Lodged (Kinsmen Billionaires #2)

29. Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Gio Bianchi

T urns out someone from Luca’s past had kidnapped Isa. Sometimes, I feel like my life is a telenovela. I mean, this guy, Max, even tried to blackmail Karina, Luca’s wife, back when Luca first met her. Luca ended up unmasking him and buying his family’s vineyard. Years later, the guy hadn’t moved on and decided to take it out on Isa to hurt Luca.

The crazy thing was he knew about Ruin. I mean, I only told my family and close friends about her—about us. But how he knew about her is beyond me. Maybe he hired a PI and had the entire family under surveillance? He didn’t have all the details right, but the fact that he even knew about her makes my skin crawl at the mere thought of someone watching us. I guess it’s time to get serious and hire a security detail. Now more than ever, since I’m all in on bringing Ruin back into my life.

What Max wasn’t counting on was Gabo Godoy and how fiercely protective he was of my sister. They make a fantastic couple, and even in the short period of time they’ve been together, Gabo has made it abundantly clear how much he loves my sister and what he’s capable of doing to protect her.

I ended up meeting with Gabo and Vicente in Geneva, where Max had taken Isa hostage. Gabo hired a private team to help free Isa—it was like something out of an action movie. Thankfully, we got Isa back safe and sound, and Interpol arrested Max. I suspect he’ll be behind bars for a long time. I went back to Italy with them for the night in case Isa needed me. The big brother in me needed to make sure Isa was safe and taken care of. Gabo did that and so much more. I’m happy they got together this summer. Now, both of my siblings are in good, healthy relationships.

It’s time for me to exhaust every single option to get my Ruin back, even if it means making her fall in love with me again.

“Dr. Smith,” I greet my mentor as he enters the lab.

“I take it your sister is safe and sound?” I nod as I release a deep breath.

“Yes, she’s shaken by the events, but she’ll be okay. It’s definitely a relief to know she’s in good hands,” I say as I think about how Gabo held Isa in his arms and how her face transformed with relief when she saw him.

“That’s good! Well I’m glad to have you back. What do you have in mind for the semester?” Dr. Smith asks, and it’s now or never.

“Dr. Smith, I’m so grateful for the opportunities you’ve given me. Coming to this country, to this university, has impacted my life in ways I never thought possible.” Dr. Smith sighs and takes a seat on my high lab chair.

“I knew this day was coming, you’re ready to fly solo. Aren't you?” I give him a small smile.

“It’s more than that, Dr. Smith. I need to find myself. I need to figure out what I want to do with my life before I can keep working.” He gives me a knowing smile as he nods.

“I don’t blame you, Gio. You’re not the typical scientist. There’s more to you than meets the eye.” Dr. Smith pats my back as he gets up from the chair. “Thank you for everything, Gio. Don’t be a stranger, and come visit us again.”

I give him a half-side hug and head toward HR to terminate my contract. After that, I’m going to student services to set up an endowment for Merlin MacAllister. I want him to focus on school and soccer, not on worrying about helping his family.

I’ve got that covered from here on out.

Driving the winding roads to Azalea Creek during summer is a completely different experience than it was last winter. The vegetation is green and lush, and the mountains honor their name, stretching in blue as far as the eye can see.

The first order of business is to get a hotel room. I don’t want to rent or buy a house until I have more clarity of what the future holds.

The town’s hotel sits neatly on the closest street to the highway. The building is well-kept and has a charm that can only come with the passing of time. “In the Clouds,” I read the name aloud before opening the door to enter. A small bell chimes as I step inside, and I’m welcomed by the warm aroma of fresh bread and coffee. Although I truly enjoy both things, I find it odd to encounter those scents in a hotel lobby. To the left is a cozy sitting area, and to the right, a coffee station. A pot of freshly brewed coffee sits next to a tray of bread and cookies—explaining the delicious smell.

“Hello, welcome. May I help you?” A lady walks from the back of the hotel. She looks like Ines, my nanny, and has a welcoming smile on her face.

“Yes, hi. I need to rent a room?” Ugh, I’m definitely not used to doing this in person. Why did I say it like a question?

