Page 38 of His Unexpected Heir

“I’m going to need your help,” she told her friend, then lifted her hand to knock on the door. “And Macie’s. Have you seen her?”

Bailey’s dreamy expression cleared and she shook her head. “Not since last night at dinner. She and Edward were arguing about something. I’m not really sure what. Those two seem to argue all the time and for no apparent reason.” She shrugged. “I don’t get it, but then again, I don’t know your assistant very well.” She grinned. “I’m guessing by the determined look in your eyes that you have a plan and I want to help.”

Astra was just about to turn away from Macie’s door, assuming that Macie had already gone downstairs for dinner, when the door abruptly opened. Astra and Bailey looked at the third woman, startled by the flushed appearance. Her hair was slightly mussed, but Macie was dressed and…and…something was off about her.

“Are you feeling okay?” Astra asked.

Macie reached up to run her fingers through her hair. “Of course. I’m perfectly fine. Why do you ask?”

“Your cheeks are a bit flushed,” Bailey pointed out.

“And you seem a little jittery.”

Macie shook her head. “No. I’m fine. Perfectly fine. Just…I just woke up. That’s all.”

“Your hair is wet.”

Macie’s eyes lifted, as if she could somehow see on top of her head. “Yes, well…I just…got out of the shower.”

Bailey and Astra stared at Macie for a long moment. Finally, Astra shook her head and said, “I need your help. I have a plan.”

“The festival series?” Macie asked, clapping her hands together. “You spoke to Antonio then? And he’s on board?”

Astra’s mouth fell open, then she blushed. “Um…well…” she looked at both women’s eager expressions and sighed. “Actually, we didn’t get around to discussing it,” she explained awkwardly. “But I’m sure I can get him on board with the idea of a regular series of festivals.” She rubbed her now-sweaty palms along her thighs. “This is a different idea.” She turned to Bailey. “I remember you telling us about how you used to sneak protein bars under the door to Matteo when he was locked in that attic room.”

Bailey shuddered. “Yeah, those were miserable nights for him.”

Astra’s heart clenched. “The same thing was done to Antonio, but he was locked into one of the cells in the castle’s dungeon,” she told the two, then nodded at their gasps of horror. “I know.” She took a breath, then continued. “Antonio plans to sell the castle because of his nightmare childhood. But I want to change his mind.”

Bailey and Macie looked at each other, then at Astra, their smiles growing. “We’re in,” Macie announced, speaking for both of them. “What do you have planned?”

Chapter 13

The following morning, Antonio watched as the ladies came down the stairs and he ached to pull Astra into his arms. He watched with jealousy as Matteo walked over to Bailey and did exactly that and kissed the top of her head.

He glanced over at Edward, wondering if he was irritated by the open display of affection. But there was an odd look on his friend’s face that…? Antonio looked at Astra’s assistant. Macie? He looked at Edward again and…sure enough, the two were glaring at each other! That was unexpected.

However, he didn’t have time to worry about them. He needed to figure out his own affairs. Specifically, his need to be with Astra. All the time. Every day and every damn night!

“What’s going on?” Matteo asked. “You ladies look like you are on a mission.”

Bailey hugged her husband, tilting her head back to look at him. “I’m going to help Astra and Macie today. You’re on your own.”

Matteo’s dark eyebrows lifted at that announcement. “What are you up to?” he asked.

She smiled and shook her head. “It’s a secret!”

Bailey said that as if everything were very hush hush, and gave her husband a pointed look.

Antonio pulled his eyes away from the happy couple and glared at Astra. “You need to have some breakfast before you go off,” he warned. Not simply because of the baby, he realized. His admonition was more because he wanted to be around her. He wanted to sit down and eat breakfast with her. Hell, he wanted to pull her into his arms just as his brother and sister-in-law were doing! He wanted to be openly affectionate with Astra and have her by his side.

But that was not to be, he reminded himself. And why would she want that with him? Antonio realized that he didn’t know how to be a good partner. His mother had left his father all those years ago. Antonio suddenly realized that the reason he’d never made a commitment to a woman, not even a short term, casual commitment, was because…because he didn’t believe he was loveable. Because his own father hadn’t loved him, his mother hadn’t dared to love him…how could anyone love someone so messed up?

He was so stunned by this realization that it nearly took his breath away. When he looked up, he stared right into Astra’s concerned eyes.

“Are you okay?” she asked, starting towards him. But something stopped her. Was there something about his demeanor that warned her away?

“I’m fine,” he replied, then rubbed a hand over his hair, trying to reconcile this latest revelation. “You need breakfast,” he repeated.

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