Fall From Grace: Book Four of The Medici Warrior Series Read online

  "This is the eager one, the child that appeared to me long before Lorenzo. Our Sophia. Are you sure you're ready for this?"

  "I will always be ready for the beautiful bambinos you give me, mi amore. It is the gift I cherish the most."

  He glanced as his sons then gave Kate a questioning look, his brows drawn together. "More high energy than Lorenzo? Is that possible? It does not matter, Kate, I am anxious for a figlia. I miss holding a small bambino in my arms, one that does not wiggle insistently to get away."

  Nuzzling into her neck, he licked her vein, his voice husky. "I love you, bel, just as I did the first time I saw you. You have me, heart and soul."

  Kate stared into those piercing blue eyes. "I sometimes miss those early days, when it was just us, and the house was quiet." She laughed. "I can't remember what quiet sounds like now. Lorenzo is full steam ahead from the time his feet touch the floor every morning. When I look at him, I realize I’d change nothing. He’s been such a treasure. When he runs outside in the sunlight, Aegis and Night Stalker run alongside him, and he wears them out. He leaves them both panting. Our Lorenzo is more taxing on Aegis than her own pups ever were. Even Warrior has to stop and take a nap. But not Lorenzo. I don't think there’s an inch of Bel Rosso he hasn’t explored. I just wonder how I’ll keep up with two of them if they head in opposite directions."

  Watching her face light up as she talked, she still took his breath away. "You make me feel guilty. I slumber when you are awake and taking care of things. I am always busy, and now I feel as if I am ignoring you, not giving you time. I never want that to happen to us, to become separated by duties. We have to work on it, mi amore, make sure we have time for each other. Do you think we should have another nanny? I am willing to bring one in if it is what you need. I do not want this to become taxing on you." Pulling her to his chest, he rubbed her back. "You will become tired soon. The new bambino will wear you down.”

  Kate snuggled into him, as his arms enveloped her. "I think Theresa would have my head if I brought in another nanny. I think we’ll just get another feeder for Sophia, and we’ll manage. For now, I’m fine. It’s still early in the pregnancy. Perhaps later I’ll need you to take some time away from the camp."

  Chuckling, he knew Theresa would indeed resist having another nanny. He tried to give her time off to be with Marco at Castello when he could, but with Lorenzo getting older, it was more difficult now than ever.

  "Theresa has become quite a necessity in our lives, and I am most grateful for her.”

  Stealing more kisses, they laughed softly together, as the rest of the world seemed to fade away. He could lay here forever with her, but he knew their life didn’t work like that.

  "I would advise you to speak with Nita for a recommendation on the wet feeder for Sophia. She will be the greatest resource for you, and she may even know of other wet feeders awaiting duties. Of course, as before, they need to come here to be interviewed."

  He felt her snuggle into his neck and he smiled. She was hungry. Her appetite would rise, and he’d need to go to Luca once again during her term. It was the only part of her pregnancy he didn’t like, not being able to feed from her.

  "Hungry, aren’t you? We need to find Theresa, get our son into his bed, and then find our way to our own."

  2

  Shade shuffled the papers on the desk. The annual meeting with his head accountant, Roberto, had taken most of the night. They had to review the books and examine the profitability of each business unit. All in all, things were progressing well. The Medici had branched out into many ventures, in the last few years. It seemed he had his hands in a bit of everything. But the wineries remained the main stay of their business and kept the money flowing in for the warrior camps and salaries. It would probably spin Kate's head if she knew the true value of their worth.

  They had finally gotten through the details of each business, its annual income, and the outgoing expenses. Even Shade was surprised by the number of mortals and immortals he now supported. Padre had to be drowning in pride.

  Luca was doing well also, bringing in the cash with the sale of his lemons from his property in Italy, and Medici now produced their own brand of limoncello. It was currently the number one selling brand in Italy.

  Shade had set up a trust fund for both Cory and Rachael years ago and they too were set for life. Lorenzo, and the children that would follow, would be well established, and the coven secured. By the way things were progressing, they could never spend all the money they had, and for Shade, that was a relief.