“Yes, of course. What brings you to town?” the lady asks as she goes to her desk and takes a folder from one of her drawers. This is really old school.

“I’m visiting for a while, and I’d like to get more accustomed to the town and the surrounding area.” I smile at her, but her friendly demeanor immediately changes.

“Accustomed to what?” Fuck, that’s right. I need to be careful about how I express myself here. If the way the people denied knowing Ruin back in January is any indication of how protective they are, I need to tread carefully.

“I’m sorry, I’m not expressing myself clearly. I plan to apply to be a professor at the community college and would like to see if Azalea Creek is the place I want to call home.” I release a breath when I see her smile kindly again.

“That’s excellent, new blood to teach all the younglings in the area.” I nod with a smile, thankful my little white lie got me a place to stay.

“What’s your name, dear?” I extend my hand to introduce myself.

“Gio Bianchi, nice to meet you.” She holds my hand in both of hers.

“I’m Calista Ford, but everyone calls me Callie.” I give her a smile and try to retrieve my hand from hers, which makes her chuckle. I take out my credit card, and the moment she spots my black AmEx, her eyes bulge.

“Oh, my. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this kind of card before.” I blush and clear my throat.

“I have cash, too, if you prefer,” I offer.

“Oh, no, dear. I can’t wait to tell the gals I have a fancy young man staying in my hotel.” She winks at me as she takes a tablet from one of the drawers and adds my card info into her system.

“Here you go, Mr. Bianchi. I put you in room 105. Please let me know if there’s anything I can assist you with.” She winks at me as she gives me my card and points me toward a hall I assume will take me to my room. I thank her and head there to get a shower and change; I want to be presentable in case I see Ruin in town. When I enter the room, I’m pleasantly surprised by the way it’s decorated. There’s a queen bed with what looks like a soft, breathable white comforter and at least ten neatly arranged pillows. A small table with a lamp and an office chair looks like the perfect place to set up my computer. A huge window offers a view of the garden on the side of the building. This is more like a house renovated to be a hotel—I’m really liking this homey vibe.

It’s still nice and bright outside, even as the evening falls upon us. I decide to walk from the hotel to Main Street, where the MacAllister’s diner is located. The Rustic Spoon’s menu is full of comfort food goodness. I can’t wait to try their hush puppies.

From the outside, it looks cozy and inviting. White trim windows and planters with red and purple flowers adorn every window. There’s a big sign in one of the windows that reads, “Come in, get a bite, and take a peek at your future with a reading from Granny MacA.” The sign has a drawing of an old lady holding a tarot card, looking like a hellion. I chuckle at the image. I don’t think I know anyone who reads tarot, but Granny MacA looks like she’s a hoot.

The moment I enter the diner, the aroma of pork BBQ and hush puppies hits me, and I’m in heaven.

“Hey, there. I’ll be with you in one second.” A voice that I know all too well says, and suddenly I feel weak. I hold onto the wall for support. Ruin works here? I follow her with my gaze as she disappears behind the kitchen door. I shake my head, not sure if that was really her or if my head is making her up. I thought she still had amnesia. What is she doing here?

She’s wearing black yoga pants and a black T-shirt with the Rustic Spoon logo—nothing like she used to wear when we were together. When she returns from the kitchen, she’s holding a big tray with plates and glasses filled with what looks like tea and water. With a smile, she effortlessly delivers the food, and after placing the tray on a side table, she comes my way with a smile on her face.

I’m astonished. How can she be so casual? Is she really going to pretend we don’t know each other? Or maybe she still has amnesia.

“Hello, I’m sorry for the wait. Table for one, or are you waiting on some friends?” Ruin says in an upbeat tone, her eyes on me as she waits for my answer. Which, of course, is stuck in my brain—because how is this real life?

“Are you okay?” she asks, her face transforming with worry lines. I shake my head again as I close my eyes. I need a moment. I knew I was going to see her on this trip, but nothing could have ever prepared me for her to treat me like a complete stranger. It hurts more than words can say.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just need to sit down,” I finally tell her.

