Page 83 of Caruso
She runs her hand over the polished wood that gleams with her reflection. Flowers sit on the surfaces, scenting the room with roses and jasmine. Mirrors reflect the light, and a chandelier sparkles overhead. The ranch is a masculine space, but this room is the most powerful one here.
I wonder how long it will take before she realizes how much power she has. We would do anything for her already, and she doesn’t even know it.
I jerk my thumb toward an archway where an emperor-sized bed, scattered with silk cushions, is waiting.
“You sleep in there, and also through there is a closet and bathroom. This space is yours. Only the invited get a pass inside, and you will enjoy your solitude if that is what you crave.”
I head to the huge doors and point outside. There are balconies off every room upstairs, with a private terrace to enjoy the mountain air. “You will find comfortableseating, and the heater is for the chill. Inside the fireplace is activated by remote control; the real fires are reserved for the rooms downstairs.”
I note the wonder in her expression as I add, “There is a sauna and steam room out by the pool that is half inside and half outside, with a glass screen acting as a barrier against the weather. You will find the mini spa down there along with the gym. We have access to a local company that will send staff should you require a massage, nails or any beauty treatment. Outside are stables where you can arrange lessons or take a horse for a trek through the mountains. I wouldn’t advise to go without a guide. There are skis in the lodge and jet skis, snowboards and bicycles. If you prefer tennis, there is a court to the rear of the spa.”
“Stop!” Taylor gasps. “I can’t believe it. It’s as if this is a spa escape for one.”
“For two actually.” My eyes gleam as she stares at me in surprise.
“I’m not leaving you here alone. None of us will. If you are not with me, you will be with one of my brothers.”
“Why? Is it dangerous or something?” She is teasing, but I’m not laughing.
“We have our reasons.”
“Your job?”
“I’m not divulging my reasons.”
I cut the conversation dead and am surprised when she hisses, “You’re a hypocrite, Tommaso.”
I spin on my heels and pin her with my darkenedgaze, noting her lip tremble as her eyes flare with fear, but her lips are set in a firm line.
“Explain.” I fold my arms, striking a defensive pose because there is no fucking way I’m letting Taylor into my mind, or my heart for that matter.
“You demand of me what you are reluctant to give back. How can I stay when you are hiding something from me? It’s rude.”
I raise my eyes. “Rude?”
“Yes, rude because so far I have spilled all my secrets, my doubts and emptied my soul to you and I have nothing left. You, on the other hand, speak but skirt around the main issues. How can I trust you or agree to stay with you if you won’t open up to me? You’re a stranger who wants my soul but hides his behind fear.”
“Fear?” I sense the rage building and do my best to quench it.
“You think you know real fear, Taylor?”
I advance slowly, my gaze damning her to hell, and yet she doesn’t flinch, merely stands her ground, and the determined set to her jaw reminds me of the one person who ripped out my heart.
It blinds me to anything but rage, and as I reach her, I push her back against the wall with a sudden movement, my hand flying to her throat as I hiss, “Your fear concerns what happened toyou. A shit upbringing and a life spent dodging corrupt men who merely want a piece of your ass. My heart weeps for you, princess, because it must suck being desired. You fear being used; that is no fear at all.”
She chokes as my hand tightens around her throat, and my fury consumes me as my heart breaks open and spills pain and madness into my soul. It’s as if I’m caught in a sudden storm and she is the only thing to hold onto, and as I crush her beneath my grasp and stare into her terrified eyes, shame washes over me and I drop her like a stone.
“Get dressed. I’ll meet you outside. We could use some air.”
As I walk away, I don’t look back because I don’t want her to see the monster I have become. Have always been, but it took one act to shed me of any morality, decency or faith that I had left, and I am fast coming to the realization that Taylor may not be up to the job.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Taylor
Every time I think I’ve found paradise, another contender lies just around the corner. The penthouse was out of this world, but this ranch is in another league.
I blink several times to remind myself this is real. I have never seen such a place, and it’s not the riches inside that have captured my attention. It’s outside. The mountains. The glorious design of Mother Nature, which man can never equal.
