Page 43 of Eternal Craving

The carriage lumbered off.

Alicia, her son, and Salvador headed for the road out of Spain. The sun rose and an array of orange colors burst over the horizon. The arrival of a new day meant a new life for them.

My smile faded when I realized that my home would be the first place Felipe would search.

Chapter Eighteen

The senatorial carriage emerged on the horizon.

And I’d just been thinking what a perfect day this Sunday was – Miguel and I had been training one of the stallions in the paddock.

As Felipe approached, I ordered the staff to send Annabelle into the safe room. Harold Ferring’s foresight of constructing a clandestine room beneath our bed, and not just in my office, had proven to be a godsend.

After giving me a look that said, “Be cautious,” Miguel guided the horse back to the stables.

Felipe stomped towards me.

Two weeks had passed since Alicia and Salvador had left for Italy. I assumed they’d be halfway there by now.

Casually, I strolled to meet him. “Good morning.”

“Fuck the pleasantries,” Felipe snapped. “Where are they?”

“Alicia?”

“I want my son back.”

“They’re not here.” I’d long ago mastered the art of deception. Now more than ever, I needed those skills – a calmdemeanor, a steady hand, and an innocent gaze that never wavered from his.

“If I find out you’re lying…” Felipe turned to his men. “Go!”

They headed for the house.

A thin line of sweat trickled from his brow. “My lawyers informed me that you failed to sign our agreement.”

“Did you actually think I would?”

Felipe glared at me. “Search every room,” he shouted, his fingers frantically tapping his thigh.

I cleared my throat. “Aren’t there laws against trespassing?”

“I am the law.”

“I thought your wife boreyoua son.”

He swung his fist, striking my jaw with a crack. I staggered back, though made a quick recovery. So much for Miguel’s advice to use sound judgment, though I doubted it would’ve changed the way I handled the situation. My hatred for Felipe made it nearly impossible to remain civil.

“When you see Salvador, tell him he’s dead.” Felipe stared up at the house, studying the windows. “Tell me where my son is and I’ll spare Alicia.”

A chill ran through me.

His eyes burned with loathing. “Your title doesn’t protect you.”

“And neither does yours.”

“I can get your knighthood stripped. I can take it away.”

“I never did care for it. You’re the one who loves power.”