  As Roberto closed the books on Shade’s business ventures, he opened another set of ledgers, and Shade looked at him quizzically. Roberto started reviewing more numbers, as Shade realized the accountant kept a separate record of Kate’s businesses.

  Roberto cleared his throat before starting to review the next set of figures. "So, Master Shade, that wraps up the details on all the wineries, including the new limoncello production. Everything looks solid there. Now, looking at my lady's business ventures, I'll start with the inns. The California inn is rather small as you know. They can only accommodate a maximum of seven couples at a time. However, the rooms stay booked year-round, and after all expenses and overhead, that inn is showing a profit of four million. The Virginia inn is pricier, and will accommodate more guests, and it has shown a profit of nine million. These two operations are at max capacity now, and they both look sustainable, so I’d say, barring any major change, this income stream can be used as a steady and predictable source for the future, unlike the wineries, where grape production can be impacted by weather.”

  Shade thought there must be some mistake. Holding up his hand to stop the flow of talk, he interrupted Roberto. "Let me understand this. The incomes for both inns have amounted to thirteen million? Well, that is interesting. I didn’t expect them to fail, but I never expected they would produce this much. Cazzo, they have done well. Pleases me. Go on."

  The accountant nodded. "Very good, master. Now, moving on to the lavender and sunflower productions. My lady planted 800 acres here at Bel Rosso. As you know, year one was a break-even year as the plants were maturing. She expanded the production to California in year two, planting another 800 acres out there. Also, in year two, we started showing profits on the Virginia production, and break-even in California. Now both farms are in full production. The farms yield about $30,000 per acre, once we net out expenses, so we have twenty-four million for Bel Rosso farms, and about nineteen million for California. The California yield will catch up to the Virginia yield as it continues to mature, but for this year, that is forty-three million."

  Shade was stunned. Standing up, he paced the floor, running his hand through his thick black curls. Stopping in his tracks, he turned and stared at him.

  "There is no way. You made some mistake! Flowers? She made Medici forty-three million planting flowers? Cazzo. What in the hell am I doing in the wine business, if this woman can make that kind of money?"

  Walking back to his leather chair, he flopped down in disbelief. "To be honest with you, I thought she was just playing around, looking for something to do with her time. She had this idea in her head, and I have not paid much attention to it. We had the land, and it made her happy. The fields look beautiful, and they have helped draw tourists to the winery. I’ll be damned!"

  Shaking his head, he couldn’t fathom the fields of purple and yellow flowers blowing in the breeze produced this type of income. "What in the hell does she do with that stuff?"

  The accountant shuffled through his papers, adjusting his glasses. "Uh, well, that figure does include the agri-tourism numbers. As you are aware, visiting wineries is a popular past-time for the mortals. They pay a lot of money to tour vineyards, and both Bel Rosso and California vineyards draw more than their fair share because of the lavender and sunflower fields. Bel Rosso is listed in all the travel journals as a top tourist site with the mountain views, the horses, the vineyards and the bright fields of purple and yellow. People travel from all over the world to see it. You have done well separating your private property from the areas where you allow public access. My lady sells fresh flowers to the tourists who come here to taste and buy wine, but primarily, she sells the oils of both plants to very high-end manufacturers of bath and body care products, and essential oil manufacturers."

  Steepling his fingers and resting his elbows on the arms of his chair, he sighed deeply. "I need to pay more attention to these businesses. I knew the tourist venture was doing well. Hell, we might as well go full out and produce these things ourselves. Maybe she needs her own label, her own perfumes and such. Where in the hell was this woman all my life? Is there anything else I need to know about? It sounds to me as if all things are a go and producing income. Are there any properties draining money I need to be aware of? How is Rachael? Does she have adequate funds?"

