“Not here, Edgar,” interrupts Prince Harold. He takes off his hat and shoves it at Edgar before strolling forward to shake Calder’s hand. “I’m Harold Costatelli. Thank you for housing my daughter.”
“Calder Justice. We’re pleased to have her. Unfortunately, she went into Dallas today with my cousin’s fiancée, Cameron Hyde-Franklin, but we sent the chopper for her, and she should be here soon.”
“Ah, the Cameron Hyde-Franklin girl. I know her. Wasn’t she at the Lake Como party where you tried to use Maria to make Glorianna jealous?”
Edgar pales. “I-I-I explained that was a misunderstanding, sir. Maria had misinterpreted things.”
The dad grunts. “That’s why I’m here. To get everything sorted out.”
Calder shows no signs of emotion, but internally I can tell his wheels are turning. Mine, too, although I think I know what’s going on. Edgar spun up some excuse to stay on the family dole, and Prince Harold is smart enough to figure out that the lies aren’t adding up. Best come to the source and have it all out. I like him. “I’m Sterling Justice,” I say, stepping forward.
Prince Harold’s eyes narrow. “I’ve heard about you.”
That didn’t sound good, but my smile doesn’t dim a watt. Can’t show any fear here. “If it’s good, it’s true, and if it’s bad, well, I hope you give me a chance to explain. Where’s your luggage? I’ll show you to your room.”
“My staff will bring it, but yes, show me to the room. I’ve got some questions for you.”
If I didn’t love Maria so much, I might’ve raced out of the house under Prince Harold’s withering glare. But I give him a short nod and remind myself that after Maria and I get hitched, we’ll probably end up spending a lot of time with her dad, so I better start off on the right foot. “Ask away. I’m happy to answer all your questions.”
CHAPTER 20
MARIA
I groan when I spot my papa’s guards lingering outside of the main house of the Justice ranch. What the heck is Sterling going to think of all this? Is my father going to have him running for the hills? He already thought I was a bit stuck-up when I first got here. I’m sure seeing my papa’s entourage didn't help that perception.
They each give me a firm nod when I draw closer. I wave back at them. Most have been with my father for years.
“You’re here,” Birdie says, opening the front door before I can get to it.
“How are things?”
“Your father has Sterling alone in his room, and that Edgar jackass is in the kitchen acting like he runs this place.”
“I’m sorry.” I cringe. They’ve all been so welcoming, and now I’ve gone and brought all this drama to their doorstep. I dread having to see Edgar again after what he pulled at the party. I’m still unsure of why he’s even here.
“Don’t be. This is like my own reality TV show but with royalty.” She actually looks thrilled by all of this.
“We’re not royalty.” I laugh. I mean we are, but not how Americans often think of it.
“Don’t ruin this for me. It was so freaking cool watching your father get off that helicopter.”
“Fine. Show me to my papa’s room or I’ll have his guard behead you.” Birdie bursts into laughter. “Did they roll out the red carpet and everything?”
“They did. It was everything.” She giggles harder.
“Should you be laughing this much? It jiggles the baby around,” Calder asks, popping out of freaking nowhere. I swear that man always has his eyes on Birdie. These giant Justice men move far too quietly for their size.
“You didn’t have a problem jiggling me around this morning when we were in bed.” Birdie puts her hands on her hips as she pretends to glare up at Calder. It’s actually pretty comical seeing her try to be stern with him based on their size difference. There is no missing the laughter that still lingers in her eyes, though. She loves how protective Calder is over her.
“That’s different,” he mutters, looking annoyed.
“You’re just jealous someone else made me laugh.”
“I can make you laugh.” He stands up straighter, ready for any challenge Birdie might toss his way.
“Both of you need to focus before my papa scares Sterling away.” I cut in between the two of them. I wish I didn’t have to because I rather enjoy their banter.
“If your father can run him off, he’s not worth having,” Birdie says, and I know she’s right. “Come on.” She motions for me to follow her. I’m a bit surprised my father actually took a room. I wonder if that means he plans to stay for a bit. When I heard he was here, I was sure it was only to try to get me to come home with him.
I can hear the deep rumbles of both Sterling’s and my papa’s voices coming from the room before we reach it. I debated if I should knock or not but decided not to. If he can show up here, then I can show up in his room.
When I push the door open, both of them stop speaking and turn my way. No one looks angry, but they also don’t look relaxed either. I can’t get a good read from either one of them.
“Princess.”
“Piccola.”
They both speak at the same time. My papa opens his arms, but Sterling steps forward and scoops me into his arms before I can try to move.
“You don’t leave without telling me where you're going. I’ve been worried all damn day, Princess.”
“I was with Cam.”
“I don’t care who you’re with. It’s my job to make sure you’re safe.” He sets me back down on my feet.
“That’s my job,” Papa says from behind him.
“Mine too,” he grumbles before he leans down and brushes his mouth against mine in a gentle kiss.
“Sterling, you can’t kiss me in front of my papa.” I push on his chest. Not that it does anything. He doesn’t even budge. The man is a brick wall, and damn is it sexy. All of this is. As much as I’m blushing at him kissing me in front of my papa, it says that he’s going to do what he wants when it comes to me.
“You’re my girl. I’ll kiss you whenever I like.” He tucks me into his side to face my papa with him.
“You didn’t tell me you were seeing someone,” Papa says. “I didn’t know we kept secrets.”
“Don’t guilt her.” Sterling cuts right in before I can try to respond. “You kept her locked up tight. She couldn’t keep a secret if she wanted.”
“Sterling.” I elbow him in his side.
“He’s right,” Papa agrees, shocking the heck out of me. “I’ve only ever loved two women in my life. I lost one. I couldn’t bear to lose you too, Piccola.”
“Papa.” I try to go and give him a hug, but Sterling doesn’t let me go. I elbow him again, and he finally releases me. “You’ve kept me locked away but I kind of understand why,” I say when I hug him. “It’s because I look so much like her.”
“No, Piccola. Nothing brings me more joy than to see your face.” Tears burn my eyes. “I made a grave mistake marrying Caroline. I didn’t want you to see our marriage. To think that is what a marriage should be.” He keeps surprising me with every word.