“What about the girls’ things?”
“We can deal with moving them over tomorrow. I think the first night we should be on our own. Get that woman who helps you to watch them. They’ll survive without you for one night.”
Constance shook her head, the whole situation beginning to feel like a giant wave that was getting ready to slam into her and drag her under. How did she go from a quiet House Mother to being chased by the paparazzi? Somehow it didn’t seem possible that it had just been yesterday that she’d collected the girls to go for a walk that had led her into this man’s yard. And arms. And bed if he had his way.
Oh, she hadn’t forgotten that little nugget of sheer insanity, and now she had a massive rock on her finger that weighed her down, dragging her under the wave of emotions it was getting harder to contain.
“Before that happens, we need to discuss—”
“There’s nothing left to discuss,” he said, impatiently, restarting the car and easing out of the parking lot.
“You don’t know even know what I’m going to say.”
“I know exactly what you’re going to say. You had no idea it was going to be like this. It’s too much. You don’t think you can deal with it all. It’s not worth it.” His hands gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white, but he kept his gaze firmly on the road. “Save it. I’ve heard it before. My charming personality isn’t the only reason I’m single. You, however, have signed an ironclad contract. I held up my end. You are still in your director’s good graces. Your turn to hold up your end.”
Constance bit her lip. Oh, he’d definitely heard it all before. His tone was so bitter she had no doubt whoever had said it had hurt him badly, perhaps several someones. It couldn’t be an easy life to live. Despite his domineering manner and the terrifying encounter they’d just had, along with the promise of future daily torments, Constance didn’t want to be the next person to give him the same speech. Even if she’d been ready to do just that.
She sat straighter in her seat, mentally re-gathering her wits. “That’s not what I was going to say,” she said quietly.
“No?” he asked with a mild scowl, obviously not believing the lie.
Fine. He didn’t have to believe it. It didn’t matter anyhow. “No,” she repeated. “I was, however, going to say that if this is what your life is always like, I’m not sure I can condone the children’s participation in all this.”
Luca’s frown deepened. “The children were Joe’s idea. I don’t necessarily disagree with you. I certainly wouldn’t want my own children subjected to this shit day in and day out. Which is why I’m never going to have any. But in this instance at least, I can assure you they’ll be fine. Joe has arranged for some private excursions somewhere and has invited specific photographers. Not those paparazzi vultures that follow me around. We’ll have enough security there no one will get near them. The photographers will only be there for a few minutes for some shots of us. We’ll keep the kids out of sight. They won’t be swarmed, and they’ll be safer on my estate than in your house at the moment. It won’t be hard for the press to find out where you live. At least at my place the gates will keep them out.”
Constance hesitated. Part of her wanted to delve into what he’d said. Deciding not to have children because you didn’t want them stalked by photographers was a special kind of depressing. She could understand to a degree. For someone like her who craved security and organization, the chaos and constant danger created by always being hounded would drive her insane. At the same time, how unutterably sad that the fame that made this man so sought after was also what might keep him alone for the rest of his life. However, the larger, more cautious part of her knew he wouldn’t welcome her commentary on the matter. So, for the moment anyway, she’d keep her mouth shut and focus on the children in her care.
“I guess that makes sense… I suppose if you can guarantee their safety…”
“I’ve already said I can.”
She nodded and let the matter drop. They pulled to a stop in front of her modest home and Luca jumped out. Constance opened her door before he could but he took her hand and helped her out, his eyes briefly scanning the bushes across the street from her house.
She looked over her shoulder, dismay filling her. “You think they’re here, too?”
“Probably,” he muttered. “Let’s get inside.”
She didn’t waste any more time asking questions but unlocked her door and got inside as quickly as she could.