“Of course. Please, follow me.” She leads me to a table near the kitchen, there’s a nice window by it. It looks secluded from the other tables. Maybe she wants to talk to me privately? A glimmer of hope starts blooming in my chest. After she places the menu on the table, she goes into the kitchen again, and I take a seat.

“Here, maybe some water will help you.” I take the glass from her hand and nod my appreciation. Our fingers touch, and even though I feel goose bumps rising on the back of my neck, I can’t look her in the eye. I still can’t believe the way she’s treating me. I take a big gulp of water, then another, trying to take a deep breath, but I can feel Ruin’s gaze on me.

After a few uncomfortable beats, she clears her throat. “I’ll be back in a few minutes to see if you’re ready to order.”

She disappears, and I don’t look back to see where she went. I need to gather my thoughts before I can ask her what the hell is going on. I wonder who I should text—Vicente and Gabo, or Penny? Gabo is probably busy taking care of my sister. Vicente will likely be out and about in London. There’s only one person who will reply to my text right away.

Gio : You won’t believe what’s going on.

Penny : Your student’s sister is not your Ruin?

Gio : Something even more ludicrous.

Penny : Just say it, Gio, I don’t do well with surprises. Or suspense.

Gio : So, I’m at this diner in Azalea Creek, and Ruin is my waitress, but she’s acting like she doesn’t know me.

Nothing, not even the three little dots appear on my screen. What the hell?

Gio : Penny?

Penny : OH SHIT, SHE STILL HAS AMNESIA THEN.

Gio : That was exactly my reaction.

Penny : Have you tried to ask her what the fuck?

Gio : I haven’t been able to, I can barely look at her. I’m literally speechless.

Penny : Do you want me to come to Azalea Creek?

Gio : I don’t know, Pen. I mean, unless she took acting after she left Raleigh, she seems like she genuinely doesn’t know me. So I need to see if I can finally talk to her and start asking about her accident. I just know it won’t be tonight. I’ll have to gain her trust again.

Penny : I know it might be hard, but the only way to find out what’s going on is by asking her straight out.

Gio : Thanks for listening. I’ll keep you posted.

I put my phone away just in time as Ruin steps up to me, a curious smile on her face. I can’t stop avoiding her eyes anymore. When our gazes lock, I feel something click inside me—like the very first time I saw her in my teaching lab. This is definitely my Ruin, and it breaks my heart that she doesn’t remember me.

“I’m sorry, do you mind if I take a seat for a second? I shouldn’t be on my feet for long periods of time, but then I decided to work as a waitress.” She blows a piece of stray hair from her face, and it takes everything in me not to reach out and tuck it behind her ear.

“Are you alright? I apologize in advance, but why do you need to take breaks?” I ask her as I feel my hands start to sweat and my heart race with anticipation.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just need to take it easy on my left ankle, that's all.” She waves my concern off and stands with her pen and notepad, ready to take my order. I haven’t even checked the menu, but I’m not ready to stop talking to her.

“What would you recommend?”

She taps her pen on her lips as she thinks. “Well, I’m a little biased because I love everything my sister cooks, but if you have a big appetite, I’d recommend the Big Ole Platter. It has a little bit of everything from our menu.”

I look at her intently, recognizing every single freckle on her beautiful face—the soft curve of her eyebrows, the gold specks in her green eyes. She moves closer to me, and I stay there, immobile. She wipes a tear from my cheek—I hadn’t even realized I was crying—and that brings me out of my stupor. I take her hand in mine, and we stay frozen for a moment in time. I place a kiss on her hand, and she jerks back.

“I’m sorry,” we both say at the same time, chuckling in unison. I nod at her to go first, and she smiles as heat rises up her neck.

“I’m so sorry, I never do that—wipe tears off strangers. I don’t know what came over me.” She lowers her gaze, and I’m thankful for it because her words cut through my chest like a dagger.

“It’s alright. Actually, I think I’m going to pass on dinner tonight,” I say as I take my wallet out. She rushes to wave her hand, trying to prevent me from paying.

“It’s okay, truly. I’ll come back soon to try that platter,” I assure her with a smile as I leave a couple of bills on the table and head outside. I don’t want her to see me break down.