Page 100 of Mercy (The Sins Trilogy 3)
He brushes his thumb over my cheek. “How about just because you deserve them? Children never factored into my decision.”
Something barren and cool in his tone makes me pause. I remember the way he stiffened when Yuna’s mom said we’ll have wealthy marriage and strong children. “Do you not think of having them?”
His thumb remains on my chin, but emotionally he’s withdrawing, his eyes shifting away.
No, he’s not doing this. We’re going to talk it out.“Tony.”
“We’re here,” TJ says.
Argh!Can he not see we’re talking about important stuff?
But the opportunity is lost. Tony kisses me. “Come on. Let’s check it out if you want to return to the city for the afternoon.”
I stare at him, wanting to have the talk now. But he’s too closed off, and he’s going to evade. And he has a perfect excuse to stall…for the moment.
TJ opens the door for me, and Tony is already out the other side. Bottling up my frustration, I step out. It won’t work to be upset with him now. We have a long enough drive back to the city afterward. And TJ better not interrupt us again.
Inhaling deeply, I calm myself and look around. The parking lot is sizable, and leads to a three-story stone structure. I’m not sure exactly what you’d call it. It’s too big to be a house, but not big enough to be a mansion.
Its door is open, and we step inside gingerly. Lots of wood, lots of stone with lots of polish. Beautiful artworks and priceless antiques whisper wealth. But none of it crass and classless like Sam’s. Tasteful and dignified, it signals respect and tradition.
A heavyset housekeeper in a starched uniform comes out. A bright smile splits her square face. “Welcome to the grove. Elizabeth told me guests would stop by this morning. Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thank you.” I want to get the tour over with as soon as possible so I can talk with Tony. Thankfully, he, TJ and Bobbi also decline.
“You can look around at your leisure, except for the third floor, because that’s reserved for the family. They’re private bedrooms, you know, but there are other rooms here for changing and so on. Mark’s bride did her prep in the sitting room. You’ll love this place. It’s beautiful. The kitchen’s fully equipped as well, if you’re curious. The family likes to host its annual Fourth of July party here.”
After thanking her for the explanation, Tony and I go out into the actual grove. Rows and rows of lime, lemon and orange trees grow in perfect formations. The air is saturated with the heady scent of citrus and flowers.
Despite the numerous fruit trees, it’s obvious the entire place is for a billionaire’s leisure and hobby. A man-made lake is artfully set with a water garden complete with water lilies and cannas. A few ducks, swans and koi all share it peacefully.
Standing in the center of the field, I envision how it’d be set up, the altar, the flowers, chairs. The sky’s going to be a pristine cloudless blue, the music live—maybe a quartet—and lots of tiger lilies and that chocolate sculpture, which sounded positively sinful.
Exchange vows. Kiss. Slide wedding bands on each other’s fingers.
My heart flutters with excitement.
“This is perfect,” I whisper in awe. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Tony says, putting an arm around my shoulder. “So this is it?”
“Yes, unless you don’t like it?” I ask.
“If you love it, I love it too.”
With a big smile, I start to turn toward him, my body pressing against him when I see a movement in my peripheral vision. Adrenaline jolts through me, my system primed for whatever danger coming our way.
“What’s wrong?” Tony asks, his muscles tense under my hand.
I swivel my head, my heart thundering. But it’s actually a couple in the shade a few yards away, cuddling lazily, the man’s arm around her slender shoulders.
Suddenly I feel a bit shaky at the realization I freaked out for nothing. Embarrassment replaces the fear. “Never mind.”
Tony turns to the direction I was looking at, then grins. “Hello.” He waves.
The man opens his eyes, then stands slowly. He helps the woman up.
We move closer to them. They must be Ryder’s cousins. They’re both seriously gorgeous. Silver glints in the man’s temples, and he has sharp eyes and finely carved features. His clothes are expensive and classic—a button-down shirt and perfectly pressed slacks and shiny shoes.
