Gambler's Folly (Bookstrand Publishing Romance) (32 page)

“Of course we’ll go down for dinner. I want to return to our routine, so our regular patrons are not concerned. And it will be a good sign that I don’t feel alarmed by recent events.”

Dressed in floor-length, clinging black, she made an entrance with Damiano. After the rumors of their accident and possible deaths, the media pushed through the crowds to ask about their trip and absence.

“No, we just took a little trip to the mountains. Work had been very busy and Karianna hadn’t had much of a chance to get out. So we decided to sneak away for some relaxation.”

Karianna let him answer the questions, not sure how he was going to spin the whole thing. So she was surprised to learn that they had left the lodge before the accident on the mountain, and had no idea what had happened.

“It was quite a tragedy, from what I’ve heard. But as you can see, we are both fine. Once we got back, I simply went to another establishment for a few days. I hadn’t been in residence there for some time, and wanted to make sure everything was up to my standards.”

Dismissing the press, they went to their favorite table and had a leisurely dinner. Still the loving couple they’d always presented, they made their way through the game rooms afterwards and took a few turns on the dance floor. Everyone got a good look at them, completely unharmed and unconcerned, before they returned to their suite around midnight.

“Such a long night, cara,” he said as they entered their suite. “I think it’s time for a bath and bed.”

“Do you think anyone important noticed us tonight?” she asked.

“If they didn’t, the news will get their attention. But for now, my attention is on my lovely wife, who puts up with all my folly.”

“Well, we are on Gambler’s Folly after all. And for someone who isn’t a gambler, you seem to be taking quite a risk, business-wise.”

“Ah, but that is business, cara mia. Business is always a gamble. And my business? Perhaps more than most.”

“I know, and that’s why I worry.”

“Come, cara. Let’s not let business spoil our evening. We’ve dealt with business. It’s now time for pleasure.”

* * * *

The next morning, everything returned to normal. Damiano went to work, Karianna returned to her training, and all seemed well. They went back down for dinner, as usual, and played host and hostess to his establishment as they had before.

While they waited for their meal Karianna asked, “How long do you think it will last?”

“What do you mean, Kari?”

“This period of peace, before it all falls apart. I am correct, am I not, that before this deal of yours is final, there will be more trouble?”

Sighing, Damiano looked deeply into her eyes, as if seeking the answer there. “I am so sorry, cara mia, but yes. You are right. And you may be the target. I am doing all I can to protect you, but there may be a weakness.”

“How much longer, lover?”

“I’m waiting to hear back on my demand for a meeting. I hope to meet the opposition later this week. Once we meet, it will be over.”

“Wouldn’t it be safer to stay home, instead of coming down here?”

“Safer yes, but weaker. Sometimes in this business, you must show strength to keep the balance of power. Fear only escalates matters. Besides, I have to have something for my team to do,” he added, smiling.

“You know how it works better than I do. I’m not even sure what you do, exactly. And that’s fine. So if you say this is best, then let’s enjoy it.” Reaching across the table, she stroked his face with her fingertips. Taking her hand in his, he kissed her fingers, fully aware of the attention they were getting from the crowd.

“Come. Let’s dance while we wait.” As she rose from her seat, he pulled her close, nuzzled her hair, and kissed her quite passionately.

“Hmmm. Seems like your mind is in bed,” she told him before kissing him back. “And all eyes are on us, I see.”

“Of course, cara. With all the rumors going around, it’s no surprise. And you’re still the mystery woman nobody knows.”

“Is it really so important to everyone? What does it matter who I am, or where I’m from?”

“Because you captured Damiano Leone’s heart, a feat several have tried and failed.”

“That’s because they didn’t know how much of a pussycat you really are,” she teased. The growl she got back made her laugh.

“You are so beautiful when you laugh, amante. Your eyes sparkle like the stars.”

“And when you have certain things in mind, your scent gives you away, lover. We haven’t even had dinner yet.”

“Dinner could wait,” he suggested, holding her even closer, nipping her shoulder.

“It’s already ordered, and might be on the table,” she reminded him.

