Secret Paradise (Kimani Romance) (17 page)

Chapter 22

“A
re you sure you don’t want to come back with us?” Monica asked her sister as she packed her suitcase.

She and J.D. had stayed an extra three days to be with Nikki while Lucian traveled to the mainland to talk to the police. Callia and Nikki had also spoken to them and given their statements, but Lucian had made sure the meeting was brief, and with his influence the officers followed his orders and were soon gone.

Strangely, despite their horrendous ordeal, Callia had recovered quickly. She didn’t have any nightmares and her mood seemed oddly buoyant. It was when Nikki saw Callia putting a flower in a vase that she discovered the reason why.

“Dante and I are friends again. We sat on the beach and talked like we did in the old days, and today Dante gave this to me. My favorite flower, which he picked up from a vendor on the mainland.”

Nikki looked at the variety of flowers that surrounded her in the house and even beyond, in the garden. She knew that to Callia none of them mattered. “It’s beautiful.”

“Yes, it’s my favorite color, too, red. He told me that he’s so glad that I’m safe and how brave I was to escape and lead them back to the cave, and then he handed me this.”

Nikki bit her lip, tempted to warn Callia not to make too much of it, but she didn’t want to remove the joy on the young woman’s face in the slightest way. She deserved this recaptured happiness.

“I know it’s nothing much,” Callia said, as if Nikki had spoken aloud. “But I’ll keep it forever, because it means that just for a moment, he was thinking of me.”

“That’s right.”

Callia smelled the flower and sighed. “I’m so glad we’re friends again.”

“Yes.”

She sent Nikki a coy look. “And in a few years I’ll convince him that we can be a lot more.”

Nikki couldn’t help a smile. It seemed clear that Callia was quickly heading toward womanhood and would soon learn the power of her looks and the mastery of feminine charm.

Nikki thought of that now as she sat on the bed and watched her sister close up her suitcase. Dante’s gift and Callia’s happiness had given her an idea. “I do need your help,” she said, jumping off the bed.

“With what?”

“I need you to help me pack.”

“You’ve decided to come with us? Not that I blame you. You’ve been through a lot and need a break from this place.”

“Come on. I don’t want Lucian to see me.”

“Why not?” Monica asked as she followed her sister to her room.

Nikki entered her bedroom and pulled out her suitcase.

“You can’t just leave without saying goodbye.”

Nikki opened her armoire. “That’s right. I need to leave him a note.”

“I think you should say what you want to say in person.”

“Not yet. I need you and J.D. to do something for me.”

“Anything.”

Nikki told Monica what she’d planned, and as Monica listened, a smile spread on her face.

Basilio sat in Lucian’s study, wondering why Lucian had called the meeting. It had been over a week since the event with Iona, and his brother had barely spoken to him. Not that there had been much time. Lucian had spent lots of time on the mainland and then a few days ago he’d taken Dante and Callia and gone on a trip with Nikki, Monica and J.D. to his home in England, because Monica had asked him to. He’d invited Basilio to join them, but Basilio felt like an outsider and offered to stay behind.

But he didn’t stay on the island. Instead he rented a room on the mainland and drank himself into a pitying stupor for a few days, until he realized he was being stupid. He was an outsider because of his own stupidity. He liked life to be easy and whined whenever it wasn’t. When his mother died, he’d gone to Lucian for help. When he needed work, he turned to Lucian to give it to him. Not once had he given his brother anything. That was why he’d worked with Monica to get Nikki to come and redesign the place. And she’d made the place great and made his brother happy, and he’d nearly ruined it.

Basilio ended his pity party, ready to prove to his brother that he hadn’t made a mistake by letting him stay. He would run the villas and make sure that everything was in order. He would come up with ideas. See what other holdings his brother had and see how he could help. Maybe Lucian would let him oversee one of his investments or businesses and give him the opportunity to make it even more successful. He felt a new ambition filling him. He would never be some woman’s pansy again.

Now Lucian was back, J.D. and Monica were heading back home and his brother had ordered to see him. What did his brother want to say to him? Was he going to tell him to leave? He looked over at Dante, who stood by the corner. Did his brother have to shame him in front of that bastard? He didn’t want to have to plead with him to give him another chance, but he would, because it wasn’t just that Lucian was the only immediate family he had left. He loved him. His brother meant everything to him.

He couldn’t blame Lucian for wanting to send him away. He’d probably do the same. He knew he could find a job somewhere else, but it wouldn’t be the same. He’d miss everything here. He was a different man now. Hell, he even liked cats. After seeing what Lethe had done to Iona, he’d thought of getting one for himself. But it wasn’t just that he’d changed; this place, Callia, Nikki and Lucian had become his home and family, and he didn’t want to give them up.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” Lucian said, coming into his study and walking over to his desk.

