Forbidden Disclosure (A Billionaire in Disguise) (16 page)

Daniel opened the door slowly and stepped back in the room. Katherine cautiously entered.

“Daniel, are you okay? May I come in?”

Daniel turned the light on next to the bed and sat down at the small table. He pulled a chair out for her.

“Daniel, are you sure you’re okay?”

“No, I’m not okay. I want to talk to you.”

“Look, if it’s about coming with you to New York or about the money, I can pay—“

“Katherine, sit down please…”

Katherine sat down, never feeling so nervous in her life. She felt like a bomb was getting ready to be dropped on her life, once again.

“I want to tell you some things. I don’t want to feel like I have to walk on egg shells for fear of you running. I don’t want to do that anymore.” Daniel’s expression remained serious.

“Daniel, I don’t feel like this is going to be a very good conversation. You have a business face on.”

Daniel just stared at her.

“Okay, just say whatever’s on your mind. I can take it.” Katherine began to squirm.

“Are you sure about that?”

Katherine lifted up her chin. No matter what this man said, she was going to tell him how she felt. “Yes, I’m positive. But then it’s my turn.”

“Katherine, I love you. I’m
in
love with you, and I have been for so long. I’ve missed you, and when you left Prairie, I thought my chest was going to explode. My heart ached like it never has before. I had some growing up to do, and no one is more ashamed of the old Daniel Giordano than I am. I don’t want to live alone. I haven’t even thought of, nor been with another woman since—well don’t count Emily. My heart has your name written on it, Katherine, and it will until the day I die. I can provide for you, I can give you a wonderful life. I’d like to settle down and have a family someday. Come to me please. Don’t speak, just come over to me.” Daniel reached out his hand and Katherine took it.

She was in complete shock. Daniel guided her to his lap and pulled her up close to him. Running his fingers up her back, he unpinned her hair and let it fall down around her shoulders. Putting his hand gently under her chin, he pulled her to his mouth and kissed her like his life depended on him proving his love and passion. A small moan escaped her mouth, and he caught it with his.

Daniel pulled away reluctantly. “Now what is it you needed to say?” He kissed her jawline and her neck.

“I love you too, Daniel. I don’t want to run anymore. You’re a wonderful man and I trust you. I have one more thing to say...”

“Tell me,” said Daniel as he held her even closer. His heart was so full of love. This was a feeling he’d never experienced before.

Every single time that she'd made the decision to share herself with someone, she ended up feeling horrible in the end. She stopped trusting her judgment when it came to men a long time ago. But tonight, she felt no fear, no guilt, and had no second thoughts.  Katherine stood up and slowly slid her sweater over her head and set it on the chair. Her small but firm breasts were facing him. She slowly unbuttoned her jeans and slid them to the floor. “Come to me please.” Mimicking Daniel’s words wasn’t her plan. Stripping in front of him wasn’t on her agenda either. But the passion that sparked inside Katherine was taking its own course.

Daniel stood, lifted her up in his arms, and gently placed her on the bed. He had, had sex many times, but he’d never made love to any woman.

He rolled Katherine onto her stomach as he slowly kissed up and down each leg with tenderness. He felt her quiver. Daniel took his time kissing up and down her back, then he let as much of his weight as he dared rest on top of her. He wanted her to feel what she was doing to him. Daniel chose to remain dressed, letting his hard member throb against the back of her thigh.

Moving her curls to the side, he softly kissed her neck and shoulder, whispering how much he loved her and how breathtaking she looked. He continued to kiss down her back and, little by little, removed her small panties, kissing every place they had touched. Her breathing quickened.

“Turn back over, Katherine, and watch me.” She turned over onto her back and looked at this gorgeous man who stood at the foot of the bed. He unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it on the floor. Katherine saw the muscles, the tight stomach, and his excitement was clearly evident. Daniel took time undoing his belt and pants, and let them fall to the floor.  He never felt this level of hunger and passion. He crawled back up towards the woman who had finally opened her heart to him, and briefly let his weight rest against her.

