Niceties were attended to, drinks handled, plates loaded with a variety of food as they all dug into the delicious lunch provided by a caterer Tessa had hired especially for the occasion. Stasia sat next to Rhett and Ella, the ones she felt the most comfortable with, while her mother somehow ended up next to Hunter. Thankfully, he was polite, his expression a neutral mask, none of the hostility Stasia had encountered previously visible.
It was downright unnerving, how easily they accepted her. She wondered if there was some sort of trick that they might spring on her at the end of the meal.
“Where’s Gavin?” Ella asked quietly when Rhett left them to help Tessa with something in the kitchen.
Stasia shook her head. “He couldn’t make it.” He didn’t feel right in coming with her, didn’t want to interfere with her new family, especially since he’d once represented her. She’d reassured him she wanted him there by her side, that no one would protest, but he’d been adamant, telling her it was a private moment for her. And it hadn’t turned into an argument, either.
In fact, the sweet, sexy kiss he’d given her before he left her apartment early this morning had nearly been her undoing. They’d spent the last two nights together, talking, learning more about each other, making love. She’d shared with Gavin her thoughts on starting her own jewelry line and he offered valid ideas how to approach her two families about the new venture.
She was nervous, though. Didn’t want to upset them or make them think she was ungrateful and ready to strike out on her own.
“I see the media speculation surrounding your story has already died down,” Hunter said from across the table, startling Stasia from her thoughts.
Uneasiness slipped through her. Was Hunter looking for a fight? She wasn’t quite sure how to answer. “Thank goodness for Lindsay Lohan, no?”
Hunter chuckled, shot a glance in Claudia’s direction, who blinked at him. “We were just having that conversation, as a matter of fact. Like mother, like daughter.”
Claudia beamed but remained silent.
“I didn’t mean for it to come out like it did,” Stasia started, but Rhett cut her off.
“It wasn’t your fault. Trust me, I know all about the media digging up your every secret,” he muttered.
“Not that I wanted to keep it a secret. I’m not ashamed of my true heritage.” She’d come to that realization last night as she drifted off to sleep in Gavin’s arms. Content for what felt like the first time in years, the steady beat of her man’s heart soothing her, she was proud of the fact that Michael Worth was her father. That Giorgio Renaldi was her father as well, had raised her and taught her everything he knew.
A sort of peace had settled over her in that moment. Her poor father had been sad, felt betrayed and had lashed out. He’d been irrational, sick, despondent. She let go of all the anger, the bitterness, the hurt. She could forgive him.
She had to.
“We’re glad to hear it,” Hunter said, sounding the slightest bit amused. “It’s been rough on you, we know.”
“It has been, but I’m better now. I appreciate the support from all of you.” Stasia glanced at her brothers, her gaze landing on Alex, who sat at the head of the table. “The press release was perfect. It answered all of their potential questions without revealing too much personal information.”
“That was the idea,” Alex said with a nod. “Though I must admit, I’m very pleased the paparazzi has become occupied with someone else. I couldn’t have asked for a better diversion.”
Low laughter sounded across the table, sending a ripple of happiness through her. She couldn’t believe it but already she felt like she belonged there. That these men had finally accepted her—perhaps not fully but hopefully soon—filled her with a warmth she couldn’t deny.
After lunch, Tessa and the other women gathered the children and Stasia’s mother, escorting them all out of the dining area, “So you can all talk privately for a moment,” Tessa suggested with a kind smile.
Though Stasia appreciated the thought, she was dreadfully nervous. Her new brothers intimidated her.
“Your mother is very nice,” Alex said when most everyone vacated the room. “I would like to speak with her someday soon. I want to ask her about our father.”
“Oh.” Stasia sat up straighter. “What is it you want to know?”
“How long they were together, what their relationship was like. I don’t want the sordid details, it’s just…this is a part of his life we didn’t even know existed.” The pained expression that swept over Alex’s face for the briefest moment hurt Stasia as well. “It’s hard for me to fathom how he kept this from us.”
“I don’t think he did it on purpose. From what my mother said, it was a whirlwind romance. And…well. She was the wife of one of your father’s biggest rivals. I can see why he wanted to keep it quiet. Besides, you were just a child.”
Alex nodded, his gaze locked on the table. Hunter and Rhett remained quiet, contemplative. “Whenever she’s willing, I’d like to talk to Claudia.”
“I can arrange it. She plans on staying in New York for a while.” She’d convinced her mother to remain here and create new memories. Word was Matteo planned on coming to New York soon with his family and remain here indefinitely. It would mean Mama could be close to her grandson, which thrilled her to pieces.
“I’m glad to hear it. Perhaps we could all...become closer,” Hunter said tentatively.
Stasia’s heart threatened to swell out of her chest it felt so full. “I must say, your acceptance of me is rather surprising, especially after our last encounter.”
“My wife convinced me I was being an ass.” Hunter had the decency to look a trifle embarrassed. “She reminded me that life’s too short and that you’re a part of our family whether I like it or not.”
Stasia smiled. She needed to give Gracie a big hug and a kiss later, before she left. “I’ve been rather dramatic myself, and I apologize for my past hysterics.”
“It’s understandable.” Rhett shot her a warm smile from across the table. “You had every reason to be upset.”
Tears threatened and she sniffed discreetly. No need for more hysterics. Her new brothers would think her ridiculous.
“Hey, we’re just about to serve dessert.” Gabriella swept into the room, her easy smile making Stasia smile in return. “That amazing chocolate cake Tessa makes from scratch. Are you guys done talking? Or are you set on depriving us a little while longer?”
“Ah, leave it up to my wife to know how to diffuse a difficult situation with chocolate cake.” Alex stood and approached Stasia, pulling out her chair so she could stand as well. “Come here, little sister.”