“I know I messed up,” Basilio said, ready to defend himself. “And you have every right to be angry with me—”

“You’re forgiven,” Lucian interrupted.

Basilio stopped, with his mouth open. He closed it and stared at his brother a moment. “What?”

“That’s not why I asked to see you.”

Basilio shifted in his seat. “Why then?”

“I thought we should have an official family reunion.”

Basilio jerked his finger at Dante. “Then why the hell is he here?”

“Because he’s family.”

Basilio rose to his feet. “What?”

“He’s our half brother.”

“Is this a joke?”

Dante folded his arms. “No.”

“He knows why we never saw Dad again,” Lucian said.

Basilio turned to Dante, then back to Lucian. “Do I really want to hear this?”

Dante shrugged. “It’s up to you. If you’re too scared—”

Basilio spun to him. “I’m not scared of anything.”

“Stop taunting him,” Lucian said. “Tell him.”

Dante sighed and let his hands fall to his sides. “Our father liked to juggle women. My mother met him after your mother. She didn’t know about her when she married him.”

“Our father was a bigamist?”

“A polygamist.”

“There were more?”

“Two more.”

Basilio collapsed into his seat and covered his eyes. “I don’t believe this.”

“Well, he juggled his women well until one found out about the other and—”

“Killed him?”

“It was never proven,” Lucian said.

“My mother learned about Lucian and the connection to my father and encouraged me to contact him. I needed the work, so I did,” Dante said.

Basilio looked at Lucian, amazed. “How many more secrets do you have?”

Lucian sent him a level stare. “Hopefully no more than you.”

Basilio sighed and held up his hands. “None. I have no secrets to keep.”

“Good. Me too.”

“Me three,” Dante said. “This doesn’t change anything. I still think you’re a brainless dummy.”

Basilio frowned. “And you’re an officious idiot.”

Dante held out his hand. “But I’d prefer you as a brother than as an enemy.”

Basilio shook it. “Agreed.”

Lucian stood. “Good. Now, which one of you will help me choose a ring? The idiot or the dummy?”

Dante jerked his head at Lucian and looked at Basilio. “What do you think we should call him?”

“Nothing that he’ll let us get away with.”

Dante laughed. “You’re right.”

Lucian leaned back in his chair. “You haven’t answered my question.”

Basilio rubbed his hands together. “So you’re going to make it official with Nikki?”

Lucian glanced at his watch. “I have the jeweler scheduled for this time.” There was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Lucian said, and the jeweler came in and laid out his selection.

“Don’t you want to wait a few days?” Dante said, ever cautious.

“I think he should seize the moment,” Basilio said, eager to help his brother make the right choice. “Don’t let her get away.”

Chapter 23

W
ith a ring chosen, Lucian went to Nikki’s room, ready to surprise her. He knocked on the door, then opened it. He stopped when he saw the sight before him. Her bed was made and all her things were gone. He turned when he heard footsteps and saw Callia stroking Pauline as she walked down the hall.

“Have you seen Nikki?” he asked her.

“I saw her going with Monica and J.D. to the helicopter.”

“Was she carrying bags?”

“Yes,” Callia said slowly. “I thought they were her sister’s.” She placed Pauline on the floor. “Why? What’s wrong?”

“I’m sure it’s nothing.”

Callia pushed past him and looked in the room. “She’s taken everything! She’s gone without saying goodbye.”

Lucian patted her shoulder. “Don’t get upset. I’m sure there’s a reason. Go. I’ll figure out what’s going on.”

“She wouldn’t leave us like this.”

Lucian smiled and turned away. She would. She had. She’d taken her things and gone. Maybe it had all been too much for her. He took the ring out of his pocket and stared at it. He’d been as foolish as poor Benjamin. She wasn’t a woman a man could hope to pin down.

“Well, what did she say?” Basilio said when he met Lucian in the foyer.

“She’s not here,” Lucian said, walking past him to go to the terrace.

“She has to be here.”

“But she’s not.”

“Where is she, then?”

“She’s just taking her sister to the mainland,” Dante said, overhearing them. “It was arranged.”

Lucian took a seat. “Was it also arranged that she take all her things with her?”

Dante hesitated, taken aback by the question. “No. But she wouldn’t—”

“It seems she has. She’s gone.”

“There must be some sort of mistake.”

“There’s no mistake.”

Basilio swore. “Women.” He got the attention of one of the servants and said, “Get me a drink.”

Dante lit up a cigarette.

Lucian watched them and wondered which vice he should take up. He held his hand out to Dante. “Give me one,” he said, nodding to the cigarette.

“You don’t smoke.”

“That’s not the point.”

“I don’t trust you with matches.”

Lucian lifted an eyebrow. “Are you trying to be funny?”

“I’m not giving you a cigarette. It’s not a habit you should start.”

“You can’t stop me.”

“No, but you can buy your own pack.”

