Page 40

It felt weird going back to work on Monday at DeSantis. The flight home yesterday had been as uneventful as the one to Colorado. My only disappointment was that we hadn’t been able to take care of Clay while we were there. I knew, realistically, I was pushing, but I wanted him out of Rian’s hair.

Last night, I called Papà to tell him we made it back and that I’d be in the office this morning. He asked how it went, and I gave him a brief synopsis. He said we’d talk more about it when I came in.

I wasn’t looking forward to hearing what my brothers had to say about my abrupt departure without notice last week.

Even though Papà had approved it, they’d have an attitude.

However, in the scheme of things, we were all equal partners in the company.

When we were all old enough, Papà divided his ownership five ways.

When he passed one day, which we prayed wouldn’t be until he was at least a hundred, his share would be divided again to be equal between us.

However, as the founder and principal owner for many years, we deferred to him, and before taking time off, we cleared it with him.

I arrived at the office half an hour before it officially opened.

The first thing we’d do when it opened was have our meeting and then move on with our day.

I was hopeful that I’d be out in the field today.

And I’d be alone. All my brothers were already there, based on their vehicles in the parking lot.

I held in my groan—time to face the music.

I strolled inside confidently, smiling as if I hadn’t a worry in the world. Claudia was in the reception area. She glanced around, then came scurrying over to me. Claudia held her finger up to her lips, grabbed my hand, and then almost ran to her office. She shut the door behind us.

“What in the world?” I asked.

“I’ve been waiting for you for the past twenty minutes. I’m glad I caught you before they saw you. I almost called you last night, but your dad ordered that no one disturb you while you were off.”

“That was nice of him, but why are you lurking and acting so strange?”

“Because your brothers are freaking out. They almost lost their minds when they learned you had taken off and gone somewhere with Rian. They demanded to know where you went and threw a fit. Your dad told them it wasn’t their concern, and if he found out they bothered you in any way, they wouldn’t like the consequences.

They walked around here on Thursday and Friday like thunderclouds.

“Then, this morning, I came in and overheard them. They didn’t know it.

They were grumbling about you not acting like yourself, and they weren’t keeping their mouths shut, no matter what this time.

Then Rocco piped up and asked what if you ran off with O’Sheeran and eloped.

I thought the roof was going to fall in because of the way they yelled.

Then your dad arrived, and they had to shut up.

So, besides warning you, I gotta know. Did you elope? ” she asked expectantly.

“For God’s sake, no, we didn’t elope. Even if I wanted to do that, there’s no way I’d do it without my family. And Rian would never exclude his. I helped Rian with a project. I swear, those three have the most fertile imaginations.”

“Ahh, too bad. No offense, don’t kill me, but I would run off with that man any day.” Claudia fluttered her eyelashes and wore a dreamy smile.

I laughed and hugged her. “Thanks for the heads-up, and I won’t kill you, but hands off. He is great.”

We gossiped for a few minutes before it was time for the morning round-up.

As we left her office, I saw Massimo staring at me through narrowed eyes.

Yep, he was still on my brothers’ side. Maria gave me a sympathetic smile and a hug.

They went into the conference room ahead of us.

The buzz died away as Claudia and I walked into the conference room seconds behind them.

“Good morning, everyone. Happy Monday. Please, tell me we have something fun on the books for today,” I said cheerfully.

I walked past my brothers to Papà. I leaned down to kiss his cheeks and hug him. He returned it, giving me a loving smile.

“Good morning, figlia . You’re in a good mood. How was your time off?”

“It was good, though very cold. I was glad to get back home. Did I miss anything major?” I asked as I got my coffee from the table against the wall.

“You’d know if you’d been here where you were supposed to be!” Rocco muttered.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but you all take time off. And when you do, the rest of us hold down the fort. Why would you say that?” I fired back.

“Rocco,” Papà said in his warning tone.

“Because when we take time off, we let others know in advance, we can contact each other, and know where the person is going. You did none of that,” Rocco snapped.

I held up my hand to stop Papà from saying anything. “Please, stay seated. I can handle this. It seems the three of you have something to get off your chests, so do it. But once you do, this is the last time I want to hear a damn word out of you about it.”

“We know you went with O’Sheeran. What was so damn important you had to leave without notice?” Luc asked.

“And where did you go?” Rardo added.

“This man has you acting like someone we don’t know, and we’re not putting up with it. He doesn’t respect family. He’s not the man for you,” Rocco stated.

I sat and glanced over at Papà . “You told them nothing?” I verified.

“No, I did not. Their attitudes are pissing me off. You explained it to me, and I was fine with it,” he answered.

“How can you be? And why would you be okay with your daughter running off with some man for a lover’s retreat?

A man she barely knows. I have to say it, Papà .

This partnership with the O’Sheerans is a mistake.

We need to tell them we changed our minds.

And Gia needs to remember who her family is,” Rocco demanded.

“Going away with the man I’m spending the rest of my life with isn’t running off. I’ll learn what I don’t know about Rian over the next fifty to sixty years,” I slammed back.

Alarms spread over their faces. It was Luc who asked. “Gia, you didn’t elope, did you?” He sounded hesitant.

“She better not have,” Rocco snarled.

I didn’t respond. This made them even more vocal. I let them cycle until a sharp whistle shut them up. It was Papà . He came to his feet. He was pissed. I knew that look. “THAT’S ENOUGH!” he shouted. The room went silent.

“I’ve heard enough. Since you all seem to want to know so badly about what Gia has been up to and to reprimand her, let me tell you.

She did not elope. My daughter wouldn’t do that.