Lifting his strong upper body and resting on his elbows, Daniel was able to look down upon Katherine’s beautiful face. Her expression was so full of obvious love and passion. Daniel needed her to feel his love, needed to make love to her mind, her body, and her heart.

“I’ll never leave you, Katherine. I never want you in any other bed but mine or in anyone else’s life. I want to wake up with you. I want you to always be with me.”

“I will be, Daniel,” Katherine whispered. She let her legs open when she felt the full pressure of his hard body against hers. She wanted to wrap him up with both her arms and legs, holding him close with everything she could.

Daniel moved his hips around, pushing and throbbing up against her wet folds, teasing her with the silk that remained between them. When he sat up between her legs, he looked down at his wet boxers. He had never felt so turned on in his life. He bent down and slowly licked up her inner thigh, then slid his hand under her beautiful butt and pulled her hips to his mouth. Her moisture, sweet taste, and scent, advanced his raging hunger. Her body shuttered in long spasms and she cried out. Daniel held her hips tighter as they rose up to press harder to his mouth.

“I want you,” Katherine whispered, as she helped him lower his boxers.

Daniel took his time as he slid himself slightly inside of her and let her contract around him. He slowly moved until his hips were completely touching her. When Daniel felt Katherine's body tighten, he gently pulled out of her and massaged her sweet, small, sensitive peak with his hard member. Katherine climaxed hard, and it took everything Daniel had to go slow. But when she reached down, gently messaging her wetness into his hard shaft and guided him back inside of her, he knew he would lose all restraint. She moved her hips at her chosen rhythm, and he matched it. Daniel moaned loudly as he filled her with his passion, filled her with a promise. He had never felt closer to anyone in his life.

Daniel rolled onto his back, taking Katherine with him, letting her rest against his body. “I am so in love with you. You don’t know how I dreamed of being able to tell you that.”

“And I can’t tell you how good it feels to hear it and really feel that it’s true. I never felt that before. I never had this passion, this…gift. You are a gift to me.” She gently kissed his lips and let herself melt into him. It wasn’t long before his hand slid down to her bare bottom and pulled her tightly against him. Their love making would continue until the two glistening bodies co
llapsed into a wonderful sleep.

Chapter 15

Francesco went up to the stable and found Rosie brushing down the horses. “Sweetheart, I have to go back to Tennessee.”

“Don’t tell me there’re more problems with Sam.”

“No, that piece of trash will be in jail for a long time, Rosie, don’t you worry. As you know, he confessed to his crimes. But the sale went through and I own the property. Are you sure you don’t want it back in your name?”

“Francesco, you’re so sweet, but there’s nothing in that town for me. You do whatever you’d like to do with the house and the land. Hopefully, you'll find a good use for it.”

“Well, I kind of have a plan…”

Daniel woke up with the biggest smile on his face. He couldn’t believe that any of this was real. Katherine was lying with a leg over his, and her head was resting on his chest. She looked so beautiful to Daniel with her hair all messed up, especially knowing he did that. She began to awaken and before she even opened her eyes, she smiled.

“Good morning, beautiful.” Daniel could definitely get used to this.

“You’re still here! Last night was so perfect. I’m glad to open my eyes and see that it wasn’t just a dream.” As Katherine looked in his eyes, her stomach growled loudly.

“Here I am after you all the time about eating, and we didn’t even leave the room.”

“I’m hungry,” laughed Katherine. “Would you like to take me to breakfast?”

“You don’t have to ask me twice, m’lady.” Daniel got up, pulled her to her feet, and then headed to the bathroom to turn on the shower.

He lovingly washed her back, her long hair, and after massaging her shoulders, Daniel turned her to face him. Katherine let her body rest against the wet wall as she pulled him close. He let his hands slide down her body so he could lift her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her back slid gently against the firm surface. His mouth held her pink nipples, and as they perked and hardened, so did his arousal. He pressed his body more firmly against her as his need grew to fill her with all of him. As Daniel kissed her shoulder and neck, he softly whispered, “I’m never going to do anything to lose you again.”

