Chapter 141 Whispers Behind Closed Doors
POV Luca:
One Week Later
Something is going on at the ranch, and the Moretti brothers aren’t telling me anything.
After the sale of Atrevido, the brothers started lurking around the corners of the property, whispering to each other, and whenever I came close, they changed the subject. As if that weren’t enough, three days later Adrian sold Arrow, leaving me painfully sad. I was getting attached to those horses. Even though I was suffering, I could see that the brothers were hurting even more than I was. I hugged them and cracked a joke, just to try to pull even the smallest smile from their lips. Sometimes it worked, but other times they pushed me away—just like they’re doing now.
They’re in their rooms, refusing to come down for dinner. I don’t know if it’s because I’m the one who cooked, or if it’s because they’re still sad about selling Nala. I still can’t believe they sold her too and didn’t even tell me. I begged them to let me know if they sold another horse, but that’s not what they did. Since the brothers are refusing my help and pushing me away more and more, I reopened La Belle. Flower sales have picked up again, and that’s a good thing, because if the brothers decide to sell another horse, I might be able to try to buy it—though I can’t even imagine the price they’re asking.
My eyes fill with tears. I miss Atrevido and his shameless habit of shoving his head into my cleavage and neighing. A name had never fit anyone so perfectly. I miss Arrow and how happy he got every time I gave him an apple to eat, just like Nala, the laziest mare—lazier even than me. I miss them, and I’ve known them for such a short time. I don’t even want to imagine the pain the brothers are going through without them here.
I sniff, hating every second of what I’m feeling. I didn’t even get to use the fashionable accessories I bought for each of them. I sit down on the couch and pull my legs in against my body. This whole situation reminds me of when I was six years old and couldn’t get attached to anything or anyone, because my parents made a point of pulling everything away from me.
That’s what happened with Adele, our oldest housekeeper and the only one who cared about the little girl who fell asleep crying because she wanted to be good enough for her parents not to leave her at home with employees who didn’t care about her.
Adele was fired after baking me a birthday cake. My parents didn’t like that she gave me sweets without their permission. They fired her, and I never saw her again. After Adele, there was no one else who cared about me for a long time.
I grab my phone, determined to text Tay. I’m afraid my abandonment triggers are being activated at full force.
Me: Hey, bestie, are you there?
Naughty Tay: Yes.
Me: I’m alone and sad, and we both know that’s not a good combination.
Naughty Tay: I’m calling you.
Less than three seconds pass before my phone rings.
“What’s going on?”
“Nala was sold,” I tell her, sniffling. “I’m sad, Tay.”
“Who is Nala?”
“Mikhail’s mare. They’re selling all the horses. I ask why, and they don’t tell me anything,” I confide.
“I don’t doubt you’re sad about Nala being sold, but is the reason you’re crying just because of that, or because they’re not telling you what’s going on?”
“You read me like no one else,” I admit, crying. “Tay, they didn’t tell me anything. I know they don’t owe me explanations, but it hurts that they don’t warn me they’re selling the horses I’ve grown to love. I only find out when the new buyers come to pick them up.”
“Talk to them and tell them how you feel about this.”
“And you think I haven’t tried? Trying is all I’ve been doing since I came to El Soledad. Just so you have an idea, they’ve never even brought up the engagement. What reassures me, at least, is seeing that they’re not seeing any other women.”
“Give them some time, then ask again what’s going on. And don’t think so much about the engagement. If they’re with you, it’s clear they’re interested in being with you,” she says, and I smile. Tay is right, as always.
“You never get cold, do you?” I ask, hearing her laugh because she already knows what I’m about to say. “Because you’re always covered in reason. Thank you, Tay. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“And you’ll never have to find out.”
Wow, she’s inspired today.
“I love you, bestie.”
“I love you too.”
I spend a few more minutes talking to her and take the opportunity to torment her boyfriends a little when they butt into our conversation, trying to get their girlfriend back.
...
Today I woke up before everyone else, determined to be by their side and support them, making everything easier. That means preparing a wonderful breakfast, with plenty of bacon and pancakes. While I wait for the bacon to fry, I focus on making the orange juice they love so much. I’ll make the pancakes once at least one of them is awake. I don’t want to risk waking them up with the house on fire.
I’m so focused on what I’m doing—which is rare—that I don’t notice someone is already awake. I hear Mikhail and Adrian speaking in low voices. They sound like they’re arguing, which surprises me, because I’ve never seen the two of them argue about anything.
I turn off the stove and, on tiptoe, look for where the voices are coming from. As soon as I step into the hallway, the voices become clearer. They’re in the living room, and that’s where I go. Hidden behind a wall, I listen to what they’re arguing about.
“I want you to tell me what’s written on those papers,” Mikhail says, gripping Adrian by the arms. “When Luca gave them to me, I felt like an idiot, like I can’t do anything without my twin by my side. I can’t read or write, but you don’t need to treat me like I’m completely ignorant.”
“Mikhail…”
“No! I’m tired of you protecting me. I want to know what’s written on those papers.”
Before I even realize what I’m doing, I’m already stepping into the living room, Mikhail’s words looping in my head.
I can’t read or write.
Like a punch to the stomach, I remember the scene with the lubricant, and now I understand his reaction. I really am an idiot. As soon as the brothers notice my presence, Mikhail’s eyes widen, because it must be clear on my face that I’ve just heard every single word that came out of his mouth.