no idea she’d do that.”
“I’m not sure she planned it.”
“Maybe.”
“Aren’t you interested in what I told her?”
Her hand crept to his in a surreptitious clasp between their hips. “You said you cared about me this morning. I’m so sorry we can’t be together.”
“I told her I was in love with you.”
“What?”
He was distracted by something over her shoulder. “My Lord. Those have to be two of your sisters.” She’d asked for them and Peter Bennett to be let in a bit early.
Calla and Frankie crossed to her and she and Blake stood.
“Wow, Raven Marcello. You’re breathtaking.” This from Calla, who was stunning in her pink sheath and high taupe pumps. Her hair flowed to her waist.
“Thanks. But you outshine everyone.”
Calla nodded to Raven’s attire. “The red sequins are dynamite on you.”
Connor, her husband, stepped up and kissed Raven’s cheek. Ty followed suit.
Raven said, “You’re both handsome in your tuxes.”
“Thanks.” Connor grinned. “I second Callandra. You’re a fox tonight.”
Ty smiled. “I fully agree.”
Next to her, Frankie grinned. She’d chosen long white crepe pants, a jacket of the same material and a sheer green blouse beneath. “I can’t believe you wore a dress.”
Blake coughed. They had totally ignored him. Raven turned and grasped his hand before she realized what she was doing. “Calla, Frankie, this is the gallery owner I told you about. Blake, two of my sisters.”
Calla gave him a brilliant smile. “Happy to meet you.”
“I can’t say the same.” Frankie wouldn’t curb her tongue, Raven knew.
Blake recoiled.
Raven said, “Be nice to him.” She introduced her brothers-in-law. Who carefully guided the girls away.
Peter Bennett had been staring at Silenced during their talk with her sisters, but he approached them now. Blake greeted the critic, then left. And they still hadn’t discussed the declaration that had rocked her. One she would rather have gotten privately, damn it!
Peter and Raven walked to the painting. “I can see the difference in this version of Silenced, but I doubt the untrained eye could detect it. There’s no need to write anything about the change.”
“Thank you, Peter.”
“Now, my dear, why don’t you tell me who the people
are with the bodyguards. And why there seems to be,” he glanced over his shoulder, “two protecting you.”
It was going to come out anyway, so she said, “The couple?”
“The regal one.”
“Very apropos. They’re my mother and father. They’re also the king and queen of a small country called Casarina.”
She’d never seen the critic flustered. Then he began to laugh. “I knew you were different, Princess Raven. But didn’t know how much.”
“I guess that’s good.”
“It is. Now I have an idea.”
Raven had finished with Peter just as the doors opened to the public. She was pleased to see who was among the first to come in. The girl raced toward her and hugged her warmly around her waist. Raven treasured the expression of love. “Hey, sweetie, you got to come!”
“Miss Macy brought me.” Devon peered up at her. “Did you hear?”
“Hear what?”
“That the school got new scholarship money. And gave one to me. Two others, too. I can stay at Stepping Stones.”
“Oh, Devon, I’m so, so glad. Now, take a look at the show.”
The girl turned. “Are these really all your paintings?”
“Yes, they are. I hope you like them.” She squeezed Devon’s shoulder. “When you go through the rooms, pick which is your favorite and we’ll discuss why the next time I see you.”
“Always the teacher.” Macy said, leaning in to kiss Raven’s cheek after Devon bounded away. “Raven, you’re absolutely beautiful.”
“Thank you. As are you.”
Dressed in a white dress and blue heels, Macy smiled.
“Gabe, hello.” Macy’s husband moved toward Raven, and she got a glimpse of the people behind him. “Mr. and Mrs. Marino. I’m thrilled you came.”
“Deidre,” Gabe’s and Connor’s mother, and Calla’s mother-in-law, said. “And we’re thrilled to be here.” She gestured to her husband. “You remember Tony.”
“Of course.”
The man squeezed her hand. “Quite a shebang, here,” he said, tugging on his tie.
“I guess it is.”
While the Marinos and Devon mingled, she saw a man approach Blake. They hugged warmly. She was shocked to see he was obviously close to a guy she’d never heard of, so she crossed to them.
She interrupted their conversation. “Hello. I’m Raven.”
The handsome guy said, “Caleb Cramer. Blake’s college roommate.”
“Ah. So you know him well.”
“I do. And I feel like I already know you.”
“How on earth...” Her eyes widened at Blake. “You told him about me?”
“I’m afraid so. Honey, here’s a line forming to talk to you.”
Shocked at the public endearment, she nonetheless looked over at the crowd and gave in to the need to be available, even though she was fascinated by the fact that Blake had talked about her to his best friend.
* * *
Blake’s parents arrived at seven o’clock. His mother seemed anxious, his father...angry. He headed over, kissed his mother’s cheek, greeted his father.
Blake Sr. said, “I want to talk privately. Lucinda, take a tour.”
Meekly, his mother walked away. Raven would never fit into this dynamic, even if she wanted to. Once in the office they sat in chairs the royal couple had occupied. “Did you and Anderson get Audrey settled?” Blake asked.
