Page 30 of Cruelest Contract
“Sure you can. You always knew how to deal with shit. Much better than I ever did. I’ll call you, okay?”
“Okay.” I fight off a wave of panic. “Gabriel?”
But he doesn’t hear me say his name. The connection has already been broken and a hollow sense of foreboding hasn’t disappeared.
I’ve never known life without my twin. He’s never asked me for anything and now he needs me. He has faith that I can succeed in navigating the Tempestas’ world.
I’ll prove he’s right. He’d do no less for me.
With new determination, I flip through my journal and locate the pages where I’ve written the names of the four Tempesta brothers. I start with the youngest brother and work my way backwards.
FORTUNATO TEMPESTA:
Definitely not the most obnoxious of the group but he has his moments. At times he seems to be annoyed when his brothers act up but will also strike backwhen tested. Smirked without a hint of shame when I caught him openly staring at my breasts during dinner.
GAETANO TEMPESTA:
Chaos takes a human form. He’s the Angelo in this family, only worse. Appears to take genuine delight in offending people and I’m his newest target. I have no idea if Getty believes he’s flirting or if he’s just totally deranged.
TIBERIUS TEMPESTA:
Kind of like an oversexed circus bear. Perpetually laughing at things that aren’t funny. It remains to be seen if he’s constantly drunk or if this is just his personality. Due to his brief career in pro hockey, there’s more internet material on him than his brothers. He enjoys public fist fights the way other people enjoy eating candy bars.
JULIAN TEMPESTA:
Julian is….
The words come to a screeching halt.
It’s impossible to sum up Julian Tempesta in a few sentences. He’s by far the most mature and always the first to take charge. It’s obvious that he is highly intelligent. I suspect he’s also uniquely cunning and calculating. Yet he’s gone out of his way to make me feel welcome here so I don’t know how to categorize him.
All of the Tempesta brothers are staggeringly good looking. Sexy. Magnetic.
But Julian?
He sets my blood on fire with one look.
My instant and intense attraction to the eldest Tempesta brother is an earthquake that shakes me to the marrow. It’sdisruptive and alarming. He fascinates me in a way no other man ever has.
At the same time, Julian is difficult to read. He’s sharp and shrewd and careful about what he reveals. When he’s close, my skin tingles and a shiver rides up my spine.
If I’m not careful, the contest will be over before it starts and I’ll be owned by Julian Tempesta forever.
The sound of heavy footsteps in the hallway interrupts my thoughts. Then comes a harsh, staccato knock that shakes the door.
“Cecilia,” taunts a deep voice, “come out, come out.”
“We’ve waited long enough,” growls a second voice, more menacing.
I’m not yet able to tell them apart from their voices alone. But an outbreak of laughter is familiar enough. Tye is out there.
Maybe they areallwaiting on the other side of the door, Cassio Tempesta included.
The doorknob rattles and I flinch. I could hide under the bed. However, Louisa would surely fight me if I invaded her sanctuary. And it’s highly unlikely the Tempesta brothers wouldn’t think to search there.
As I stand up, I check to make sure my robe is securely closed. Why didn’t I change to real clothes after my shower? There’s nothing more vulnerable than confronting a throng of strange, virile men while wearing a powder pink granny nightie.
“CEC-EEE-LEE-AAA,” they chant in unison.