“I suppose you’re right. Anyway, with your appetite, I may need sustenance to survive the night.”

“Looks who’s talking. I’ve never heard you complain.”

“I thought you’d come around to my way of thinking, cara.”

“What way is that?” she asked.

“Your scent is becoming irresistable, cara amante,” he whispered in her ear. “If you’re not careful, we’ll be in the news tonight, with footage of our arrest for indecency.”

“Then maybe you’d better get hold of yourself, Dam, before we have an incident.”

“I’d rather hold you. Much more fun.”

Between one thing and the other, Karianna was glad to see their meal served. “Our food is ready, Dam. Let’s go eat. The way you smell, it could be a long night.”

After dinner, they walked around the establishment, as was their habit. But Karianna couldn’t have said what they did, who they saw, or anything else about the evening. At some point, they spent some time on the dance floor, which only heightened their already aroused senses. They teased back and forth with touches, glances, and the occasional kiss or hug. Earlier than usual, they took their leave and walked to the lift.

“Marco,” Dam began. “How are things tonight? Any trouble?”

“Besides the two of you giving off enough scent to start an orgy? Nothing major. A couple of tipsy poker players had to be escorted off the property. Nobody we knew.”

“Our scent is that strong, Marco?”

“If you weren’t already mated, I’d be guarding a door right now.”

“We were leaving anyway. Keep your eyes open for anything unusual. I’ve sent the invitation, but not heard anything yet. There could be a little more trouble.”

“We’re all here, Dam. Go home. Go to bed. And try to get some sleep at some point,” Marco grinned.

“Ciao, amico. Sleep is overrated.”

By the time early morning came around, the suite needed quite a bit of work, from the front door, through the living room and on to the bedroom.

“I thought this whole bonding thing was finished, Dam,” Karianna said. “I’m not complaining, but it can be a little inconvenient in public.”

“I know, or actually I don’t know. Yes, it can be inconvenient when we’re out. At least it doesn’t happen as often now.”

“Why does it happen at all? It’s not like we live in a monastery.”

“More like a cat house with you, my little Gattina. No, it couldn’t possibly be lack of intimacy. Maybe we’ll have time to figure it out after my meeting later.”

“Have you heard back yet?”

“Only that I would have an answer by tomorrow afternoon.”

“Can I ask when you hope to hold your meeting?” she asked hesitantly.

“In three days, if they accept. By this weekend, it will be finished, one way or another.”

“Honey, I’m really nervous. Is this really necessary?”

“Mia povera amore. My poor love. I’m sorry, but I have to do this. I hadn’t meant to get you involved in my affairs. I simply thought to keep you safe, here with me.”

“Yes, who could have known we would fall in love, become mates? I guess some things are just meant to be.”

“I promise, when this is over, we’ll take a long vacation, back to Earth. You can meet Mama and the rest of the family, and learn a little bit about what we are.”

“There’s so much I want to know about people like us, and we’ve had so little time to discuss it.”

“Mama will be the best person to help you. Since she is a priestess, too, she can answer your questions and show you things I can’t. You’ll love her, once you get to know her.”

“But will she like me? I don’t really miss Earth, you know. I don’t really have any family left there, no real ties.”

“That’s alright, cara mia. Once you’re adopted into our family, you’ll have more ties than you can stand.” He laughed. “Dio, cara!” he exclaimed. “We have to get married!”

“Married?” she asked. “Oh, no! In church, right?”

“Yes, in church. Mama insists it be a proper marriage. And I just wanted to take a nice relaxing trip home.”

For some reason Karianna started to laugh. And the longer it went on, the worse it was, until she was holding her sides, with tears streaming down her face.

Finally seeing the absurdity in the situation, Damiano began to chuckle, too, and then to laugh.

Drying her face and catching her breath, Karianna shook her head and said, “It’s not like she can separate us, honey. Since we’re already a mated pair, the wedding won’t be nearly as exasperating.”

“I suppose. And it will be nice to have a real wedding instead of just a piece of paper filed with the court. Something to share with family and friends.”

