The bastard gets to put my son in bed and go to bed with his mother, so I doubt he’s spending his time sitting in front of the security monitors tonight. Someone will be, though. Adrian or Alec, maybe someone else. Who knows? But he would definitely have someone keeping an eye on our every move while we’re here.
“You seemed to get along tonight,” I remark.
“I’m not going to be mean to her,” Carly says, levelly. “I only went in nice because you told me she was the jealous type and I figured that was the best way to make her like me, but now I feel badly about the way everyone treats her. I’m not about to be mean to the mother of my boyfriend’s rape baby.”
I grimace. That’s harsh. I guess it’s accurate, but it’s still harsh. “We don’t know—”
“I know enough,” she states. “It’s not happening. I’d lose my woman card if I acted like that.”
“Wouldn’t want you losing your woman card.”
“I think it’s in jeopardy just because I’m in this house,” she informs me.
I crack a smile. “Possibly.”
“I should’ve made her an Easter egg wreath,” Carly says, shaking her head. “An Easter egg wreath could have solved all her problems.”
“Maybe you should make her a brookie.”
“Yes,” Carly says, brightening. “A brookie can solve all manner of ills. Good idea.”
“Francesca can probably hook you up,” I advise.
Her humor dims a bit. “Yes, Francesca Castellanos. Dying to see her.”
I turn my head to look at her. “You never slept with Sal, right?”
She shakes her head. “I didn’t. I knew girls who did.”
I grimace. “Maybe don’t share that.”
“It was before he met her. Once he got married, he was faithful as far as I know. God, I hate men. I hate knowing things about men. Maybe I am glad I got out of Chicago.”
“Too many ghosts in this city,” I agree.
“It is haunted, for sure.” She turns to look at me, eyebrows rising. “He didn’t rape your ex, too, right? Maybe he’s Dom’s dad.”
I roll my eyes. “No. Sometimes I swear he was attracted to her, though. I don’t know if I’m just paranoid about it, or what.”
Carly shrugs. “She is stunning.”
“And sweet. Loving. When she’s not cheating on you, she’s pretty great.”
Carly grimaces. “Maybe we don’t have to talk about this.”
“Obviously you’re also great.”
“I’m not insecure, I just don’t want to remind you why you like the ex you once kidnapped. Now she has your baby, so I don’t want to inspire a double kidnapping.”
My eyes widen slightly and I lean over to whisper in her ear, “Remember, there are cameras. Don’t say things like that unless you’re trying to get me killed.”
She wraps an arm around me since I’m over here, tugging me on top of her. “Then remember I hold your life in my hands and keep me happy.”
“Oh yeah?” I murmur, leaning down to kiss her. “And how should I do that?”
“Kissing me… just a lot lower.”
“There are cameras in here,” I remind her.
She smiles up at me, one of her sultry little smiles that always nail me. “I’m not shy.”
Chapter Twenty Two
Carly
After Vince leaves to go take care of his father’s burial arrangements, I wander around the house for a little bit. This place is seriously massive. I’m trying to find the library, but no one gave me a tour. They really need to design maps to hand out to visitors.
Finally, by a stroke of pure luck, I find the room with all the books.
Mateo glances up from his phone, but remains seated on the fancy couch. “Took you long enough.”
I laugh shortly, closing the door behind me and stepping inside. “Your house is a labyrinth. You could have mentioned where the library was located; I could’ve met you much faster.”
“I think I aged three years waiting,” he says, dryly.
“Yeah, well, I think I’ve aged three years since the plane landed in Chicago yesterday.”
He finishes whatever he’s doing on his phone, then slides it into his pocket, crosses his arms, and stares at me. “So, how’s he doing?”
“How do you think he’s doing?” I return, approaching a shelf of books and running my fingers along the spines. “He’s a mess. He’s hurt. He’s scared. Is the baby his?”
I’m not even sure I expect him to answer, but he surprises me by being forthright. “Biologically, yes.”
I sigh heavily, rolling out the tension in my shoulders. “You could have prepared me for that. That was an unpleasant surprise.”
“No, I had to leave a surprise or two on the table. He might’ve suspected something if you were too well prepared.”
“Yeah, but a rape baby is sort of a big deal. A dealbreaker, some might say.”
He shrugs, like he couldn’t care less. For all the trouble he’s gone to, you’d think he must care, but he doesn’t seem to as he says, “Then break the deal. You only have to last the rest of this week. I know we discussed a full year, but you’ve done well; I’ll let you out early for good behavior. As soon as Mia’s satisfied that he’s happily moved on, your job is done and you’re free to go. If you leave him as soon as you board the plane back, I’ll still be satisfied.”