I plan to walk her down the aisle and, before you ask, yes, to marry Rian O’Sheeran.

She explained the short notice, and I agreed with it.

You act as if she shirked her responsibilities, yet she didn’t.

She worked remotely to ensure that the work she would’ve done from the office those two days was still done.

We apprehended the last bounty and had no new ones come in.

There was no need for her to be in the field.

“Additionally, she worked on a private side job that required her unique skills. This situation will repeat itself going forward, and I support it. Lastly, your sister is entitled to privacy and a personal life. If you have a problem with it, you and I can speak privately behind the garage.”

We knew what he meant by “behind the garage.” Growing up, he would take us there if we needed a spanking or attitude adjustment. When the boys were older, they were sent there to iron out their differences with each other. Sometimes, they’d beat on each other, with Papà as referee.

“What job?” Luc asked.

I got a nod from our papà , and then I answered.

“Rian asked me if I’d be willing to be a backup to their main IT guy, Cody.

He has a team, but when it comes to things personal to the core family, he refuses to allow others to help.

Rian discovered what I do here. He asked if I did side jobs for others.

I told him yes. He informed Darragh, and the next thing I knew, I was hired.

As for where I went, we flew to Aspen, Colorado.

Their ski resort there, Crystal Castle Chalet, is overseen by Rian.

They’re having trouble with a prior employee.

I’ve been asked to investigate him, which is what I’m doing.

He’s telling lies and impacting their business.

We got back early yesterday evening. I didn’t go on vacation. We worked every day.”

I stopped and watched their faces. There was consternation on Luc’s.

Rardo appeared lost in thought. And no surprise, Roc was sullen.

Papà was scanning them. He was troubled.

I didn’t want to cause problems between my brothers and our dad.

And I didn’t want them between me and them, but if they refused to give Rian a chance, they’d force me to make a choice I didn’t want to make.

I loved them, but Rian was my future, and I knew it would be lonely, cold, and childless without him.

I added more when no one said anything after a minute or more.

“I don’t know what I have to do or say to get you to understand that this relationship with Rian is real and intended to last. Yes, we’re still discovering each other, but you’re na?ve if you believe a couple knows everything about each other before they commit.

It takes years to know it all, if then. I know he comes from a world of wealth we can’t imagine.

I got a taste of it this past weekend. However, at his core, Rian and his family have values that are very similar to ours.

“You were all for it when they proposed the partnership with the Hounds.

If you felt they were that dissimilar to us, why say yes?

Rian wants me to be happy and fulfilled, meaning doing the work I love, even if he does worry about me.

And he especially wants me to feel loved.

He does his best to help me achieve those.

“Until recently, despite our occasional disagreements, I told everyone that my family loves and supports me no matter what. I could rely on you no matter the issue. I’ve discovered that to be untrue.

It holds true if I do what you think is right.

And I can’t figure out what is so terrible about Rian and my desire for happiness and a family with him. ”

“Gia, don’t say we don’t love and support you.

That’s not true. We do. It’s out of love that we question you committing yourself to him.

You haven’t known him long. In the five months since we met that family, you’ve spent next to no time with him.

A weekend and a few days spent with him aren’t enough to base a lifelong relationship on,” Luc stated.

“I disagree, and in the scheme of things, my opinion counts most,” I replied.

“Why don’t the two of you slow things down and give us a chance to know him better? It’ll help us get to know him and give you time to be sure you’re not jumping into it too quickly,” Rardo suggested.

“And how long would be long enough for you guys? For me?” I countered. He didn’t answer.

“The sex must be off the charts for you to act like this, but then, he has enough practice,” Roc said spitefully.

Luc and Rardo made protesting sounds. I was a second from coming out of my chair and crawling across the table to hit him.

However, I was stopped when Papà let out a roar of anger, and then he was up and flying down the other side of the table.

I caught Roc’s eyes widening, but he had no time to get up and move.

The next thing I knew, Papà dragged him out of his chair by his shirt.

He spun Roc around and shoved him against the wall.

Neither man was small. However, anyone thinking Rocco was naturally stronger due to his age would be wrong.

Roc’s hands flew up on either side of his head in a sign of surrender.

Maria, Claudia, and Massimo sat there frozen in their chairs.

They’d been listening to every word. Luciano and Gerardo remained seated. They knew better than to interfere.

“Say one more disgusting remark or act hateful toward your sister, and I’ll forget you’re my son and do what I would do to anyone else saying that merda , shit,” Papà snarled.

My shock wore off enough for me to get up and move next to them. I placed my hand on our papà’s back. He was tense.

“ Papà, don’t. The last thing I want is for you to fight with me or each other. Let him go, please.”

It took a good minute or two before he relaxed and let go of Rocco.

As my brother breathed a sigh of relief, I was bundled up in Papà’s arms. He addressed the room.

“Rian O’Sheeran and Gianna have my support.

Unless given a legitimate reason to, anyone objecting will find themselves answering to me.

Rocco, you need to get your mouth under control.

Until now, it’s been us you’ve said things to, but I can guarantee you, Rian isn’t remaining silent forever about the things you say to your sister. He will be told. I’d be prepared.”

“Not if she doesn’t tell him,” Massimo mumbled.

Papà looked over at him. “If she doesn’t, I will.

I pray to God that if my sons are ever fortunate enough to find someone, they don’t have to go through this, but if they do, it’ll be payback.

There will be no more talk about Gianna and Rian.

She had permission to leave. End of the story. It’s time to get on to business.”

No one argued. Seats were resumed, and the meeting started, though it remained subdued. I felt terrible that my life was the cause, but I wasn’t giving up Rian to make my brothers feel better.