Maid For A Magnate
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His gaze traveled back to his yacht nestled against his private dock. Speaking of planning accordingly, he had more personal issues to deal with right now. Issues that involved one very sexy maid.
It had taken a lifeless, arranged relationship with Bella to really wake Will up to the fact his father had his clutches so tight, Will had basically been a marionette his entire life. Now Will was severing those strings, starting with the ridiculous notion of his marrying Bella.
Will was more than ready to move forward and take all the things he’d been craving: money and Cat. A beautiful combo to start this second stage of his life.
And it would be soon, he vowed to himself as he stalked around his outdoor seating area and headed inside. Very soon he would add to his millions, secure his place as head of the family business by cementing its leading position in the oil and real estate industries and have Cat right where he wanted her...begging.
* * *
Catalina couldn’t wait to finish this day. So many things had come up that hadn’t been on her regular schedule...just another perk of working for the Rowling patriarch. She had her sights set on getting home, taking off her ugly, sensible work shoes and digging into another sewing project that would give her hope, get her one step closer to her ultimate goal.
This next piece she’d designed late last night would be a brilliant, classy, yet fun outfit to add to her private collection. A collection she fully intended to take with her when she left Alma very soon.
Her own secret goal of becoming a fashion designer had her smiling. Maybe one day she could wear her own stylish clothes to work instead of boring black cotton pants and button-down shirt with hideous shoes. Other than her mother, nobody knew of Catalina’s real dream, and she had every intention of keeping things that way. The last thing she needed was anyone trying to dissuade her from pursuing her ambitions or telling her that the odds were against her. She was fully aware of the odds and she intended to leap over them and claim her dream no matter how long it took. Determination was a hell of a motivator.
She came to work for the Rowlings and did her job—and that was about all the human contact she had lately. She’d been too wrapped up in materials, designs and fantasies of runway shows with her clothing draped on models who could fully do her stylish fashions justice.
Not that Catalina hated how she looked, but she wasn’t blind. She knew her curvy yet petite frame wasn’t going to get her clothing noticed. She merely wanted to be behind the scenes. She didn’t need all the limelight on her because she just wanted to design, no more.
As opposed to the Rowling men who seemed to crave the attention and thrive on the publicity and hoopla.
Adjusting the fresh arrangement of lilacs and white calla lilies in the tall, slender crystal vase, Catalina placed the beautiful display on the foyer table in the center of the open entryway. There were certain areas where Patrick didn’t mind her doing her own thing, such as choosing the flowers for all the arrangements. She tended to lean toward the classy and elegant...which was the total opposite of the man she worked for.
James on the other hand had more fun with her working here and he actually acknowledged her presence. Patrick only summoned her when he wanted to demand something. She hated thinking how much Will was turning into his father, how business was ruling him and consuming his entire life.
Will wasn’t in her personal life anymore, no matter how much she still daydreamed about their kisses. And Patrick would only be her employer for a short time longer. She was hoping to be able to leave Alma soon, leave behind this life of being a maid for a man she didn’t care for. At least James was pleasant and a joy to work for. Granted, James hadn’t betrayed Cat’s mother the way Patrick had. And that was just another reason she wanted out of here, away from Patrick and the secret Cat knew about him.
Catalina shoved those thoughts aside. Thinking of all the sins from Patrick’s past wouldn’t help her mood.
Patrick had been deceitful many years ago and Catalina couldn’t ignore her mother’s warning about the Rowling men. Even if Will had no clue how his father had behaved, it was something Catalina would never forget. She was only glad she’d found out before she did something foolish like fall completely in love with Will.
Apparently the womanizing started with Patrick and trickled down to his sons. James had been a notorious player before Bella entered his life. After all, there was nothing like stealing your twin brother’s girl, which is what James had done to Will. But all had worked out in the end because Bella and James truly did love each other even if the way they got there was hardly normal. Leave it to the Rowlings and the Montoros to keep life in Alma interesting.
Catalina just wished those recent kisses from Will weren’t overriding her mother’s sound advice and obvious common sense.
