Page 25 of Forbidden Noble
Olivia had been a better choice to run things here. Clara would be better than him as well. Olivia said, “I learned not to trust men’s words and instead trust their actions.”
Clara glanced toward the dining hall and library off to the side. He never went there. She asked, “What will you do if Astorre and I stay, like you desire?”
“I get to travel now.” His sister walked with them to the dining hall, avoiding the library, as she said, “And not have to make decisions that the bank's interests are fair or not fair, or to decide property disputes of villagers who want to build a pool in their backyard.”
Being fair was part of the job here which was why he’d come back whenever Olivia had demanded he settle something major that she couldn’t handle. He took the seat at the head of the table while the two women flanked him on both sides. “Olivia, this place needs you.”
Olivia motioned for the servants to bring plates of prosciutto and oyster penne, which meant the next dish would also be fish today.
He hadn’t had anything better than home-food in all his travels and he unfolded his napkin as his sister said, “No, Astorre. Montelino Bay needs you, not me.”
Sexism wasn’t something he believed. Men did not make better leaders because of their sex. He picked up his fork. “I’m not cut out…”
His sister reached for his arm. “Find the lost key of our mother’s. Find her message that she left for us that the doctor’s said existed.”
He’d spent months avoiding his mother’s message and then he'd left. His sister complained that she couldn’t find the key to his closet where he’d hidden whatever Mother had written before he ran toward boarding school. His voice cracked when he said, “I can’t.”
Olivia straightened in her chair. “You can. Then you can take your rightful place as the Duke of Modena.” She turned toward Clara. “Our mother… the doctors couldn’t save her but she told them a message to write down for Astorre. He’s never read it as it scared him when he was a boy. I think it might help him take his place. Forgive the past.”
“I understand,” Clara said. “I wish either set of my parents had written to me before they'd died.”
Olivia tapped her cheek. “Your parents died when you were just born, no? During the uprising…”
His sister hadn’t been told much about Clara. He finished his pasta and then said, “Clara was adopted as an infant by an American couple who then died themselves later on, so she was raised by her adoptive grandmother who never told her or never knew that Clara was an Avcean noble.”
“I see,” his sister said as the staff took their pasta plates and brought outmerzulla alla romana, with a side ofproschittosalad, his favorite fish meal as a boy.
Clara’s eyes widened at the second course. “This is too much.”
The mid-lunch was typical here and no one cared they’d already eaten at their friend’s. Once they were all served Clara said, “I found out the day I married your brother my own history, but that doesn’t matter. We’re happy.”
“Then I’m delighted to turn over Montelino Bay to you,” Olivia said.
They ate the meal in silence--he savored his favorite dish as his mind raced.
The last thing he needed was more nightmares, which were guaranteed if he slept here.
The staff brought in tiramisu and coffee. Olivia pointed to have hers served outside and then excused herself. “It was nice to meet you, Clara. Maybe I’ll see you both for dinner.”
“How are you all fit when you eat like this?” Clara patted her belly. “I’m stuffed from all the food.”
The American diet favored the last meal which was probably the unhealthiest, as rest happened too fast, but the lifestyle there had been created around factory work instead of living to the fullest.
He sipped his coffee. “In a few hours, we’ll have the mid-afternoon snack. Life in the castle is full of tradition, but to relax your mind, Clara, dinner is often much lighter as lunch is the main meal.”
Clara laughed. “This was a lot but so good.”
His body grew hard as he stared at his wife. He’d had her countless times now, but he wanted her again as she finished her dessert. “Your sister seems nice.”
“What did you expect?” He hoped to bring her back to their room and forget there were things to do here.
Her eyes were bright so she clearly wasn’t having the same thoughts… yet. He’d have to steer the conversation his way. Clara said, “I hadn’t met her so I’m glad to be wrong.”
“About?” His lips pressed together. His sister wasn’t on his mind.
She leaned closer and whispered like she’d share a secret. “I wondered if maybe she was plotting to take your title and your estate and then maybe marry Max after you were penniless.”
The idea seemed beyond crazy. He massaged the back of his head like he might find understanding. “Why did you-”
