As she had grown into womanhood, however, and developed curves that didn’t quit, Henri had thought his brother might be tempted. Now, seeing the frost Isidora directed toward Ramon, Henri had to wonder if his twin had finally raced those curves and left a trail of dust.
He introduced her to Cinnia, adding, “I was just explaining to Cinnia that your father has always been a trusted leader of our team. He’s more than entitled to enjoy his golden years, but we are very disappointed to lose him, especially since our lives have become very complicated. We need a delicate touch.”
“So Papa said,” Isidora murmured. “I don’t mean he gave me details,” she clarified quickly. “Only said he would feel better if it was me, which I took to mean sensitive information.” Her gaze flicked to Cinnia’s belly.
“He put the thumbscrews to you?” Henri asked, making a mental note to double Bernardo’s retirement bonus for coaxing Isidora to take them on. “I’ve always said we would hire you when you completed your degree,” he reminded her.
“I’m only finishing now. That’s why I was in London. And I have never wanted to ride Papa’s coattails. You know that.” She flashed a glance at Ramon. Didn’t want to ride with him, she seemed to imply.
“I’ve been badgering Isidora to join our team since she decided to follow her father into PR,” Henri told Cinnia. “She would rather work her way up the ranks of an independent career. Does she remind you of anyone?”
“Look at that. I have a twin myself.” She smiled at Isidora. “Would you like something? I was about to make tea.”
“I’ll help you.” Isidora allowed Henri to take her coat before she disappeared into the kitchen with Cinnia. He had the impression she was distancing herself from Ramon.
He threw his brother an admonishing look. “You slept with her?”
“I was turned down,” Ramon said blithely, but it didn’t sound like the whole story—which surprised Henri. The two of them kept little from each other.
“That happens?” Henri asked drily, allowing his brother his privacy.
“I was shocked, too.” Ramon threw off his suit jacket as if he was too warm, leaving it draped across the back of the sofa. Business shirts were all the same, especially white ones, but Ramon’s wore the exact crest that embroidered the pocket of Henri’s. His pants were an identical shade of gray and even his belt was the same.
Henri didn’t even bother remarking on it, only asked, “Is it going to affect her work? Tell me now. We need someone in our midst for months. Not Etienne. He’s good on the professional side, but with this much personal information...”
“Sí, I know.” Ramon shook his head in exasperation. “How am I the only one not causing a stir in the press right now?”
“Meaning you won’t be working directly with her. Is that your only reason for hesitating? Because she has always shown excellent potential. We saw it when she was a teenager.” She’d begun coming to the office on Take Your Daughter to Work days, drafting soft press releases that had shown better composition than finished work turned out by some of their long-standing professionals. “She’s as discreet as they come. Learned that at her papa’s knee, I imagine.”
“There are other reasons she keeps her own counsel,” Ramon said cryptically. “But, sí, you are right. She’s a good fit. She can’t stand me, but she’s fond of Gili and Bella. They will be far more comfortable with her than anyone else. Cinnia already likes her.” He nodded at where the women’s laughter drifted from the kitchen.
Henri nodded, satisfied, but caught the look of inquisition his brother sent him.
“Qu’est-ce que c’est?” Henri prompted, even though he knew where Ramon’s thoughts had gone.
“I thought we signed a blood oath not to have children.” Ramon was a master at affecting a light attitude, but he was far from as shallow as he pretended. His voice was dry, but his expression grave.
“This isn’t entrapment.” Henri grimaced. “It’s an old-fashioned slipup. She left because she was trying to spare me.”
Ramon dismissed that with a wave of his hand. “Pah. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t ask for the responsibility. We would never leave one of our own at risk. She must have known you would step up.”
“Oui.” But given how much he now had at stake, he wouldn’t have gone after her without the pregnancy as incentive.
The knowledge caused a white light to shoot through him, jagged as lightning, rending something in him. What if she hadn’t been pregnant? What if he really had spent the rest of his life without her?