Callia raced out. “Uncle Lucian! Uncle Lucian!”

He sat up. “What?”

She waved a piece of paper. “She left you a note. I found it in her room.” She handed it to him.

Lucian rubbed his eyebrow and stared at it.

“Open it, for goodness’ sakes,” Basilio said with impatience.

“I will.”

When Lucian didn’t move to open it, Basilio said, “Let me read it if you don’t want to. I’m used to bad news.”

“How do you know it’s bad?” Callia said.

“He doesn’t,” Dante replied. “Lucian, read it when you’re ready.”

Basilio snatched the note. “He’s ready now.”

Dante took it from him. “No, he’s not.”

“Careful,” Callia cried. “You’ll rip it.”

Lucian held out his hand. “It’s mine and I’ll read it.”

Dante gave the note to him, and they all waited as he carefully unfolded it and read it.

“Well?” Basilio said when his brother remained silent.

He handed it to him.

“‘I hope you won’t be angry with me,’” Basilio read, “‘but I couldn’t help myself. I did it, anyway.’” He looked at Lucian, confused. “Did what, anyway?”

Lucian shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“I hate riddles.”

Dante took the note. “That’s because they force you to think. I’m sure there’s a clue in here.”

Basilio folded his arms, smug. “Bet you can’t figure it out, either.”

“What would Nikki want to do for you?” Callia asked.

Lucian shook his head, stumped. What else was there that she thought would upset him? She’d done everything for him, and he hadn’t made any part of his life off-limits except… “I think I know what she means,” he said and headed inside.

“What?” Basilio asked as they all followed him.

Lucian didn’t reply until he reached his bedroom. Then he stopped and said, “Wait,” as Callia began to open the door. “I can do this.” He took a deep breath, then opened it. It was just as he’d suspected. Nikki had redesigned his bedroom. There was no more darkness, but bright sunlight filtered in, covering the new flooring and furniture. He stood amazed by all of it, but what caught his attention most was Nikki, who lay on the bed in a silk two-piece with rose petals surrounding her.

She sat up when she saw them. “Oh, I didn’t expect an audience.”

Lucian stepped into the room and shamelessly closed the door behind him so that they could be alone. “Now your audience is only me.”

“It was tricky getting this done. I drew a quick sketch, then had everything shipped in and stored while we were in England. Then, while you were in your office, I had to get everything into place.”

Lucian approached the bed. “Hmm.”

“How do you like the room?” Nikki asked, a little uneasy with his silence.

His gaze swept over her body. “It’s nice.”

“Nice? It’s more than nice. You’re not even looking at it.”

“I am,” he said, his gaze never leaving her. “I really like the bed.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I like how you put yourself in the middle of it.”

“I thought you might. Check the closet.”

He halted. “Why?”

“Just do it.”

Lucian went over to the closet and opened it, to see Nikki’s clothes hanging alongside his.

“We’ll eventually need more closet space,” Nikki said.

“Clearly.”

“Do you like your surprise?”

He took the ring out of his pocket. “Only if you want to make it official.”

Nikki stared at the beautiful symphony of stones.

“I’m not getting down on one knee,” Lucian said.

Nikki held out her hand. “I didn’t expect you to.” She wiggled her fingers and he slid the ring on. “So are you going to ask me?”

“Do I have to?”

“Yes.”

“Will you marry me?”

She playfully bit her lip. “Can I think about it?”

Lucian raised both eyebrows. “Do I look like Benjamin?”

“Definitely not.”

Lucian unbuttoned his shirt. “You have thirty seconds, or I’ll withdraw my offer.”

“You drive a hard bargain.”

He tossed his shirt on the floor. “I’ve been told I can be ruthless.”

Nikki undid his trousers. “But not with me.”

“No, never with you.” He removed his trousers and climbed on top of her. “So, what’s your answer?”

Nikki stared up at him and slid her hand down his thigh. “My answer all depends on you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Do you love me?”

Lucian paused, and a black river of fear swept through Nikki as his silence lingered. She feared that she’d asked too much of him. That once again she’d ruined a sacred moment between them and broken a bond. That the light in his eyes would grow dim and the wall that had been slowly falling around his heart would start to go back up. But Lucian cupped the side of her face, his eyes a radiant green, which had her hypnotized, and when he finally spoke, his voice had a tenderness she had never heard before.

“You once told me that love was like water.” His thumb brushed gently against her lower lip and his voice deepened. “But if I could own every sea, river and ocean in this world, it still would not be enough to hold the love I feel for you.”

Nikki was too overcome with sweet joy to form any words, so she just threw her arms around him and held him close.

“Callia knew you would stay.”

“She has a special gift.” Nikki raised her voice an octave. “I’ll let her help me select my wedding dress.”

They both smiled when they heard a yelp of pleasure behind the closed door, but neither left the room for a very long time.

* * * * *