He hugged her, his strong arms wound tight around her as he pulled her in. She pressed her face against his chest, tears threatening to spill from the corner of her eyes and she squeezed them shut, desperate not to fall to pieces.
But it was no use. The tears spilled down her cheeks as she withdrew from her older brother’s embrace, her voice choked as she whispered, “Thank you.”
This is what she’d been searching for from the moment she’d heard the news that Giorgio Renaldi wasn’t her father.
Acceptance.
Love.
“I’m calling to apologize. Don’t hang up,” Alex warned when Gavin reluctantly answered his cell.
“This ought to be good.” Gavin fell back against the pillows, watching with smug satisfaction when Stasia curled up next to him, her eyes closed, a contented expression on her still-flushed face.
“I’m an ass and I’m sorry.” Alex’s voice lowered, as if he didn’t want anyone else to hear him. “I should’ve never said it would be best if you didn’t come to the lunch today. Stasia clearly missed you.”
“Told you.” Now he was really feeling smug. There was no denying how strongly he and Stasia felt for each other. Gavin was glad to know her newfound brother could finally see it. “You jump too quickly to conclusions.”
“One of my greatest faults. Tessa has already berated me. I’m sure I’ll get an earful more when I get off the phone.”
“You deserve every last bit of it.” Reaching out, Gavin toyed with a lock of Stasia’s hair, winding it around his finger again and again. “Have a little more faith in me next time, my friend.”
“Sound advice,” Alex said, a trace of humor in his tone.
“Seriously, you’ll have to work for my forgiveness.” Gavin paused. “I heard there was homemade chocolate cake involved.”
“There was.” Alex paused. “I could possibly convince my wife to send an entire cake to you as a peace offering.”
“I’ll take it. But you better reward your wife properly for making
another
cake.” Hanging up the phone, he set it on the bedside table and closed his eyes.
Stasia lifted her head to study him. “Did you hang up on Alexander Worth?”
“Sure did.” He kept his eyes closed, his lips curving into a smile. “He deserves it.”
“Yes. I suppose he does.” She rested her head on his chest, drew her fingers across his still sensitive skin. Her hair tickled his face and he batted it away. “But why? What did he tell you?”
“That he was wrong.”
“Wrong about what? Don’t make me pry it out of you, Gavin.”
He opened his eyes, found her watching him expectantly. “I wanted to go with you today, to Alex’s. But he called and asked me not to. Said that I might interfere with their wishes to talk to you. I think he was afraid I’d lawyer up.”
“Oh.” Sighing, she pressed her cheek to his pec. “I wish you would’ve been there. But I understand why he did it.”
“You do?” He was surprised. Figured she would be upset.
“Yes.” She nodded, her soft hair rubbing against his flesh. Arousal pulsed through him and he pushed it down. Would he ever get enough of her? “He was being protective of me.”
“True.” He smoothed his hand over her head, his fingers threading through the silky strands.
“Though I hope Alex understands what you mean to me,” she said, her voice hushed.
“And what do I mean to you?” His heart stalled in his chest.
She lifted her head, her expression slumberous, her eyes heated. “You mean everything to me.”
Lifting his head, he kissed her. She opened to him, her tongue sliding against his and just like that, he wanted her.
Desperately.
“You mean everything to me too,” he murmured against her lips when he broke the kiss. “I promise to never take Alex’s advice again.”
“Oh, you don’t have to go to that extreme.” She laughed. “Just…consult with me first.”
“As your attorney?”
“As my partner.” She smiled, gave him a quick kiss. “I’ll do whatever you tell me to do.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, right.”
“Well, in bed, I do.” She sent him a saucy wink.
“So if I tell you to get on your hands and knees right now, you’d do it?” His cock came to life at the mere suggestion.
Pulling away from him, she got into position, wagging her heart-shaped ass back and forth, practically in his face. “I’m ready for you.”
Jesus.
Without hesitation he went to his knees, wrapped his hands about her hips and rubbed his erection against her plush backside. “I shouldn’t want to do this. We’ve been at it for hours.”
“You feel pretty ready.” She brushed against him, his cock sliding between her cheeks. “I’m only doing what you asked me to do.”
He grabbed the base of his cock and slid inside her easily. She was still wet from their earlier encounter, hot and tight and he groaned as he sank deep. “Damn, you feel good.”
She moved with him, slowly at first until she became downright frantic, bouncing against him, high-pitched whimpers escaping her with his every thrust. He grabbed her hips tight, holding her still as he pushed inside her again and again, driving them both straight into orgasmic oblivion.
They collapsed onto the mattress, sweaty skin and limbs tangled, heavy pants and shivery skin. Pushing the damp hair away from her forehead, he kissed her there, letting his lips linger. “Love you,” he murmured.
She snuggled close. “I love you too. Pervert.”
“I happen to like perverts.” She’d said that to him not too long ago.
Smiling, she kissed him. “So do I,” she whispered.
Chapter Nineteen
Six months later
“You certainly know how to throw a party.”
Stasia turned to find Rhett and Gabriella standing before her, both of them smiling, so beautiful in their evening finery. “I’m so glad you could make it tonight.” She hugged them both.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Ella said as they drew apart from each other. “So many people are here.”
“I know.” Nerves bounced in her stomach as she glanced around. “I hope we don’t run out of champagne.”
“Perish the thought. Especially since we have so much to celebrate tonight.” Rhett grabbed Ella’s left hand and waved it around, the brilliant sparkle unmistakable.
“Wait a minute.” Stasia grabbed Ella’s hand, gasping when she saw the giant diamond glittering on her ring finger. She looked at Rhett. “Oh my God, you finally asked her.”
Rhett grinned. “I did.”
Ella blushed and leaned against him. “He did.”