His Desert Rose (3 page)

Chapter 6

In what seemed like a few minutes, they were safely aboard Antonio’s private, customized, and luxurious Learjet, headed towards Italy. The jet afforded him all the comforts of home. As you entered the plane, to your immediate left was two rich mahogany leather recliners that were separated by a small work table. To the right was a long creamy beige pullout sofa, with large throw pillows and pieces of abstract art hanging on the walls. There was also a refrigerator, cabinets stocked with food, and clean dishes. Against the wall that led into the cockpit, was an entertainment center, with a flat screen television, Blu-ray player, and a stereo system with surround sound. Further into the Learjet was a single room for resting, among other things, that had a king size bed, and a bathroom and shower accommodations.

Renee was looking out the window as the ground got smaller and smaller. A stewardess came forward offering flavored coffee’s or hot tea from a tray. The smell of the coffee turned Renee’s queasy stomach completely green. She unbuckled her seatbelt and headed straight for the private room and into the bathroom where she emptied the contents of her stomach.

Antonio came in after a while and found her with a cool cloth across her face. He hated to see her sick. He sat on the edge of the bed
and rubbed his hands across the small of her back to comfort her.

“What do you need?” Antonio asked with so much care and concern.

“Just give me a moment and I will return to the girls?” Renee groaned.

“Don’t worry about the girls,” Antonio advised. “They along with Dennis are watching a cartoon, while eating chocolate chips cookies and drinking warm milk.”

“Don’t talk about food please,” Renee asked as her stomach twisted in yet another knot. Renee closed her eyes tighter willing the wave of nausea to past.

Antonio called up the staff and ordered some dry toast, ginger ale with lots of ice for her, then told her to go get a lukewarm shower.

Renee did as she was told but was too weak to stay in the shower very long. She lathered soap all over her body and allowed the water cascade all over her. She toweled dry and slipped into a fluffy white bath robe that swallowed her up.

When she returned the ginger ale and toast had arrived.

She thanked Antonio, took a few slow sips of the ginger ale and a bite of the toast. Renee ate as much as she could before climbing under the covers and falling asleep.

Renee woke up a few times through the flight. She made a mad dash to the restroom and expelled the contents of her stomach. She would in turn brush her teeth and rinse out her mouth, and wash her face with a cold towel. Yet again, Antonio was waiting with iced down ginger ale.

“I’m sorry you aren’t getting any sleep because of me,” Renee said as she accepted the drink.

“No problem,” Antonio said looking at her smiling. I don’t remember you hating airplanes before,” Antonio responded.

“I’m not afraid of airplanes. I think that my nerves are in my stomach, with everything that’s going on,” Renee responded.

“That’s understandable. Someone wants to do harm to your family. Please understand that I would lay down my own life before allowing something to happen to any of the rest of you,” Antonio said.

“That’s sweet Antonio, but I sincerely hope that it doesn’t come to all of that,” Renee said.

“Get settled back down and get you a few more hours of sleep,” Antonio encouraged. “We only have a few more hours before we land.”

“Thank you for everything, Antonio,” Renee said as she lay back against the pillow.

Antonio thought it had been indeed his pleasure. He had been able to be a shoulder for her to lean on when things were getting intense with her sister’s case. They made love each morning, before she left to go help with the twins. They ate each meal together. He called and emailed his brothers regarding the family business throughout the course of the day. In the evenings they had walked on the beach, enjoyed long talks and of course made passionate love. Antonio enjoyed her company. She was beautiful, with medium brown colored skin, round firm breast, and a deliciously round backside. She spoke several languages. She was highly intelligent, and even though she wasn’t working in International business at the present time, she had kept up with the news surrounding the field. She was deeply networked into his line of work and that was a plus. She’d even confessed that she was thinking about going back to work.

