Surrender (16 page)

He sat down with a fond smile on his face. His family was a bit like a tornado, causing chaos all around them, but it was a happy mess. Being with them was the only thing that kept his humanity intact. If it weren’t for them, he knew he’d be colder than a reptile. There were days he was anyway. The longer he was away from his old world, the easier it was to slip into his self-isolated prison.

He had to remind himself that he liked his life just the way it was. He didn’t want that family his mother begged him to give her. He loved women, just didn’t need them for anything other than to warm his bed. His world wasn’t perfect and it would break his mother’s heart if she knew how he conducted his love life like a business transaction.

He would never break the rose-colored glasses his family wore – never allow them to see who he’d turned into. Marriages like his parent’s shared weren’t common. The majority of relationships ended tragically – like how his had with his ex-wife.

Happily ever after was a myth that very few actually ever found.

“Okay, phone call’s taken care of. Come with me and I’ll show you my new baby,” Rafe said as he walked into the room.

“If you had a baby to show mom, then she’d be far less grumpy and allow me out from under her lock and key a little more often,” Rachel said with a mischievous smile. He felt like smacking the look off her face. He knew the guilt trip would now start from his mother about her growing old with no grandkids to snuggle.

“While Rachel isn’t kept prisoner, she
is
right. I would love some bambinos,” Rosabella stated as she placed her arm through Rafe’s.

“I refuse to bring children into this world. I could never be as wonderful of a parent as you have been. I’d only torture the poor creatures,” Rafe said as he led his family outside.

“Poor
creatures
? Okay, maybe you
are
better off not being a father,” his dad said with a laugh.

“See, just listen to the man. He clearly seems to be the only one who makes any sense.”

“You just only seem capable of listening when someone is agreeing with you,” Lia said as she darted ahead and then walked backward so she could make faces at him.

It seemed no matter how old they grew, his sisters would forever act like teenagers. What surprised him was that he hoped they never stopped. He would forever picture them with pigtails in their hair, running in the house to tell him about their latest adventure at school, even if Lia was now twenty-six and Rachel was twenty-three. Time flew by so quickly.

“So, Rafe, what is this new toy you’ve acquired?”

“I think you’ll be the most excited, Dad. We need to drive to the marina.”

“Ah, you got a new boat. Didn’t you just buy one last year?”

“Yes, and she’ll always be precious to me, but I’ve got a new love. The latest way to entertain clients is on private yachts so I decided to make an investment. Though it is a great investment, she’s really just an overpriced toy,” he admitted.

“Ooh, Rafe, I can’t wait. Are we going out today?” Lia asked as her eyes lit up.

“I’ve cleared my schedule and called the crew. We can take her for a spin – have dinner on the water.”

“Have I told you lately that you’re the absolute best brother ever?” Rachel said as she snuggled up to his side.

“Only every time you want something from me,” he responded with a chuckle.

“Big brothers are supposed to spoil their sisters. It’s in the rule book.”

“Yeah, the rule book that you wrote when you were five.”

The family climbed into Rafe’s escalade and he quickly managed to cut through traffic, eager to see his family’s reaction to his newest pride and joy.

He worked incredibly hard, and therefore rewarded himself with the things in life that made him happy. A frown marred his forehead as that thought brought up Ari. The longer it took for her to realize their inevitable affair would happen, the more irritated he became. When he wanted something, he wanted it immediately. He couldn’t stand to wait on anything or anyone.

It had been a week since Mario had taken her home. He hadn’t spoken to her since. He was allowing some time to pass for her to see reason, or for his interest to wan. Neither was happening, which meant it was about time for him to hunt her down.

They pulled into the exclusive marina, and he moved around the back where his vessel was parked at a huge dock. The gleaming white vessel was two-hundred feet long and put every other liner in the marina to shame.

Rafe took pride in owning only the best. Yes, there were other boats out there bigger and more luxurious, but this baby was exactly what he wanted. He didn’t want it so large he was too restricted in where he could take an afternoon cruise, but it needed to be comfortable enough that he could sail across the ocean with all the comforts of home.

“Is that it?” Lia asked in awe.

“Yes. That’s my girl,” he answered with pride.

“You sure you couldn’t have gotten one a bit bigger,” his father asked with sarcasm. The smile on his face eliminated the sting of his words.

“Ha, Father, I think that’s a little like calling the kettle black. Your personal jet puts my own to shame. Who do you think taught me to like only the best?” His father winked at him before returning his attention to the boat.

Rafe’s father had been a very wealthy man, but his mother had insisted on not spoiling the children too badly. When they’d spent their time in Italy, they’d lived in a modest home, very comfortable, but not over the top. In the States, however, they’d had a mansion.

His father had owned it before the marriage, inheriting it from his parents. It was the only reason Rafe’s mother had allowed them to live in such luxury. She felt a wealthy man was a conceited man – she just made an exception for Martin and his generous heart, as he gave so much to the poor.

Rafe truly wouldn’t want to see the disappointed look on his mother’s face if she knew some of the things he did with his life. He knew it would break her heart. Before guilt was allowed to make its way inside, Rafe pushed the thought aside. His parents were good people, but his mother was naïve to the way the world worked. He’d kept much from her after his divorce – he
continue keeping his private life separate from his family.

“Rafe, I think it’s time you come home for a while. All of this money you have is making you too egocentric. You need to remember your roots,” his mother scolded, confirming his thoughts.

“Mom, I will always appreciate our home in Italy. It’s where I go when the world starts closing in on me. However, don’t you pretend we were peasants. Dad came in and swept you off your feet, then flew you around the world. I wouldn’t say I grew up impoverished,” he responded as he bent down and kissed her cheek.

