Page 61 of War Within
He chuckled. “I know and I’ll be fine. When you arrive in Hawaii, there will be a better surprise arriving shortly after you.”
I took a step away, sure that he was on to me. “What kind of surprise?”
He winked. “You’ll see.”
Giovanni’s Private Island: Hawaii
I gasped the moment the house became visible through a clearing in the palm trees and the other island foliage. It was truly the most magnificent sight I had ever seen. I thought his other estates were wonderful. This put them all to shame.
We stepped out onto the pier as Kahale docked the boat. I turned around to see the unobstructed view of the breathtaking turquoise water and a grand island in the distance. The estate was situated on its own oasis and slice of heaven.
Kahale led us into the home, excusing himself to call Giovanni, letting him know we arrived safely, after a one day plane journey. Valentina hooked her arm in mine, grinning with her mouth agape. She was amused by my reaction to the home.
“Before your jaw falls to the floor, let me give you the tour then we pour the drinks!”
I spun to her. “Uh, your father will kill me if I let you drink, honey.”
She giggled. “Did you not see him pour me wine at dinner that night? We’re Italian. I’ve been drinking wine since I could walk. My blood is made ofvino rosso.” She grinned. While she was the only one in her home without an Italian accent, she pronounced Italian words with one.
“We’ll I’m not Italian and when he comes here you can drink all you want.” I rolled my eyes about to speak, but she tugged me through the house to the living room.
“One rule.” She gestured to the open space. “While you’re here, this is your house too so make yourself at home.”
I nodded, winking. “Deal.”
We strode into the kitchen. She stood before me, holding her arms out to the side. “So, this is the kitchen.”
Lifting my finger to my chin for a moment, I studied the room. “I don’t buy it.”
She giggled. “Okay, this way.”
She led me through the multi-level mansion, giving me facts about art on the walls and artifacts displayed around the island-inspired home. She seemed proud that she knew so much about each item she pointed out. I pretended to pay attention, nodding with an eager expression painted on my face.
“I'll show you where your room is.”
With a few turns through long hallways, we came to a stop in a massive, magnificently decorated suite. My gaze widened, peering around the room, shocked. Windows lined the back wall, offering a panoramic view of the back garden, pool, and ocean. I was in complete awe once again.
Coming to a stop in the middle of the room, I spun to her. “Is this your father’s room?”
Resting her fists on her hips, she nodded. “It is, but of course he won’t mind you sleeping in here.”
“I-I feel a bit awkward.”What if he has recording devices in here?
“I swear to you, he will be cool. He’s tough about a lot, but it isn’t like he has hidden cameras in here or anything.”
My mouth fell agape, my breath hitched.
“Relax!” She giggled. “I swear there’s no cameras in here. If there was, my brother would have gotten in trouble years ago. He used to have so many parties here and I’m pretty sure he did some stuff in here.” Her lip curled in disgust. “You know what, I’m going to take you to another room. That’s just weird.”
Her brother. That had been in the back of my mind since we landed. Now I was worried about it again. Trying my best to force a laugh at her joke, I felt a surge of fury and dread rising within me.
We trekked down the corridor into another bedroom. It was much smaller than the master suite, but cute. An audible sigh escaped my lips after she left me to settle in. I pulled a phone from my bag, clutching it. Just as I was about to dial my boss, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Surprise!”
Leaping, I spun around to see Lily with a huge grin on her face. I squealed, genuinely delighted to see her. For once, something great happened since I left New York.
“Lily!” I threw my arms around her, hugging her tightly. “What are you doing here?” I jumped back, wincing in mild pain. “I mean I'm excited! But how?!”