Holding her up with one hand as he pressed his hips between the strong, slender legs that were wrapped around him, he held her face with the other while their eyes locked. Daniel watched her struggle to keep her eyes open, listened to the moans escape her mouth; the sweetest song he'd ever heard her sing. As they felt the warmth of their sweet release, they smiled. Daniel knew one thing for sure; he would never be able to get enough of Katherine O'Brian. His days of running were over.

After their shower, Katherine grabbed a towel and dried them both off. “Now I’m really hungry!”

“I’m pretty hungry myself. You sure do know how to make an appetite appear, and I’m not just talking about food.” Daniel smiled and winked.

“Daniel, my clothes are in my room!”

“Sweetheart, this is your room. That one doesn’t count anymore. I’ll go get your things because I don’t want you over there getting distracted and staying away from me longer than necessary.”

Katherine gave Daniel a huge smile as she approached him with outstretched arms.

“Katherine, you know how much I love you, but if you come near me like that, with nothing on, we’re not going anywhere.” Daniel chuckled and went to gather her things.

The limo picked Francesco up in Nashville and drove him to the hospital. He had a lot to get accomplished today, and most of it would depend on his conversation with Andy O’Brian. Ever since the death of his wife Lillian, he tried to avoid hospitals at all costs, but this was something he had to do for the two most important people in his life. Francesco stopped at the nurse’s station and obtained permission to see Mr. O’Brian.

“I think you have the wrong room,” said Andy.

“Are you Andy O’Brian?” Francesco slowly approached the bed. He knew he had the correct room.

“Yes, but who are you? If you’re here about the bar, I’ve already told the county that I’m working on fixing the place up. The repairs are expensive, so it’s going to take some time.”

“My name is Francesco Giordano, and yes, I’m here about your bar. But I’m not here to do anything other than offer you a business proposition.” Francesco stretched his hand out and, after some suspicious looks from the patient, his handshake was accepted.

“What kind of business proposition? And are you related to Daniel? I believe he said his last name was Giordano, unless he’s given me another fake name.” Andy let out a chuckle, but he remained guarded.

Francesco pulled up a chair. “Do you mind if I sit down?”

“Help yourself.”

“Andy, Daniel is my son and he’s a very good man. He used the name of John Williams because of me. I changed his identity and forbid him to use the family name. He had to grow up and learn to make it on his own before I could give him Giordano Seas, my shipping business. He proved to me many things, and in the process he fell in love with your niece, Katherine.”

“Oh, I’m well aware of their love, I just wish they’d hop to it. Daniel seems like a very fine young man.”

“I understand that you feel the need to go back to Prairie and run your bar.”

“Look, I know I’ll probably lose the battle, but if my bar fails, the people in that town will just continue to slide downhill. The place ain’t much, but it’s a welcomed reprieve for people.”

“Are you aware of Montoose Farm?”

“I know that a lowlife named Sam Montoose burned the barn down.”

“Rosie owned it. I love her deeply, and there are many painful memories that are buried on that land for her. Albert Montoose, her late husband, wasn’t a very good man. I now own the three hundred acres, and I’ve offered to hand it over to her but she doesn’t want anything to do with it. I thought maybe you could help me with turning it into something great.”

“Mr. Giordano, I can’t run a three hundred acre farm.”

“There is only one place in town where people can rent an apartment. A woman named Beatrice owns the small complex. It’s not suitable for living, and she has the financial means to clean the place up, but she refuses to do so. And please, call me Francesco.”

“What does that have to do with my bar?”

“I’m willing to build a very nice apartment complex there on the farm. I’d like to put in a pool and restaurant, and then rebuild your bar on that land. I’d like to move your business.”

“Wait, you want to move my bar?”