“You watch your tongue, Raffaello Palazzo,” his mother warned.

“I’m sorry, Mother.”

“All is forgiven. Now, give us a tour of your new toy.”

“Is that a helicopter?” Rachel asked as she looked to the back of the vessel.

“Yes. If I’m out and there’s an emergency, I need to be able to get back to the offices quickly.”

“Ooh, can we go for a ride in that?” Lia asked. She loved flying more than any of the rest of them.

“Next time I’ll have my pilot take you for a spin. I only can take today off though, so I’d rather hear all about what you’ve been up to lately than send you up into the clouds.”

Though Rafe often called home, he cherished his visits with his family. Whether his mother knew it or not, being with them did, indeed, humble him.

He was so used to always getting everything he wanted, it was good for his family to come around and remind him he was a part of a close unit. The feelings he felt when in their presence were easily forgotten once the visit was over, though. His best friend told him often that was a real shame.

“As I was saying, she’s two-hundred feet long, has a twin engine format, over three-thousand HP’s of power, and can travel up to sixteen knots an hour. I know, I know, that stuff is boring, so you’ll be happy to hear that she has seven comfortable guest cabins, each with their own private bath, a game room that will make you very happy, Lia, a swimming pool, patio bar, along with conference rooms, and a formal dining area.”

“What about a spa?” Rachel asked mockingly.

“Actually, I did include a small spa with fulltime staff so you can get your hands and feet done, and then finish off with a massage.”

“Oh Rafe, I may never leave this ship,” Lia said as she jogged ahead of him up the plank.

“I may just leave her with you.”

“My heart couldn’t take it, Mother,” he said as he clutched his chest.

“It would serve you right,” his dad added.

“I thought I was always a good son,” Rafe said as he trailed after his sisters.

“You were a wonderful boy. Now, as a man, I have concerns. If only you would settle down, I could stop worrying,” his mother quickly interrupted.

“Mom, I’m happy. Let’s just leave it at that,” he answered, hoping the subject would be dropped.

“I worry about you being lonely. Your ex-wife did a number on you, son, and I don’t want you afraid to try again. You need a woman in your life to take care of you.”

“I’m fine alone, Mother. I have had several women companions through the years,” he defended.

“None that I would be proud for you to bring home. They are more like perfect mannequins, their only thoughts seeming to be how to please you.”

“Is there not a more perfect woman that one whose only desire is to fulfill my every need?” he asked. If his mother knew how true he felt about that statement, he had a feeling she’d shove him overboard.

“Rafe…”

“I’m seeing a nice woman, mother. Her name is Arianna.” Rafe was stunned when the words spilled from his mouth. What was he doing? First of all, Ari wasn’t really with him, and secondly, he didn’t want to pique his mother’s interest. He just wanted her to cease her relentless pestering about him being single.

“How long have you been seeing this woman, and why haven’t you said anything about her yet?” she asked with suspicion.

“It’s a new relationship and I don’t want to scare her off with your talk of marriage and babies,” he quickly answered, hoping she’d let it go.

He missed the look between his sisters. They were on instant alert to find out about his mystery woman. He never would’ve opened his mouth if he knew how much chaos his ten little words would later cause him.

“We’ve decided to stay for a week or two. Your mother and I haven’t spent enough time in California the last few years and your sisters are dying to go for another spin on the new boat. I’m starting to think it’s time to move back home.”

Rafe turned in almost horror at his father’s words. He was instantly suspicious. His family had grilled him the night before on Ari. They’d wanted to know who she was, how long he’d been dating her, what her family was like. The list went on and on. Rafe had a bad feeling that their impromptu extended stay had more to do with Ari than his new boat.

It didn’t matter what his family’s reasoning was. He would never deny them a place to stay if they wanted to extend their visit. He’d just have to be on his toes and make sure he didn’t slip about anything else in front of them.

He had a lot of work to accomplish over the week, so he wouldn’t be able to spend a whole lot of time with them, anyway. He’d just alert his crew that the ship was at their disposal as well as any of his other possessions
– his staff pretty much knew that, though.

“It will be nice to see more of you. I will warn you that I’ll be very busy this week. We’re going into a major merger and I’ll most likely be working fourteen hour days,” he said, hoping to head them off.

“Not a problem, son. I remember those days of working too many hours. Thankfully, now I get to spend my days with your beautiful mother instead. We’re taking off for Ireland after we leave here. I haven’t been there in years and this time of year is a good time to go. I could use some decent beer.”

“Well, the house is yours, along with all the vehicles. I’m leaving for the office but you can call my assistant if you need to reach me. Please don’t tell her it’s an emergency again just because you can’t find a certain bottle of wine,” Rafe warned.

“That was only one time, Rafe – and it
was
our anniversary. We’ve had the same wine on that anniversary for the past twenty years. In my book, that does constitute and emergency,” his father answered, completely serious.

“All right.
If I don’t see you tonight, I’ll try and get home a bit early tomorrow.”

With those words, Rafe walked out the door and took a deep breath as he climbed into the back of his Bentley. His family was wonderful, but overwhelming. It would be good to get back into the offices where he was the one in control.

*****

“I can’t believe how hard it was to track down this girl!” Lia said with frustration.

“Well, we finally did it so relax, sis. Rafe’s obviously into her so I want to know why. I had to practically sit on Shane’s lap to get the information. It was fun to watch him sweat – especially when you walked in the room while I was hanging all over him. I’ve never seen Shane turn red before. That was entertaining,” Rachel answered with a giggle.