Antonio glanced over at her sleeping form. After careful consideration he decided that if he was going to have a marriage of convenience, he should do it with someone like Renee Anderson. He had asked his mother for the family ring that had been passed down from generation to generation to the first born son and she was beside herself with joy.

Antonio raked his hand through his thick wavy black hair as he mused that it might have been a little pre-mature to get the ring before asking the girl, but he was confident that she would come around.

Antonio closed his laptop. They would be arriving in Italy soon enough. He had asked Dr. Kristen Belmonte to see Renee in her office as a pre-caution. Renee was probably dehydrated at best, but he still wanted her looked after.

Chapter 7

Renee awakened and went and took a shower and dressed in a light weight floral print dress and casual white sandals. She went out and checked on Alyson and Amber as well as the rest of her guest.

Ms. Nancy who was Donna’s mother asked her, “How are you this morning dear?”

Slightly better than I was last night thank you so much for asking. My nerves must be in my stomach, this has been a bit much for me,” Renee admitted.

Ms. Ragsdale, the kids tutor, joined the conversation by saying, “That is perfectly understandable. You and your sister are very close and all each other has left, besides the girls. Your feelings are normal dear,” she finished.

“Thank you so much ladies for understanding,” Renee replied.

Renee looked at the twins who were watching television with Dennis. They had already bathed and dressed for the day’s activities. Ms. Nancy and Ms. Ragsdale had fed them as well. There was nothing left to do but wait for Antonio to emerge from the shower. Renee sat back in the seat and closed her eyes. Things between her and Antonio would have to change now that he was home. Their friends with benefits roles would be retired, possibly forever, as he prepared to take his proper place beside his father as the new head of the family. She found herself feeling a great amount of discomfort at the thought of another woman sharing his bed, becoming his wife and having his children.

Renee tried her best to shake off those feelings. She had given up on the notion of “happily ever after” a long time ago. She acknowledged that she had also known the deal when she lied down with Antonio and indulged in the best sex of her life; so many mornings and nights with him. Even though she had known, somewhere along the lines her foolish heart had forgotten.

The best thing that she could do for herself was rebuild her image, connect with old contacts, and jump start the second half of her life. This time she would be better. She would not be married to her career and would make time for her family. She would live her life with no regrets.

Renee picked up a pen and paper, and went to work on making a list of things to do. She needed to get Claire Blake-Moore, her childhood friend to write and publish an article, in regards to her fall and her rise. She needed to update her wardrobe which was something that another family friend, Nicole Alexander usually would handle, but she was going to be in Italy. She would have to handle some of it herself. It would be a nice treat for the girls as well. She needed to update her portfolio, and really decide which direction she wanted to take her career. She had a sizeable nest egg from her previous work and investments, there was no rush.

She smelled his enticing cologne before she saw him. She pulled off her reading glasses and sent him a smile. He threw a thousand watt mega smile back at her that almost caused her heart to stop. He was now clean shaven and sexier than any man had the right to be. He was dressed in black pinned striped slacks, with a white button down business shirt, and a silver tie that matched the stripes in his pants. He laid the matching jacket over a chair. His normally wavy hair, was actually curly while wet.

“Good morning, everyone,” he said with a heavy Italian accent.

He received a chorus of Good mornings from everyone.

Renee placed her glasses back on her face and sat back in her seat. She began to write in her notebook.

“What do we have here?” Antonio said, removing the notebook from her hands?

“Brainstorming,” Renee said as he glanced over her notes.

“Well, you certainly are off to a good start,” Antonio said as he handed the notebook back to her.

“Ladies, can I speak to you for a few minutes please,” Antonio asked dripping with charm.

Ms. Nancy and Ms. Ragsdale all but swooned in their seats. Jasmine smiled at the two older ladies and gave her attention to Antonio.

“When we arrive at the airport, which should be in the next twenty to thirty minutes or so, there will be two cars waiting for us. I have made Renee, a doctor’s appointment with Dr. Kristen Belmonte.”