“Yes! It should be exciting. My first marriage was performed by a justice of the peace.”

“If Mama has her way, and she usually does, this will be quite the affair. Full mass I would think, and a full cathedral.”

“Cathedral?” Karianna asked.

“The church won’t be big enough for everybody. So she’ll probably insist on the cathedral. Knowing her, it’s probably already on standby.”

“How can it be on standby?” she asked.

“She’s good friends with the bishop.”

“Cathedral?”

“Are you Catholic?”

“I’m not devout, but I was confirmed in the faith.”

“Then I’m afraid so.”

The next morning was the last day of the work week. Damiano kissed her and headed off for his office, with Paolo and Marco at his side. Karianna had another cup of coffee and at ten o’clock went to train with Carl. The workout helped reduce her stress levels, which had been rising since their flight from the lodge.

Damiano came home for lunch, looking tense in a predatory sort of way.

“Honey, have you heard anything yet?” she asked him.

“Yes. They have agreed to meet with me in the evening, two days from now. We have agreed on a meeting place in neutral territory, so everything should be fine.”

“How can you be sure?” she asked.

“I can’t. That’s why I’ll take precautions. Of course, he will also, which should keep us all safe from harm.”

“Will we still go out tonight and tomorrow? Or would it be better to stay here, behind a nice strong door?”

“At this point, it doesn’t matter. Unless they are much more desperate than I think, there should be no overt attacks.”

“How sure are you?”

After thinking for a moment, he answered, “About seventy percent certain. I know there is a risk, but this is as sure as I can be.”

“Then I guess it will have to do,” she answered quietly. “And then it will be over?”

“Si, cara mia. Then it will be over.”

“I wish I understood more of what is going on. I feel so useless.”

Damiano thought for a moment before answering her. “At this late date, I can tell you a little. I don’t know if it will help much, but it shouldn’t hurt anything.”

“Alright. Tell me whatever you feel you can. I’ll do my best.”

“In the early days of Gambler’s Folly, those who could bought up property to develop and formed the syndicate. At first, it was simply an owner’s organization to regulate trade on Gambler’s Folly. Those with the most property had the most influence on how things would run.”

“Well, that makes sense. They had the most at risk.”

“Exactly. And those wiser individuals laid out certain rules about what would be done and what was off limits.”

“So there are things that aren’t ‘allowed’ here?”

“Yes, and chief among them, as far as most of the syndicate is concerned, is drugs. While they can be very lucrative, it is a filthy business. Hence the decision not to engage in this activity, on many of the newer worlds.”

“I can see your point. Once you have them addicted, they’re no longer particularly profitable to you. Crime goes up, the class of your clientele goes down, and you lose more elsewhere.”

“Yes. So now, many generations later, the older family heads are retiring, dying, making room for the younger men at the top. I’m one of the younger members, but I believe in the older values.”

“I’m guessing others don’t.”

“Right. Several of the younger owners are pressing me, and a few others with large territories, who hold to the older ideals, to sell some of our properties, to even out the influence among the families.

“They also want to get into the drug business with this new drug that’s hit the streets. They claim it has fewer side effects and less addiction than the older ones. But what I’ve seen does not bear that out.”

“So your meeting is to sort this out? How will that actually help anything? After you talk, what will keep them from continuing to push for more influence? Or what will keep them from bringing the drugs in anyway?”

“That, cara, is something I can’t discuss with you right now. Suffice it to say that, after our meeting, it will be finished. And then we can take our vacation and get married.”

“You just had to remind me, didn’t you?” she replied with a smile. “Oh well, I shouldn’t have to worry about you leaving me at the altar.”

They slept in the next day. Things had been far too nerve-wracking lately to rest. Damiano ordered brunch around eleven o’clock, brought up under Dante’s watchful eye. How he could eat anything else was beyond Karianna’s imagination. He’d gone through five apples since he got out of bed. But he’d eaten like he was half starved. Must be something from his leopard half. After brunch, he began to pace the room.

“Dam, please calm down. You’re going to pace a path in the carpet.”