One of Six (Den Hollows #1)

4. Atilio

4

ATILIO

As soon as my three youngest brothers enter the kitchen, my eyes narrow. They come to a stop. "Which genius opened the door of the cop car and let Beatrice out?" Evelyn had told me the girl thought it was Essex, but he would never do that. My eyes go to Galen.

So, I am surprised when Nico comes out from behind the door and declares, "That genius was me.” He grins. "The girl freaked out in the car. It was hot as hell." He shrugs and comes fully into the room. "I grabbed the sweatshirt Essex was wearing earlier and pulled up the hood. Nobody saw me but the girl." He grins. "And she thinks it was Essex."

"You idiot," Essex hisses. "Why the hell did you let her think it was me?"

"It wasn't intentional."

"No one sees or speaks to the girl again," I say. "She's off limits."

"Are you claiming her?" Ridge asks.

"She's the mayor's daughter, and her family runs Mount Sterling. So, no, I am not claiming her. She is young and naive. Stay the hell away from her."

"I was planning to," Essex admits.

"Regardless of this little conversation, I liked Beatrice. It can't be easy for her to have him as a father," Galen says. "She didn't blink an eye when we surrounded her. She helped us get away. She's cool."

Ridge puts an arm around his twin's neck. “My twin likes her." He grins.

"Enough! I don't tell you this often, but I will now. Stay away from her."

These idiots love to mess with me. The thing is, I've learned that if I'm not specific and cover all the bases, they're sneaky, and that doesn't change with age. That's what happens with five brothers.

Mom comes in from the back of the house and as I watch her, I wonder how she survived the six of us.

"What now?" she says.

I subtly shake my head at the idiots. "They set their sights on an unattainable girl, that's all. I told them to stay away."

"Hmm."

"You didn't have to tell me." Essex glares. "Her father killed ours."

Mom gasps knowing who he refers to, a hand to her chest. I jump up and go to her, but Essex is there first. "I'm sorry, but it's true."

"No." She pats Essex's cheeks. "Do not blame Beatrice for her father's misdeeds. Evelyn Park works in the Lincoln Mansion. She adores Beatrice. I won't hear a bad word about her." Mama still has that 'look' that shuts my brother up like nothing else can. "Now leave Atilio alone and clean up the mess you tried to hide in the garage.”

Once we’re alone, Mom adds, "You should find yourself a nice girl. Someone to take care of you. You took on a lot when your father died. It worries me."

"I found a nice girl today," I add, remembering how Beatrice Lincoln felt when I held her close.

Mom gives me a somber look. "Take your own advice and stay away from the girl. If you go after Beatrice, you will only bring yourself grief. Her family will bring a lot of trouble that none of us can handle."

"I understand that. I was teasing." I get up from the table and kiss Mom on the cheek. She stands and pulls me into her arms. "You're a good son, Atilio."

Mom rarely gets emotional, but when she does, it hits me. I kiss her cheek before pulling away. "I'm going to help them clean up." I pause in the doorway and turn to face her. "Beatrice, why is she so unhappy?"

I surprise her, and worry lines appear on her face. "Atilio," she whispers.

"Please, Mom, tell me."

"She will be married and pregnant within a year, all arranged. The sweet, innocent child is not free to live the life she wants… Please do not look in her direction.”

I hold mom's eyes for a while. I want to reassure her that I'll never see Beatrice again, but that's impossible when the girl piques my interest. She showed no fear when I took her in my arms. And the way she ate those popsicles should be illegal. I doubt I'll be the only one having wet dreams about her tonight.

"Don't worry, Mom," I say before heading outside. As I do so, one of my brothers leans against the wall near the kitchen window. I frown, "You heard everything?”

He starts walking toward the garage. "Yeah, I heard. I hope you are planning on listening to Mom." He stomps off.

I grimace and watch Essex go.