  "Master, Rachael is fine. Her home is paid for, and she has only to contact our office whenever she has any needed repairs. Her bills come directly to our office; she never sees them. She has the credit card you provided for her personal expenses, and I must say, she has chosen to live modestly. She doesn’t travel, but prefers to stay at home, working her garden, knitting, reading, her pleasures are simple. We check with her monthly to see if there is anything she needs. As for my lady...well, she has mentioned that with the flowers, since they attract so many honeybees, she has considered a bee farm. It won’t be massively productive from a financial point of view. Probably producing enough honey to be sold locally in shops across the state, but the bees will help with the pollination, and improve the yield on the plants. So, if I might be so bold, I’d never dare to suggest what you should do, but if my lady were to suggest adding a bee farm, I would say, uh, financially, that would be a sm
art move."

  "Si, I agree full heartedly. I never refuse her anything, and she does little for herself. She has done a good job managing these ventures, the houses, and the fields. I have also given you a list of raises I want implemented immediately for my staff and my warriors. Marco will send you the list for the Castello leaders. We are moving along rapidly, and I want them to be rewarded highly for their dedication and hard work. I rely on them far more than ever before. I want their income to move with the times. Bees? Honey and bees."

  As Shade chuckled out loud, the accountant gave him a puzzled look. "You will have to excuse my laughter, but honey holds a soft spot in my heart."

  Roberto blushed as he adjusted his glasses. He didn’t live on the property, but he knew everyone in the coven, and they all understood well the song he played for her, “Tupelo Honey.”

  "Uh, yes master." Their discussion was interrupted by a loud bang as the door was pushed open and Lorenzo entered the room, dragging a toy sword that was two times longer than he was.

  "Daddy! Can we play warrior now? I been practicin'. Look!"

  Lorenzo swung the long sword, knocking a lamp off the table and it crashed to the floor. “Uh oh. Mommy said no swords in the house."

  Shade looked at his son, who only sporadically remembered the rules about closed doors and manners. He could never be too stern with him. He was so young and there was time to teach him all the things he’d be required to know to be a prince. Watching as the play sword they made together swung through the air and the lamp crashed to the floor, the accountant looked nervous and uneasy around children. Shade bit his lip not to laugh out loud.

  "I suggest, little warrior, you lay down your weapon and plead defeat. Your madre will not be pleased with either of us. Now come."

  Lorenzo scurried to his father, climbing into his lap, his face showing no signs of remorse.

  "Let us understand one thing. When you enter my office, you knock, to make sure it is appropriate to enter, si? Then you greet our guest and show respect. That is proper etiquette for a young prince and warrior. Now I suggest, before your mommy comes in here, ready to put you in time out, you say hello to our guest. You are a Medici, and you need to learn to be polite and show respect to those of our coven."

  Lorenzo tucked his head. "I'm sorry, Daddy." He looked up at the accountant before sliding from his father's lap and approaching him. Lorenzo extended his small hand. "Please to meet you. My name is Lorenzo. I'm a prince but my mommy says I don't need to say that yet."

  Roberto shook his hand and bowed his head slightly. "I am quite honored to meet you, Prince Lorenzo."

  ***

  Kate heard the crash from upstairs and didn’t have to think twice about who the cause of the commotion might be. She headed down the stairs and in the direction of the study to see what mischief Lorenzo had gotten into now. She stepped into the study to see the smashed lamp, the sword lying on the floor beside the mess, and Lorenzo shaking hands with the accountant.

  She sighed and shook her head. "Lorenzo? What have we discussed about playing with the sword in the house?"

  Lorenzo turned and ran back to his father, climbing up in his lap.

  Rubbing his back, Shade leaned into his ear and in a soft voice, gave him some guidance. "You need to answer your mommy. She is asking you a question. You need to be accountable for your actions, son. Never lie, especially to her. Be my little warrior and do as Mommy asks of you, si?"

  Lorenzo kept his face buried in his father's chest as he answered her, his response muffled. "You said swords were for outside, but I was just practicin’. I was showin' Daddy."