Once the arrangement was to her liking—because perfection was everything whether you were a maid or a CEO—Catalina made her way up the wide, curved staircase to the second floor. The arrangements upstairs most likely needed to be changed out. At the very least, she’d freshen them up with water and remove the wilting stems.
As she neared the closed door of the library, she heard the distinct sound of a woman sobbing. Catalina had no clue who was visiting. No women lived here, and she’d been in the back of the house most of the morning and hadn’t seen anyone come in.
The nosy side of her wanted to know what was going on, but the employee side of her said she needed to mind her own business. She’d been around the Rowling family enough to know to keep her head down, do her job and remember she was only the help.
Inwardly she groaned. She hated that term. Yes, she was a maid, but she was damn good at her job. She took pride in what she did. No, cleaning toilets and washing sheets wasn’t the most glam of jobs, but she knew what she did was important. Besides, the structure and discipline of her work was only training her for the dream job she hoped to have someday.
The rumble of male voices blended in with the female’s weeping. Whatever was going on, it was something major. Catalina approached the circular table in the middle of the wide hall. As she plucked out wilted buds here and there, the door to the library creaked open. Catalina focused on the task at hand, though she was dying to turn to see who came from the room.
“Cat.”
She cringed at the familiar voice. Well, part of her curiosity was answered, but suddenly she didn’t care what was going on in that room. She didn’t care who Will had in there, though Catalina already felt sorry for the poor woman. She herself had shed many tears over Will when he’d played her for a fool, getting her to think they could ignore their class differences and have a relationship. “I need to see you for a minute.”
Of course he hadn’t asked. Will Rowling didn’t ask...he demanded.
Stiffening her back, she expected to see him standing close, but when she turned to face him, she noted he was holding onto the library door, with only the top half of his body peeking out of the room.
“I’m working,” she informed him, making no move to go see whatever lover’s spat he was having with the unknown woman.
“You need to talk to Bella.”
Bella? Suddenly Catalina found herself moving down the hall, but Will stepped out, blocking her entry into the library. Catalina glanced down to his hand gripping her bicep.
“Her aunt Isabella passed away in the middle of the night,” he whispered.
Isabella Montoro was the grand matriarch of the entire Montoro clan. The woman had been around forever. Between Juan Carlos being named the true heir to the throne and now Isabella’s death, the poor family was being dealt one blow after another.
Will rubbed his thumb back and forth over Catalina’s arm. “You know Bella enough through James and I figured she’d want another woman to talk to. Plus, I thought she could relate to you because...”
Swallowing, she nodded. When she and Will had dated briefly, Catalina had just lost her grandmother, a woman who had been like a second mother to her. Will had seen her struggle with the loss...maybe the timing of the loss explained why she’d been so naïve to think she and Will could have a future together. For that moment in time, Catalina had clung to any hope of happiness and Will had shown her so much...but it had all been built on lies.
Catalina started to move by him, but his grip tightened. “I don’t want to bring up bad memories for you.” Those aqua eyes held her in place. “As much as Bella is hurting, I won’t sacrifice you, so tell me if you can’t go in there.”
Catalina swallowed as she looked back into those eyes that held something other than lust. For once he wasn’t staring at her as if he wanted to rip her clothes off. He genuinely cared or at least he was playing the part rather well. Then again, he’d played a rather impressive role four years ago pretending to be the doting boyfriend.
Catalina couldn’t afford to let her guard down. Not again with this man who still had the power to cripple her. That kiss weeks ago only proved the control he still had and she’d never, ever let him in on that fact. She could never allow Will to know just how much she still ached for his touch.
“I’ll be fine,” she replied, pulling her arm back. “I’d like to be alone with her, though.”
Will opened his mouth as if to argue, but finally closed it and nodded.
As soon as Catalina stepped inside, her heart broke. Bella sat in a wingback chair. James rested his hip on the arm and Bella was curled into his side sobbing.
“James.” Will motioned for his twin to follow him out.