Renee started to say that it was unnecessary when Antonio advised her, just to humor him.

Renee sank back into her seat with her legs crossed, clearly irritated with his controlling nature.

Antonio continued, “The second car will have two members of our family’s security detail, as well as my younger brother Marco, who will protect you and escort you to our family estate. My mother probably has prepared a large breakfast for you and will be insulted if you refuse, so please eat at least a little bit. Our staff has prepared everything for your stay, and or even prepared to handle the children for a while if you two ladies need rest. After Renee’s doctor’s appointment, I will bring her back to the estate, and head back into town for some pressing business. Renee has my cellphone number if you all should require anything else. Ladies, I hope that everyone’s comfortable with my plans,” Antonio finished with one of his charming smiles that displayed perfectly straight white teeth.

Again, Ms. Nancy and Ms. Ragsdale just simply swooned.

Renee mumbled, “Oh, I’m going to be sick.”

Thirty minutes later, they landed on a private air strip and everything went according to plan. Marco greeted her with a kiss to each cheek, before pulling Antonio off to the side. The two men talked for a few minutes before Antonio was given something that he placed in his pocket.

Shortly there afterwards, Renee was in the car being driven to a doctor’s appointment she neither asked for, or felt was necessary.

“You’re quite,” Antonio said.

“Not much left to say,” Renee said making eye contact with him.

“What does that mean?” Antonio asked, seeing the fire burning within her eyes. She was mad.

“Antonio the last four weeks have been beautiful. It was what I wanted and needed. You are home now, and it is time for you to start going after what it is that you want,” Renee said passionately.

“Who is to say that I couldn’t have both? Look I care about what happens too. I enjoy how easy our conversation is. The sex is some of the best I have ever had. I usually grow tired after the conquest, but not so with you,” Antonio responded candidly.

“What are you saying, Antonio?” asked Renee.

“Look, don’t give me an answer now. This is so not how I planned to ask you. I think that it would be good for both us for us to marry one another. We both know what we are getting. I don’t have time for games and wooing, this marriage would be one of convenience. Lastly, I recalled that you said that you would do anything to help me. Renee I need your help,” Antonio said.

“I can’t even believe you,” Renee said clearly hurt. “I am not interested in your proposal as delightful as it sounds,” Renee said sarcastically.

Antonio swore under his breath. “I know that this proposal lacks finesse, I intended to wait until after your doctor’s appointment,” Antonio said reaching into his pocket and taking a small crushed velvet box out.

He opened the box and there was a four karat vintage leaf engagement ring, with three round diamonds on the side and one square cut diamond in the middle. All of which was encased in white gold.

“I had it cleaned and restored in hopes that you would say yes,” Antonio said.

“Antonio no, a thousand times no, this will end badly,” Renee said.

Antonio snapped the jewelry box closed. Why was she being so difficult? It was a mutually beneficial opportunity for them both. Antonio thought to himself.

The rest of the ride, Renee stared out of the window.

Chapter 8

Antonio came around and opened her door for her. She thanked him but she didn’t make eye contact. They walked into the doctor’s office and people greeted Antonio, with so much joy. He spoke to them one and all, answering questions as they made their way to the reception window.

Renee was taken back immediately. She changed into a patient gown and sat to work on filling out forms for her medical history. The nurse took and recorded her vitals.

Dr. Kristen Belmonte walked in and greeted them both.

“I have reviewed my nurse’s notes,” Dr. Kristen Belmonte advised, “So please tell me what the reason is for your visit?” she asked.

“I have been involved in a highly stressful situation as of lately, but yesterday I started vomiting a lot. I think that my nervous are in my stomach. I am possibly dehydrated as well,” Renee responded.

“Okay, when was your last menstrual cycle?” Dr. Belmonte asked.

Renee responded, “Approximately three weeks ago. I had one heavy day and then just spotting from then on,” Renee answered honestly.

“Are you sexually active?” Dr. Belmonte asked.

