“There is no news of the keys. If Serenity Woods has them, she has taken them on vacation with her because we managed to search her home when she left for the airport.”
“Where has she gone?”
“Florida.”
“When does she arrive?”
“She’s there now. We had her followed from the airport to a villa in Miami, and once again, searched the property when she was out getting supplies.”
“Has she met anyone in Florida?”
“Not yet, but we have someone watching her every move. If she does, then we will know about it.”
“And Morgan?”
I almost can’t say that woman’s name without spitting venom, and Spencer grins.
“Currently at one of Enrico’s properties in Milan. She returned from New York last week, where I believe she met with Raphael Demitri.”
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
My smile is a genuine one as Spencer nods, sharing my enthusiasm.
“That Milan is very nice at this time of year.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“Is it too soon to pay her a visit, though? We are still unsure of her plan.”
“Then we will have to ask her.”
“I’ll make the call.”
He grins, and my senses heighten, and anticipation builds. This has been a long time coming and I am desperate to end this once and for all, so while I wait for the chess pieces on my brother’s boards to align with mine, I turn my attention to the woman who will in my bed within a few short hours. I must complete my side of the arrangement, and it surprises me to discover I’m no longer reluctant about that. Tiffany has surprised me a lot. I imagined a timid, frightened, religious woman who would be horrified by me.
She is none of those things, certainly not timid and definitely not innocent, because her curiosity when I showed her the darker side of my life, revealed she was way more interested than she would prefer us to believe.
Walter heads out of the room and catches my attention.
“Mr. Ravera.”
“Call me Joseph.”
I extend my hand, and as he shakes mine, he says in a low whisper, “Thank you for arranging this visit. I owe you for that, but if you ever upset my granddaughter in even the slightest of ways, I will devote my last days on this earth to bringing you and your empire down, even if it costs me all the money I possess.”
It always amuses me when men threaten me. It’s almost refreshing, and yet Walter makes a valid case for his foolish statement. I would probably feel the same, so I let it slide with a firm, “I have no desire to add to Tiffany’s misery, Walter. Herfamily has done enough in that department. I am merely the messenger, so if you have a problem with me or my family, I’ll ask my father to explain.”
I love the color draining from his face as he contemplates what that would mean, and I shrug. “Five against one are the odds, Walter. Even you must admit the odds aren’t in your favor. In fact, I could do what the hell I want with your granddaughter and there is nothing you can do to stop me, but I thought I made it perfectly clear, I’m not interested in that. Tiffany deserves respect, and as my wife, she is protected by the ring on her finger. I take my vows seriously, and your granddaughter will not be a casualty in her father’s war. So, if you’ll excuse me, I would like to spend the rest of my wedding day with my wife.”
“Today?”
He shakes his head incredulously. “You married today and you are standing here now. That’s not very romantic, is it? Perhaps you should step up whatever game you’re playing and give her a reason to stay because Tiffany has been left in no doubt at all that she will always have a home with me.”
He smirks. “Congratulations, Joseph. May your life together be a long and happy one.”
He strides away from me and takes his words with him because none of them have hit home. I do what the fuck I like to whoever I like and right now I want to fuck my wife and fulfill my father’s orders and then get back to the hellish life I am attempting to mold into a liveable one.
* * *