“Yes, you’ll still be the owner. The building will be bigger and brand new. I checked with the county and I have their permission to rezone, but the paperwork needs to be completed. I have my attorneys working on that, and I’m doing this with my Rosie’s blessing. You’ll have a nice apartment, and I’m willing to pay off any money or fines that are attached to your current business. I want to resurrect the barn and turn it into something nice. Perhaps a special dance place when a larger building is needed, for say, special events we could hold. I want to hold a meeting with the townspeople and find out what they’d like to see happen. The people in Prairie need to be involved. I’m not there to take over the town. I just want to help the people.”

“How much is your take?”

“Andy, I don’t need any money. My ideas originated from my son and our mutual love for Rosie. The only requests that I have are regarding the sign and a couple other things, which I’ll get to. I want Montoose Farm removed, as Rosie and I are getting married. She won’t have that last name anymore. But I’d like the name on the sign out front to read “Rosie’s.” That would be very healing for her. She needs to have new memories of that place so the old ones can stop haunting her. The bar can be called whatever you’d like.”

“Most of the people in Prairie don’t have the money to be renting a fancy apartment. I’m afraid it would just sit there empty.”

“Andy, I’ll insist that the rent on the apartments be a sliding scale, and I’ll hire the staff to run everything. There are many people who owe me favors in the business world and I plan on involving as many of them as I can. I need to offer Beatrice a job and give her the opportunity to make money the honest way, not by taking advantage of people. It's not my mission to bring her harm, but I will be taking her customers. There can be a separate restaurant, and Rosie can design the menus if she’s willing. She’s a glorious cook! With three hundred acres we could turn the grounds into something really special.”

“I don’t think that’s going to be good enough to get people to come back to Prairie.” Andy wanted so badly to believe in these plans.

“We could hold art fairs, as I’m sure there’s a lot of local talent. Rosie told me she sold some of her quilts in one, but it was located in Nashville. The art fair was her idea. Perhaps we could build more things and bring some attention back to Prairie." Francesco paused, cleared his throat, and continued. "Part of the property will stay as it is. There is a beautiful meadow that holds a special meaning for both Rosie and my son. That’s to be left untouched.”

“Francesco, you’re talking about a lot of money. I am seriously in debt.”

“No, you’re not in debt. I’m prepared to take care of all your financial obligations, as well as any medical bills you accrue. I will pay off the bar, but I want the current building to be torn down.”

“Wait, why are you doing this? You don’t even know me.”

“I know my son, and he loves your niece Katherine. That makes us family, and I take care of my own. In due time, the farm will take care of itself and you’ll be making money. Until that time comes, I’ll handle the costs. You have nothing to lose, and from what I understand, your bar isn’t that far from the farm, so your regular customers shouldn’t have a problem returning. If there’s anything you want to add to the plans, by all means let me know. You can even have that kind of singing show..uh..like whatever you call it.”

“Karaoke?” Andy laughed.

“Yes, that is the word.”

“I want a list of some people who are interested in running businesses, and who deserve the help. I’d like to put in some specialty shops and boost the town. Maybe add a bakery and other things. Sounds good, no?” The old Italian spoke fast and with much enthusiasm.

“Francesco, I don’t know what to say.” Andy had never felt so humble in his life.
This can't be real. Francesco Giordano is sounding like a politician.

“Just say you’re in! I can’t run anything, as I reside in New York. I’ll pay you well until we can make the land lucrative. I have more money than I could ever spend, and I’m not getting any younger.”

“Is your last name going to be on the town now? Are you planning on running for some kind of office?” Andy looked hard to try and find deceit in Francesco’s eyes.

“My name is on my business. I’m doing this to help the people I love. That is the only reason. I will have many papers drawn up and involve the town, government officials, and wealthy businessmen. I'll make sure that my motives don't end up being tainted. I won't leave any room for someone to take advantage of your town.”

Andy stared at the man for a long time. "I want to see all paperwork before anything gets started. The people couldn't handle any bad surprises."

"I will hire you and put it in writing that you have final approval. I promise you, Francesco Giordano hurts no one. I am an honest man. Hurting that town would mean hurting you, which would mean I'd hurt Katherine and my son. Rosie would fall out of love with me. I will never allow that to happen."