Leaning down, James muttered something to Bella. Dabbing her eyes with a tissue, Bella looked up and saw she had company.
Catalina crossed to the beautiful woman who had always been known for her wild side. Right now she was hurting over losing a woman who was as close as a mother to her.
The fact that Will thought Catalina could offer comfort, the fact that he cared enough to seek her out, shouldn’t warm her heart. She couldn’t let his moment of sweetness hinder her judgment of the man. Bella was the woman he’d been in a relationship with only a month ago. How could Catalina forget that? No matter the reasons behind the relationship, Catalina couldn’t let go of the fact that Will would’ve said I do to Bella had James not come along.
Will had an agenda, he always did. Catalina had no clue what he was up to now, but she had a feeling his newfound plans included her. After all this time, was he seriously going to pursue her? Did he honestly think they’d start over or pick up where they’d left off?
Catalina knew deep down he was only after one thing...and she truly feared if she wasn’t careful, she’d end up giving in.
Three
Will lifted the bottle of scotch from the bar in the living room, waving it back and forth slightly in a silent invitation to his brother.
James blew out a breath. “Yeah. I could use a drink.”
Neither mentioned the early time. Sometimes life’s crises called for an emergency drink to take the edge off. And since they’d recently started building their relationship back up, Will wanted to be here for his brother because even though Bella was the one who’d suffered the loss, James was no doubt feeling helpless.
“Smart thinking asking Catalina to help.” James took the tumbler with the amber liquid and eased back on the leather sofa. “Something going on there you want to talk about?”
Will remained standing, leaning an elbow back against the bar. “Nothing going on at all.”
Not to say there wouldn’t be something going on very soon if he had his way about it. Those heated kisses only motivated him even more...not to mention the fact that his father would hate knowing “the good twin” had gone after what he wanted, which was the total opposite of Patrick’s wishes.
James swirled the drink as he stared down into the glass. “I know Isabella has been sick for a while, but still, her death came as a shock. Knowing how strong-willed she was, I’d say she hung on until Juan Carlos was announced the rightful heir to the throne.”
Will nodded, thankful they were off the topic of Cat. She was his and he wasn’t willing to share her with anyone right now. Only a month ago, Bella had caught Will and Cat kissing, but at the time she’d thought it was James locking lips with the maid. The slight misunderstanding had nearly cost James the love of his life. “How is Bella dealing with the fact her brother was knocked off the throne before he could fully take control?”
The Montoro family was being restored to the Alma monarchy after decades of harsh dictatorship. First Rafael Montoro IV and then, when he abdicated, his brother Gabriel were thought to be the rightful heirs. However, their sister, Bella, had then uncovered damning letters in an old family farmhouse, indicating that because of a paternity secret going back to before World War II, Juan Carlos’s line of the family were the only legitimate heirs.
“I don’t think that title ever appealed to Gabriel or Bella, to be honest.” James crossed his ankle over his knee and held onto his glass as he rested it on the arm of the sofa. “Personally, I’m glad the focus is on Juan Carlos right now. Bella and I have enough media attention as it is.”
In addition to the fact that James had married a member of Alma’s royal family, he was also a star football player who drew a lot of scrutiny from the tabloids. The newlyweds no doubt wanted some privacy to start building their life together, especially since James had also recently taken custody of his infant baby, Maisey—a child from a previous relationship.
“Isabella’s passing will have the media all over the Montoros and Juan Carlos. I’m probably going to take Bella and Maisey back to the farmhouse to avoid the spotlight. The renovations aren’t done yet, but we need the break.”
“What can I do to help?” Will asked.
James tipped back the last of the scotch, and then leaned forward and set the empty tumbler on the coffee table. “Give me back that watch,” he said with a half smile and a nod toward Will’s wrist.
“Nah, I won this fair and square,” Will joked. “I told you that you wouldn’t be able to resist putting a ring on Bella’s finger.”