Renee let out a sigh, and responded, “Yes.” Then she turned to Antonio and said, “Antonio, Dr. Belmonte and I have it from here. Can you please go into the waiting room until one of us sends for you?”

When he looked like he was going to argue, she turned her coffee brown eyes on him.

“I will be right outside if you need me,” Antonio said before walking out the door.

Renee let out a sigh of relief when the door closed behind him.

Dr. Belmonte rubbed Renee’s arm, to comfort her. We are running a urine analysis. The nurse will come back in and draw some blood. I want to start you on a banana bag, which is a multivitamin supplement to counteract the effects of the vomiting. Lay back and try to relax, the banana bag has to run for about four hours or so,” Dr. Belmonte said soothingly.

Renee lied back onto the very uncomfortable bed. A nurse came in and took her blood and started her IV. Over the next few hours Renee drifted in and out of sleep. Here lately, it seemed like she couldn’t get enough sleep. She initially thought that depression was rearing its ugly head again. With all that was going on in their lives, it was amazing that she got any sleep at all.

In what seemed like a few minutes, Renee was being gently awakened by Dr. Belmonte. Renee awakened and sat up on the bed. She immediately began to apologize, but Dr. Belmonte assured her that it was okay and even understandable.

Antonio insisted on helping her to sit up.

Dr. Belmonte sat down on her stool, crossed her legs and began to speak with Renee and Antonio as she reviewed the charts. I have the results of your urine analysis. It will take me a few more hours to get the results from your blood panel. You are very dehydrated which is not good since the human body uses water for so many things, and water can account for sixty percent of the body. Your urine analysis also indicts that you are about two to three weeks pregnant. Now urine test can give a false positive this early in the game. However, I’m confident that you are with child, which makes hydration, your number one priority, followed closely by eating well and getting enough rest. But, stay away from any stressful situations,” Dr. Belmonte.

Not knowing what to make of Renee’s shocked expression, Dr. Belmonte repeated key pieces of information to make sure they had been heard. “Someone from my office will call you when your blood work is in and I will rush the results. As you probably know, this pregnancy will be considered high risk since you have miscarried before. In the meantime, drink plenty of cool fluids, get rest, and relax,” Dr. Belmonte advised.

Dr. Belmonte could tell that the information that she had given Renee was not sitting well with her. So many emotions crossed over her face.

Renee thanked, Dr. Belmonte as she slid down from the table. Dr. Belmonte stopped her so that she could remove the IV and place a bandage on her arm. Renee walked into the tiny restroom and dropped down on the toilet and just sat there. She couldn’t believe her ears. She was pregnant. Everything within her was at war. She sat on the toilet seat in a daze until Antonio was knocking on the door.

A voice that she didn’t recognize as her own responded, “I will be out in a minute.”

She sounded weak and defeated. Trapped, Antonio thought to himself.

Renee got dressed, wiped her face and opened the door.

“Are you okay?” Antonio asked.

“Yes,” Renee responded as she gathered her discharge paperwork, along with a prenatal vitamin prescription and an appointment card.

“Liar,” Antonio replied.

“Are you seriously alright with this?” Renee asked.

“Yes, I am. I asked you to marry me earlier, maybe now you will reconsider now that you know that you are carrying our child,” Antonio responded.

“Forever the opportunist,” Renee quipped. “So very romantic,” Renee finished rolling her eyes.

“Look, promise not to stress yourself out over this,” Antonio encouraged her. We will figure out everything.”

“Together?” Renee asked. “Or will you bellow out orders to me and expect me to follow them without thought?”

“Woman, I will give you whatever you want if you go back to the house and relax and drink plenty of fluids,” Antonio said.

“Good let’s go,” Renee said leading the way.

Once inside the car, Antonio advised her that he had contacted her sister and made her aware that they had safely arrived in Italy.

“Thank you,” Renee said laying her head back onto the seat.