Page 30 of Fairy Tale Marriage

“No.”

No? “Now I’m really worried. Ithink we’re overdo for a talk, don’t you?”

The door to Chaz’s office opened on her words and Doña Isabella appeared in the doorway. “I agree. We are long overdo for a talk,” she announced, her raven-black gaze raking them both with sharp reprimand. “Do you intend to stand there all day cooing like lovesick turtledoves or do you plan to grace me with your presence sometime in the near future?”

“I’m so sorry,” Shayne said. How could she have forgotten the Doña? Not that it took much thought. First Mojo and his meat cleaver and then Chaz’s embrace. It was enough to make her forget everything else—even a woman as formidable as this. “We’re coming right now.”

“I apologize for keeping you waiting,” Chaz said as soon as they took their seats. “I see Penny brought you coffee.”

“It is cold.”

“That’s what happens when you don’t drink it when it’s hot.”

“Doña Isabella prefers tea,” Shayne hastened to interrupt.

“Funny. Last time she said she detested tea.”

The Doña dismissed his comment with a sweep of her hand. “An old woman is permitted to change her mind. It is one of the few pleasures left at my age.”

“Yeah, and you take to it like a duck to water, don’t you?”

Laughter gleamed. “If you are asking whether I enjoy being difficult, the answer is yes. Ienjoy it quite thoroughly.”

“I can tell.” He planted his hands on top of his desk. “Let’s get down to it, shall we? You’ve met my wife. I’ve given you what you requested. Now give me what I want.”

The Doña’s mouth compressed, her thoughtful gaze settling on Shayne. “She is a lovely choice. Ididn’t expect you to show such wisdom.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

She sighed. “You haven’t told her, have you?”

“I planned to tonight.” His voice hardened. “You’ve jumped the gun a bit by showing up today.”

“Tell her now.”

His eyes flashed in warning. “Don’t push me, old woman.”

“Tell her now so I can be certain she won’t leave you once she knows the truth.”

“You have no right—”

Doña Isabella slammed her cane against the floor. “I have every right.”

“Go ahead, Chaz,” Shayne prompted. “If it will satisfy the Doña, get it out in the open.”

“Honey, Ireally did plan to tell you,” he explained regretfully. “Just not like this.”

That meant it was bad. She took a deep breath and fought for calm. She’d spent most of her life practicing self-control, learning to hide her thoughts behind an impassive mask. The years she’d spent with her aunt had honed that skill. And after her aborted marriage to Chaz, when her brother’s guilt had threatened to overwhelm them both, she’d worked hard to maintain a cheerful facade so he’d have peace. Whatever Chaz’s secret, she’d greet it with calm acceptance.

“It’s all right,” she assured. “I told you before we married I’d accept your secret. Imeant what I said.”

“Very well.” He seemed to gather inward, as though drawing his emotions under tight control. “Doña Isabella has something I want.”

“I gathered as much.”

“In order to get it, Ihad to meet her demands. The first was that I acquire a house.”

“Her other demand was a wife?”

“Yes.”

“And in return, she’d give you... what?”

He hesitated for a split second, then said gently, “In return, she’d give me my daughter.”

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