James had inherited the coveted watch from their English grandfather and wore it all the time. It was the way people told the twins apart. But Will had wanted the piece and had finally won it in a bet that James would fall for Bella and propose. Ironically, it had almost ended James and Bella’s relationship because Will had been wearing the watch that night he’d kissed Cat in the gazebo. Bella had mistaken him for James and jumped to conclusions.
“Besides the watch, what else can I do?” Will asked.
“I have no idea.” James shook his head and blew out a sigh. “Right now keeping Dad out of my business would be great.”
Will laughed. “I don’t think that will be a problem. He’s up in arms about some business decisions I’ve made, so the heat is off you for now.”
“Are you saying the good twin is taking charge?”
“I’m saying I’m controlling my own life and this is only the first step in my plan.”
Leaning forward, James placed his elbows on his knees. “Sounds like you may need my help. I am the black sheep, after all. Let me fill you in on all the ways to defy our father.”
“I’m pretty sure I’m defying him all on my own.” Will pushed off the bar and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I’ll let you know if I need any tips.”
James leveled his gaze at Will. “Why do I have a feeling this new plan of yours has something to do with the beautiful maid?”
Will shrugged, refusing to rise to the bait.
“You were kissing her a few weeks ago,” James reminded him. “That little escapade nearly cost me Bella.”
The entire night had been a mess, but thankfully things ultimately worked out the way they should have.
“So Catalina...”
Will sighed. “You won’t drop it, will you?”
“We practically grew up together with her, you dated before, you were kissing a few weeks ago. I’m sure dear old Dad is about to explode if you are making business decisions that he isn’t on board with and if you’re seducing his maid.”
“I’m not seducing anyone.” Yet. “And what I do with my personal life is none of his concern.”
“He’ll say different once he knows you’re after the maid. He’ll not see her as an appropriate match for you,” James countered, coming to his feet and glancing toward the ceiling as if he could figure out what was going on upstairs between the women. “What’s taking them so long? Think it’s safe to go back?”
Will nodded. “Let’s go see. Hopefully Cat was able to calm Bella down.”
“Cat, huh?” James smiled as he headed toward the foyer and the staircase. “You called her that years ago and she hated it. You still going with that?”
Will patted his brother on the shoulder. “I am going for whatever the hell I want lately.”
And he was. From this point on, if he wanted it, he was taking it...that went for his business and his bedroom.
* * *
The fact that the maid was consoling a member of the royal family probably looked strange from the outside, and honestly it felt a bit weird. But Catalina had been around Bella enough to know how down-to-earth James’s wife was. Bella never treated Catalina like a member of the staff. Not that they were friends by any means, but Catalina was comfortable with Bella and part of her was glad Will had asked her to come console Bella over the loss of her aunt.
“You’re so sweet to come in here,” Bella said with a sniff.
Catalina fought to keep her own emotions inside as she hugged Bella. Even though years had passed, Catalina still missed her grandmother every single day. Some days were just more of a struggle than others.
“I’m here anytime.” Catalina squeezed the petite woman, knowing what just a simple touch could do to help ease a bit of the pain, to know you weren’t alone in your grief. “There will be times memories sneak up on you and crush you all over again and there will be days you are just fine. Don’t try to hide your emotions. Everyone grieves differently so whatever your outlet is, it’s normal.”
Bella shifted back and patted her damp cheeks. “Thank you. I didn’t mean to cry all over you and bring up a bad time in your life.”
Pushing her own memories aside, Catalina offered a smile. “You didn’t do anything but need a shoulder to cry on. I just hope I helped in some small way to ease the hurt and I’m glad I was here.”
“Bella.”
The sound of James’s voice had Catalina stepping back as he came in to stand beside his wife. Tucking her short hair behind her ears, Catalina offered the couple a brief smile. James hugged Bella to his side and glanced at Catalina.
“I didn’t want to interrupt, but I know you need to work, too,” James said. “We really appreciate you.”
Those striking Rowling eyes held hers. This man was a star athlete, wanted by women all over the world. Yet Catalina felt nothing. He looked exactly like Will, but in Catalina’s heart...
