Page 19 of The Convenient Cosentino Wife

Hot tears pricked her eyes and she drew a deep shuddering breath. “But he’s not.” She blinked and a tear fell, sliding down her cheek.

Rocco leaned toward her and wiped the tear away. “So what is your plan? You and the child alone together, forever?”

She felt the swipe of his thumb all the way through her, his touch so tender that it made her long for a life not yet lived. “I will never love again,” she said huskily. “Marius was my soul mate. He was my love, my best friend, all I ever wanted. I will never replace him. I will never even try.”

Rocco’s expression was sympathetic and kind. “Your lovely Adriano should have more. A father. Brothers and sisters—”

“I’ve thought of that. I’ve thought a great deal about him being an only child. I was an only child, and I hated it. I was lonely, but I do have options, should I want to give him a sibling. I can use a sperm donor. Many women have children without being married or in a significant relationship. There’s no reason I can’t.”

“True. You could do that, and it would give you control. You wouldn’t have to share the children with anyone, and you wouldn’t have to compromise, but what if you were sick, or there was an accident...what would happen to the children? Do you have a backup plan?”

Clare didn’t answer. She’d thought of that, but also dismissed it. She was young, and healthy. In her mind, she was indestructible. But perhaps that was dangerous thinking. She, who planned everything, should be planning for the worst-case scenario as well, worst case being that she also died. Her insides knotted thinking of her own mortality. Obviously, accidents happened—she only had to think about Marius—but she wasn’t going to go through life afraid. “I don’t play extreme sports. I’m a good driver. I’m quite healthy. I don’t plan on getting sick.”

“Does anyone plan on getting sick?” he retorted, but his silver gaze was warm, his expression intent, but there was no mockery in his expression, just concern.

She looked at him and then couldn’t look away. His silver eyes captivated her, the deep timber of his voice mesmerizing. She didn’t know this Rocco Cosentino. He’d never shown this side of himself to her. Marius had always said he was protective. Genuine. But all she’d experienced was coldness, brusqueness. Obviously here was the Rocco Marius had adored.

She was beginning to understand why Marius had loved his brother so. But why had Rocco hidden his kindness from her?

“You mean to remain here always?” Rocco asked lifting a handful of sand and squeezing it in his palm. Living apart from society in your own walled fortress?”

“It’s not a fortress, it’s a villa—”

“You know what I mean.”

She laughed incredulously. “This isn’t a prison, Rocco, it’s rather like heaven with the orchards, and gardens, the ocean and extensive lawn perfect for games of football.”

“But who does he play football with? His security details? Come on, a child needs friends. Companions. Tell me you will at least send him to the local school.”

Her shoulder rose and fell. “I plan on hiring tutors for him. In America many children are taught at home.”

“And you think that will be a happy life for him?”

Heat suddenly swept through her, making her speak sharply. “What do you know of a happy life? Marius said you had experienced so much pain—”

“I have lost too many people, and after my brother died, I wasn’t sure I could take anymore, but I am still here. I am still trying to live.”

“And love?” Her eyebrows lifted. “You could have more, you know. You don’t have to live in isolation.”

“Touché. If you don’t approve of isolation, why raise Adriano apart from the world? He shouldn’t be alienated from society. He should grow up surrounded by family, friends.”

“But I have no family. Just my father in Florida and he’s not long for the world—”

“Has he met Adriano?”

She bit down into her bottom lip, pain sweeping through her. She could only shake her head, unable to speak. Her father’s indifference toward his own grandson had crushed her.

“Your father wouldn’t meet him?” Rocco guessed.

“No.” She held her breath a moment, pushing away the sting and the rejection. She’d vowed she’d never let her son know just how unfeeling his grandfather was. “You are the only family he has other than me.”

“Then it’s good I’ve come,” Rocco said rising.

She watched him step off the blanket and walk to the edge of the water, his gaze out on the horizon where the blue sky met the darker blue-green sea.

After a moment she got to her feet and crossed the sand, joining him. He was like a magnet, she thought, pulling her to him. But maybe it was because she wanted to be near him. She liked the company. Likedhiscompany. She couldn’t say he made her feel safe, but it did make her feel, and it was...something she didn’t understand, but it was strong, almost electric, much like the jolt she’d felt when she’d touched his hand last night.

“I will give him friends,” she said after the silence had stretched too long. “When he’s older.”

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