Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 102566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
This is our last chance to make things right with Carlucci. After one failed wedding attempt, Gustavo has every right to be pissed, and as I watch him walk up to the Estate with his stunning daughter in tow, I know it's up to me to deliver on the promises my father has made to this rich, influential bastard.
I was never going to marry for love anyway. I'm not one of those sentimental fucking pansies that cry at the sight of a sunset. I fuck women because I can, and I hurt them because they let me, and I goddamn want to. I've had my fair share of pussy, but none like Nicoletta Carlucci.
I drink her in as she walks into the grand hall. From the moment I first saw her, Nicoletta commanded my attention. With her ice blonde hair and those striking blue eyes, I knew she was a woman that not only turned heads, but changed lives too. She's sure as fuck going to change mine.
"Hello," I greet her with a cool smile. "Nice to see you again."
A pretty, rose-colored flush creeps into her cheeks almost instantly. "It's nice to see you, too."
"Missed me?" I smirk.
"I don't think that's a-appropriate," Nicoletta struggles with a reply, blushing an even deeper shade of pink.
She's embarrassed…good. She fucking should be.
"Hello, young man," Gustavo greets me with a nod. "Everything is well, I hope? Where is your father?"
"Unfortunately, he's not feeling well today," I say. "He sends his apologies, but he's under strict doctor's orders to stay in bed today. But I'll show you to your quarters now. Are you going to be staying with us, Signore?"
Gustavo eyes me uncertainly, grumbling, "Well, I wasn't sure. But I suppose with the wedding coming up so soon, there's no reason for me to be the third wheel around here. Just promise me you won't disrespect me, Ryder."
"Of course not," I reply firmly. "I respect both you and your daughter too much to do that." The lie slips easily from my lips.
Nicoletta beams at me.
I don't feel a single pang of guilt for doing this to her.
She and Gustavo deserve what they have coming.
"I'll say my goodbyes, then," Gustavo mutters as his daughter faces him.
I watch them interact with a curiosity. I don't quite understand my new fiancée's relationship with her father. She seems, on one hand, utterly devoted to doing whatever the fuck he wants her to do, and on another, eager to get away from him. Whether it's because she's afraid or because she's lying to him as well ‒ I don't know yet ‒ but I fully intend on finding out both their secrets.
"Goodbye, papa," Nicoletta whispers, embracing her father.
He stiffly returns a pat on the back and pulls away. "I'll see you soon." He nods. "Don't forget to call me sometimes. I lead a lonely life at the Villa. Don't forget your old papa now that he's found you a husband."
"Of course not." Nicoletta smiles, daintily waving as Gustavo retreats to his car.
A moment later, the limousine that brought them both here is leaving, and it's just me and Nicoletta now, with so many unspoken things between us the air itself seems to be heavy with anticipation.
"While the maids prepare your rooms and take your luggage up, I thought we could take a stroll through the gardens," I suggest. "The roses are blooming this time of the year and it's quite a spectacular sight to behold."
"Of course." Nicoletta nods eagerly.
She's so fucking easy. I've got her wrapped right around my little finger. "Shall we?"
She takes me by the arm and we head back outside. The sun is high in the sky but not unpleasantly hot as I guide her through the hedges of our well-kept garden to my favorite part, where the roses climb tall trellises.
Nicoletta delights in their beauty, eyes widening as she takes in all the species and colors of the flowers we have here. "These gardens are so beautiful," she whispers as she takes a long look around. "I love it here. It's so peaceful."
I don't answer her, hands crossed behind my back as I follow her down the path. She doesn't know where we're heading next, but I do.
I guide her deeper into the gardens to where the labyrinth is. It's somewhat old fashioned to keep one here, but I think Father likes the whimsy of it. It isn't as intimidating today, with the sun bright in the sky, but at night time, the maze can be frightening. Which is exactly the reason I brought Nicoletta here.
Unbeknownst to her, I've been quietly testing her knowledge this whole time. But today... Today, I will finally reveal whether Nicoletta Carlucci is the filthy little liar I'm presuming her to be.
She would never admit it out loud, of course, but I have my suspicions. She's triggered them a few times now, but today, I will find out for sure.