“It took longer than we thought. The sanitarium is only an hour away, but she was very upset—tearful, apologetic, self-effacing again.” He shook his head. “And the girl used to be so poised.”
“Dad, she had a breakdown. She must have, in order to do what she did.”
“Nothing to worry about. She’ll be fine. She’ll get better, come back and start planning your wedding.”
“Excuse me?”
“I think I’ve made myself clear.”
“You don’t honestly believe...seriously, Dad. I can’t stay with her after what she did to Raven.”
“And your relationship with her is the issue. It’s what caused her breakdown. She told us she was jealous. She thought you had feelings for that woman. Once we assured her you didn’t, she calmed down.”
“You were wrong about that. I’m in love with Raven.”
His father’s brows rose. “Have you lost your mind?”
“No. I fell in love, Dad.”
“It’s infatuation. If you want to have a fling and get it out of your system before Audrey comes back, you have my blessing. Raven seems like the kind of girl who would accept that. But in no way will Raven ever be a part of our lives.” He got to his feet. “I’m done with this discussion. For now, Blake, and forever. Is that understood?”
* * *
Raven saw Blake Sr. come into the gallery, dismiss his wife, for God’s sake, and drag his son out of sight. To the office, she guessed. But that man wasn’t going to ruin her night. Though, she thought, seeing her parents come back into the room, she might very well ruin his. Mamá was joined by her sisters, and her father crossed to her. He cut a handsome figure with his full head of graying hair, his six-foot-plus height and his broad shoulders that, when she was very little, she’d cried on.
“How is the evening going?” Papá asked. “I would hate for the incident with the painting to have ruined it for you.”
“You and Mamá always told me that nobody can ruin anything for you, unless you let them.”
Papá’s eyebrows shot up. “So, you do remember some of the things we taught you.”
She could afford to be generous. Besides, somewhere along the line, she’d grown tired of their animosity. She linked her arm with his. “Many things, Papá.”
His eyes got teary. “Ti amo, mia figlia.”
“Ti amo, anche mio padre.” She had no idea when she’d last said those words to him.
Composing himself, the king gestured to the crowd. “Many came to see your work.”
“What do you think of the paintings?”
He cocked his head. “Truthfully, they broke my heart.”
“I was afraid they might. I’m sorry you’re hurt by them.”
“I knew your life was difficult. Mostly because of me.”
“And my circumstances. I take some of the blame.” She gave him an affectionate look. “Maybe we should sit down and talk about all that.”
“At some point. Let’s enjoy tonight.”
When Raven saw Blake’s mother and father heading over, she said, “Here they come.”
“His parents?”
“They don’t think I’m good enough for him.”
Her father laughed. “I’m going to get Mamá for this.” He walked away.
“Hello, Ravenna,” Lucinda said first. There was kindness in her eyes.
“Excellent show, Ravenna,” Blake Sr. told her gruffly. “People are asking if the works are for sale. Of course I told them Parker’s wasn’t in the merchandizing industry, but they could contact you directly.”
“I would never sell my paintings.”
“Why on earth not?”
“Why would I want only one person to enjoy them? A rich one at that. I want everybody to be able to see them.”
“I don’t understand you. But I won’t have to. Soon, you’ll be out of Blake’s life.”
Mamá and Papá joined them. Blake Sr. glanced at them, dismissed them with a simple nod. “We’ll be going.”
“Wait. Don’t you want to meet my parents?’
An impatient expression on his face. “I suppose.”
She bit the inside of her mouth, before she said, “Blake and Lucinda Parker, meet my parents, King and Queen Gentileschi from the sovereign state of Casarina.”
* * *
Blake pulled up to her house and the car was met by a man and woman. Her bodyguards! Hell, the whole night had been like a movie.
“Dr. Parker.” The woman spoke first. Of course, a female would be in charge of any detail for Raven. And probably all the sisters.
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“Hello. I’m here to see Ravenna. If you call her—”
“No need. She told us to send you in. You can pull into the driveway and we’ll unlock the front door.”
After he parked, he crossed to the porch and then went inside. One called out, “Princess Ravenna, your gentleman caller is here.”
Gentleman caller! Maybe the night was more like a Tennessee Williams play.
Raven raced into the room. Her hair bounced in a ponytail, and she was wearing baggy p.j. bottoms and a T-shirt that was four sizes too big. Looking more like a teenager than a soon-to-be-famous artist, she threw herself at him. He heard, “Thank you, Angelina. We’ll be fine now.”
“I can see that,” the guard said with amusement.
When the door closed, she kissed him soundly then slid down to her feet. “Do you want something?”
“Just you.”
She practically dragged him to her bedroom.
They ripped off their clothes.
They dove into bed.
And made hurried, breathless love.
When she rolled off him, he lay back in her pillow and sighed.
She cuddled in. “What a day!”
He stroked his fingers down her arm. “I can hardly believe it was only this morning that we found the painting had been slashed.”
“A lot happened in the course of twenty-four hours.”
“Hmm.” He came up on his side and crooked his elbow, rested his head in his palm. “So, you introduced my parents to yours?”
“I had no choice. They met up. Didn’t you think they would?”
“I don’t know what I was thinking, today was such a whirlwind. I guess I wish I had been there.”
“They left soon after.”