Page 61 of Reckless Vow

But there is an undeniable compassion the man probably tries to hide. Actions speak louder than words and all that.

Like when he ditched an important event to hold my hair while I puked. Saar told me his business partner was pissed about that.

Or when he changed his entire life to marry me.

The heat from his hand curls through me, and instinctively I lean into his touch.

“Brooklyn, I’ve been trying to reach you all day.” My great uncle starts with an accusation.

His attitude erases all my other thoughts. I roll my eyes and straighten up. “What do you need?”

Baldo nods his approval with my stance.

“I wanted to invite you and Baldassare to dinner on Friday.”

God, I hate how he calls us both by our full given names. My great uncle would look great in a coffin with a wailing widow throwing herself at him, knowing she’s the one who poisoned him.Not the time for these visions, Brook. Not the time.

We can’t have dinner with him. Nooooo, I mouth, dropping my head to the counter and banging it softly.

We’re nowhere near ready to fake it in front of my scrutinizing great uncle.

“Rupert,” Baldo says jovially. “I’m here with Brook. Thank you for your invitation, but we’ll have to decline.”

A moment of silence descends on the other side of the line while I stare wide-eyed at Baldo, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

“Why is that? As you know, I raised concerns about the validity of your marriage, and I think it’s important we meet to clear any objections.”

“Well, Rupert, I appreciate that you’re trying to fulfill your duties as the executor of the will to the last ridiculous stipulation, but Brook and I are not available on Friday.”

“I’d strongly suggest you make yourself available.”

God, this might not be the best time to rebel. I chew on my cuticle, considering agreeing to the dinner.

“I don’t appreciate your tone,” Baldo says coldly. I don’t necessarily love when he takes this tone with me, but it’s fucking sexy now. “But since you’re concerned about the validity of our marriage, you’ll be pleased to hear we can’t accept your dinner invitation because we’re leaving tomorrow.”

I bite my lip to stifle a chuckle, grateful for Baldo’s no-bullshit attitude.

My glee turns to shock when he adds, “On our honeymoon.”

Chapter18

Baldo

“You don’t have a guest room?”

Brook looks around at the open concept of my apartment in Lisbon.

It’s a three thousand square feet attic room with one side of the roof made of glass.

My housekeeper hates the feature, but I love it. Not that in the middle of the city there is a chance to see the stars, but still.

“But you have enough room for your dancing.” I smirk, but she glowers.

With the state-of-the-art kitchen in one corner and a custom-made bed on the opposite side, the room has been designed with a minimalistic approach.

Under the row of windows, near the bedroom corner, I have a desk, a sitting area in the middle, and a dining table beside the kitchen island.

I can see how there is no privacy anywhere in the cavernous space. Besides the bathroom and walk-in closet. But I never bring anyone here, so it’s not like I need privacy from myself.

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