No. Her heart wasn’t involved. Her hormones were a jumbled mess, but her heart was sealed off and impenetrable...at least where Will was concerned. Maybe when she left Alma she’d settle somewhere new and find the man she was meant to be with, the man who wouldn’t consider her a mistake.
Those damning words always seemed to be in the forefront of her mind.
“I’m here all day through the week,” Catalina told Bella. “You can always call me, too. I’m happy to help any way I can.”
“Thank you.” Bella sniffed. She dabbed her eyes again and turned into James’s embrace.
Catalina left the couple alone and pulled the door shut behind her. She leaned against the panel, closed her eyes and tipped her head back. Even though Catalina still had her mother, she missed her grandmother. There was just something special about a woman who enters your life in such a bold way that leaves a lasting impression.
Catalina knew Bella was hurting over the loss of her aunt, there was no way to avoid the pain. But Bella had a great support team and James would stay by her side.
A stab of remorse hit her. Bella’s and Catalina’s situations were so similar, yet so different. Will had comforted her over her loss when they’d first started dating and Catalina had taken his concern as a sign of pure interest. Unfortunately, her moments of weakness had led her to her first broken heart.
The only good thing to come out of it was that she hadn’t given him her innocence. But she’d certainly been tempted on more than one occasion. The man still tempted her, but she was smarter now, less naïve, and she had her eyes wide open.
Pushing off the door, she shoved aside the thoughts of Will and their past relationship. She’d jumped from one mistake to another after he broke things off with her. Two unfortunate relationships were more than enough for her. Focusing on turning her hobby and passion for making clothes into a possible career had kept her head on straight and her life pointed in the right direction. She didn’t have time for obstacles...no matter how sexy.
She made her way down the hall toward the main bathroom on the second floor. This bathroom was nearly the size of her little flat across town. She could afford something bigger, but she’d opted to keep her place small because she lived alone and she’d rather save her money for fabrics, new sewing machines, investing in her future and ultimately her move. One day that nest egg she’d set aside would come in handy and she couldn’t wait to leave Alma and see how far her dreams could take her. Another couple months and she truly believed she would be ready. She still couldn’t pinpoint her exact destination, though. Milan was by far the hot spot for fashion and she could head there and aim straight for the top. New York was also an option, or Paris.
Catalina smiled at the possibilities as she reached beneath the sink and pulled out fresh white hand towels. Just as she turned, she collided with a very hard, very familiar chest.
Will gripped her arms to steady her, but she wasn’t going anywhere, not when she was wedged between his solid frame and the vanity biting into her back.
“Excuse me,” she said, gripping the terrycloth next to her chest and tipping her chin up. “I’m running behind.”
“Then a few more minutes won’t matter.” He didn’t let up on his hold, but instead leaned back and kicked the door shut with his foot. “You’re avoiding me.”
Hadn’t she thought this bathroom was spacious just moments ago? Because now it seemed even smaller than the closet in her bedroom.
“Your ego is getting in the way of common sense,” she countered. “I’m working. Why are you always here lately anyway? Don’t you have an office to run on the other side of town?”
The edge of his mouth kicked up in a cocky half smile. “You’ve noticed. I was beginning to think you were immune.”
“I’ve been vaccinated.”
Will’s rich laugh washed over her and she cursed the goose bumps that covered her skin. Between his touch, his masculine scent and feeling his warm breath on her, her defenses were slipping. She couldn’t get sucked back into his spell, not when she was so close to breaking free once and for all.
“Come to dinner with me,” he told her, smile still in place as if he truly thought she’d jump at the chance. “Your choice of places.”
Now Catalina laughed. “You’re delusional. I’m not going anywhere with you.”
His eyes darkened as they slid to her lips. “You will.”
Catalina pushed against him, surprised when he released her and stepped back. She busied herself with changing out the hand towels on the heated rack. Why wouldn’t he leave? Did he not take a hint? Why suddenly was he so interested in her when a few years ago she’d been “a mistake”? Plus, a month ago he’d almost been engaged to another woman.