Page 15 of The Convenient Cosentino Wife

“I am a trust fund baby. I’ve never had a real job—”

“You have a real job.”

“Yes, but in high school and college I didn’t have to flip hamburgers or wait tables or be a barista like other young women my age. I have always had financial security, which allowed me to be make different choices, enabling me to be successful sooner, younger.”

One of the kitchen staff appeared with an espresso and a glass of sparkling water and after moving a small table closer to Rocco’s chair, positioned the water and espresso at Rocco’s elbow.

Rocco drank some of his water and then sipped the espresso.“Va bene.”It’s good.

“You sounds surprised.”

“I’m picky about my espresso.”

“I know. Marius told me.”

Rocco laughed, a low husky sound that made her pulse jump, and her insides did a strange tumble. In the soft nighttime lighting, Rocco’s hard features looked sculptural, all carved planes and hollows. He fascinated her tonight. He wasn’t who she’d thought he was, either, and even though she wasn’t relaxed, she wasn’t ready to go to her room and be alone.

“And Marius once told me you were not close with your father,” Rocco said.

“It’s true. My father was never abusive, just...disinterested. Perhaps if I’d been a son he might have been more invested, but I even question that. My father loves himself.” She looked at Rocco, eyebrows lifting. “And money, of course.”

“So he didn’t advise you on investing?”

“No. Never. That would be a waste of his time. In my father’s eyes, women were decorative objects, pretty to look at and nice to hold, but not to be taken seriously. I wasn’t to bother him, so I didn’t.” She smiled mischievously. “So I didn’t, and I used my allowance during my university years to buy my first property, and from that early foray into real estate I discovered I liked investing, and creating a portfolio of my own. I was not your typical university student. I didn’t enjoy parties, I didn’t like beer, I don’t drink hard liquor and, thanks to my cautious nature, I still rarely drink more than one glass of wine. I had to do something with my free time.”

“I would have thought studying took up a lot of time.”

“When you’re reading Kierkegaard’s recollection and repetition of dichotomy and the infinite qualitative distinction looking at photos of pretty properties is pure pleasure.”

“Did your father mind that you were using your allowance in a different way than anticipated?”

She shrugged. “He didn’t know, and I’m sure he didn’t care. My father didn’t want a family, but someone had to inherit, because heaven forbid the government take it all when he died, and he is not altruistic, so he isn’t going to donate it to charities who could use the money. So, as the heir, I’m to stay alive, fulfilling my responsibility to him.” Her lips curved but her voice cracked. “I will be donating most of his money to charity. After he’s gone. I don’t want it, or need it. He could have helped so many people but...” her voice faded and she didn’t try to finish the sentence.

Rocco was sitting forward, forearms resting on his thighs. “And there is just you? No other siblings?”

“No siblings. Not a chance. He had a vasectomy after I was born and made it clear to his various wives that they were not to get pregnant. He didn’t like the look of a pregnant woman, and he wasn’t interested in having a broodmare in his bed.” She reached for her wine, suddenly needing the wine to ease the lump in her throat. “You can see why Marius was so very dear to me. He was the first person that truly loved me, and not because I could do something for them, or open doors for them, but just because I was...me.”

“I think there are many who will love you, for you.”

She shook her head. “Not interested, not giving anyone a chance.” She cleared her throat. “So, do you mind me asking how you found out about my different companies? What do you know?”

“In looking for you, I discovered your LLC, in which you are the sole owner. The corporation includes six hotels and resorts, all luxury properties catering to the wealthiest, most discriminating clients. More recently you’ve bought into a company that provides private jets, allowing your discriminating clients to book a private flight to their luxurious private property. And there are other companies, too, from high-tech security to farms and orchards, allowing you to diversify your investments, offset losses, better protecting your wealth.”

She’d sipped the wine as he rattled off the facts. “You are quite the sleuth.”

“You are the CEO. You’re not just a figurehead. You actively manage your companies.”

“Who knew that a girl with a degree in classical studies would have a head for business?”

He didn’t smile. He just looked at her, silver gaze penetrating. “Is it hard juggling the businesses with raising a child on your own?”

“But I’m not on my own.” She gestured about her, indicating the house and all within it. “I employ a virtual army to help me. Cooks, maids, gardeners, nannies, security—” She smiled. “Which you know all about because no one can do it ‘all’ on their own. Even if Marius lived, I would have needed help.”

“Would you have worked if he’d lived?”

“I worked while he was alive.” Her brow creased, perplexed. “But you knew that.”

“I don’t know that I did.”

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