  Kate exchanged a glance with Shade, who was looking away, trying hard not to smile at his son's antics. Kate knelt down by the chair and turned Lorenzo's small face, so he must look at her. "And now Emma will have a mess to clean up. And Mommy must buy a new lamp for Daddy's study. So, what do you think your punishment should be, young warrior?"

  Lorenzo looked skyward as he thought about a punishment. "Uhmm…" He looked to his father who continued to look out the window, biting his lip. "Maybeeeeeeeee... uh, no nap?"

  Kate raised her eyebrows. “Oh, no nap? But a warrior needs his naps, so I think not. I think time-out for three minutes."

  Lorenzo sighed, knowing this was one battle he had lost for sure. Kate lifted him from his father's lap, as they both exchanged a glance and a smile over Lorenzo's head. Kate shook her head. "Just wait until there are two." She carried him out of the room.

  Shade watched her as she left. Lorenzo’s antics made him want to laugh and he knew he shouldn’t encourage him. "Mi amore, please wait. Can you bring Lorenzo back here for just a moment?"

  Kate looked at him over her shoulder. She wouldn’t question him in front of Lorenzo, or the accountant, but she hoped he wouldn’t over-rule her discipline of Lorenzo. She turned and carried Lorenzo back to his father. Lorenzo felt freedom in his future and was squirming like crazy to get down and back to the safety of his father's lap. He was small but strong, and Kate released him as he clamored back into his father's lap.

  Lorenzo tried to curl up into a ball and snuggle into his father’s neck, as he had done since his birth. But Shade had no intentions of letting that happen. Grasping him under his small arms, he lifted Lorenzo, so they were nose-to-nose and the child stared at him. "Grazie, for admitting your actions to your mother. But I believe you have forgotten to pick up your sword, return it to your mommy. She will now hold that weapon until she thinks you are ready to have it back. You get three minutes time out, no peeps from you, and then you will take your nap. But there is one other thing you need to know, Lorenzo."

  Lorenzo leaned forward, placing his nose against his father's. "What, Daddy?"

  "That I love you. I will always love you." Shade kissed his son on the forehead, as Lorenzo’s tiny arms went around his neck. Placing him on his feet on the floor, Shade nodded to him. "Now, retrieve your sword, give it to Mommy and walk with her for your time-out and nap. Mommy does not need to hold you constantly. Go." Shade looked up at bel and winked.

  Lorenzo ran for the sword and Kate told him to be careful of the broken lamp. He picked it up and dragged it behind him, careful not to knock over anything else. Kate took the sword and thanked him but told him she’d decide when he could have it back to play with outside. Lorenzo flashed a look over his shoulder at his father as they left the study. Shade nodded at him, and Lorenzo sighed. Kate took his hand and led him from the room.

  "You come get me if I nap too long, Daddy."

  Winking at him, Shade nodded. "I will come get you if we need you for battle, little warrior."

  Shade heard him ramble on and on, as Kate led him out and down the hallway. Looking up at Roberto, he found him sitting quietly.

  "My apologies for holding you up, Roberto. Our house is never quiet. Are we done here? I feel like I have signed my life away tonight. But you have done an impressive job with the accounts. I am pleased."

  Roberto nodded. His visits to his master were rare. They usually conducted business by phone. He found it a treat to see for himself what the others had told him, about master, and my lady, and their growing family.

  "No, master, we’re done for now. I can always call if something comes up.”

  Standing, shaking hands with Roberto, Shade led him to the door of the office. "It has been a pleasure, as always. Gi will see you out."

  Watching as he walked out, closing the door behind him, the figures ran through his head. Fifty-six million dollars...bees, honey and she was still expanding. The Council was eating their words for ever doubting her ability to be queen. His grin was wicked, and pride filled. She is mine, all mine!

  3

  Angelo stood with Shade inside the stables. One of the horses was ready to foal. The stables now housed twenty thoroughbred horses, and they had foaled at least six new colts within the last few years. Angelo informed him the mare would be a while yet before she delivered. He’d let him know, but he expected her to foal during the daylight hours now.