Page 32 of The Killer Cupcake
Willa's face crumpled like paper in flames. She fled from the parlor, her sobs echoing through the grand hallways. Kathy sighed deeply, watching her disappear up the mahogany staircase. She glanced over at Pinkie, who stood quietly in the corner and gave her another subtle nod of approval.
“Keep an eye on her, make sure she doesn’t leave her room,” said Kathy.
“You think she’ll defy you, mam?” Pinkie asked.
“I would,” Kathy shrugged.
Pinkie nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
Despite the guilt gnawing at her conscience, she knew she was doing the right thing. Instead of following to comfort Willa, Kathy went to join the men, pushing the screen door open and stepping out to the long wraparound porch where Jean-Baptiste shared a pitcher of sweet tea with Carmelo. The men were deep in conversation about the upcoming boxing match, and she caught a glimpse of genuine concern in Carmelo's dark eyes. But their discussion ceased abruptly when they noticed her approach.
"JB, I want to thank you for the wonderful day you gave Willa. She's never had so much fun in her entire life," Kathy said graciously.
Jean-Baptiste gave her a curt nod, his green-colored eyes unreadable.
"Unfortunately, my answer remains no. Willa is only seventeen—we think. We don't even know her real age for certain. She's young and inexperienced. I am her guardian, and it wouldn't be appropriate for her to keep company with gentlemen callers." Kathy's voice grew stronger with conviction. "I know she's upset with me, and I'd like to invite you to join us for dinner before we leave New Orleans, but this must be goodbye." She extended her hand with finality.
For one brief, unmistakable moment, she caught a flash of raw anger in JB’s golden eyes—something cold and predatory that made her blood run chill. But it dissolved as quickly as mercury, replaced by the practiced smile that rose to his lips like a curtain falling over a stage.
He stood, he stepped forward, and shook her hand with perfect composure. "I thank you for allowing her to spend the day with me. She is truly a special young lady, and I appreciate you considering my request." His voice was honey-smooth. "Would it be acceptable if I went inside to say goodbye?"
Kathy glanced toward Carmelo, who gave her a slight turn of his head in disapproval. “Time for you to leave,” Carmelo said.
"Bien sûr, chérie," JB replied with that charming smile, then turned and went down the steps. Kathy walked to the edge of the deck and watched as he got into his shiny ride and drove away.
Kathy released a long, weary sigh and sank into the wicker chair beside Carmelo.
"You're going to make a wonderful mother someday," Carmelo said softly, admiration evident in his voice.
"You think so?" Kathy smiled.
"I know so. I'll trust our daughters to your wisdom," he said, taking her hand, he pulled her from her chair to come over and join him in his. She gently plopped down onto his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck, breathing in his familiar scent.
"I feel terrible. I know how desperately she wants to be loved and free—I understand that feeling better than anyone. But something's wrong with him. And the way Aunt Janey just let him slither into our lives... It’s like she’s instigating this,” Kathy shook her head. "I don't trust his interest in Willa."
Carmelo nodded in agreement. "Men are exactly what you think they are,cara mia. In a world full of wolves, it makes sense to protect the lamb."
Kathy lifted her head and stared down at him with sudden inspiration. "That's it!"
"What is?" Carmelo asked, confused.
"You said you were looking for a fight name—something that would stick. You should be called the Brooklyn Wolf or the Wolf of Brooklyn. Yes!”
Carmelo laughed, the sound rich and warm. "That's ridiculous."
"No! It's perfect! Think about it—the Wolf of Brooklyn! He'll rip you apart limb by limb!" She threw playful jabs at the air, her fists cutting through the humid evening with surprising skill.
"You've got killer instincts, Kathy," he chuckled, catching her hands.
"Please! For me! Be the Wolf! I want the Wolf! Ooooowwwwwoooo!!” Kathy howled with theatrical drama.
Carmelo growled playfully and pretended to bite her arm. They wrestled and kissed and held each other with such joy and tenderness that time seemed to slip away like sand through their fingers. The world beyond the porch ceased to exist—there was only them, only love, only this perfect moment stolen from an imperfect world.
CHAPTER 15
THE LIE AND THE LIGHT OF TRUTH
Willa took a shaky breath, her heart hammering against her ribs like a caged bird desperate for freedom. She gathered her worn leather satchel, carefully stuffing it with as many of the beautiful things Aunt Janey had given her that could fit—the lavender dress, the pearl earrings, the cream pumps that made her feel like a lady. Each item was a treasure she'd never dreamed of owning, and now they were hers to take into her new life.
