Susan Mallery - The Marcelli Bride

Paige leaned back in her chair. “She’s scared, Alex. She was just kidnapped because our department failed to keep her safe. You might want to cut her a break.”

She used his first name deliberately. He might be in charge and able to pull rank, but she’d seen him naked, and she wasn’t about to let him forget it.

“You’ve worked with her before,” he said. “What do you know about her?”

“That her reputation is a lot more about the press wanting a story than about Darcy herself. She’ll cooperate.”

“She’s not going to have a choice. Nothing is going to happen to her on my watch. I want to meet with the team in two hours. We’ll review the location, set up a schedule. I want you working the house. I’ll be here, mostly, coordinating everyone. The team will work in eight-hour shifts.”

Paige made notes as he spoke. “Anything else?”

“Just one more thing.” He moved close to the table and loomed over her. “Are you going to have a problem with me being in charge?”

“We’ve worked together before,” she said.

“Not in quarters as close as these, and not with me running the op.”

She stood, dropping her pen on the table. “I asked to be assigned to this team,” she said slowly and deliberately. “I care about Darcy and I want to be a part of keeping her safe. As long as you do your job, I don’t give a rat’s ass who’s in charge. You might be a good agent, Alex, but in private, you’re not all that.”

D arcy unpacked three pairs of linen slacks, jeans, several shirts, and five pairs of shoes, all black. As she held up her third black T-shirt, she felt her lips twitch. Dear God, she really did dress like a rock star groupie in mourning.

Not the best time in the world to notice, she thought as she carried her clothes to the closet. What with her being abducted the last time she’d gone to the mall, she had a feeling she would be doing all her future purchases online. But maybe she could try a color other than black. Maybe-

A knock on the door interrupted her mental list. “Come in,” she called.

The door opened and a very pretty, very pregnant woman entered. She had long, dark wavy hair, olive skin, and huge brown eyes. She held a bottle of wine in one hand and a glass in the other.

“Hi, I’m Brenna,” the woman said. “I can’t have wine, but I figured you’d need some.”

Darcy glanced at the bedside clock. “It’s barely eleven in the morning.”

“Sure, but you’re still on East Coast time.” Brenna grinned. “Trust me. With my family, you need all the help you can get. Drink early and often.” She set the bottle and glass on the dresser. “Wow. You have a lot of clothes. And they’re gorgeous. I’m currently shopping in the tent department of the sporting goods store. What a nightmare. Nic and I both really want kids, but I have to tell you, unless he plans to carry the next one, this is the end of the line for me.”

Brenna lowered herself into the room’s only chair, then sighed. “Better. Now, you look confused. What didn’t I explain?”

Darcy sank down on the edge of the bed. “Who the hell are you?”

Brenna grinned, then started to laugh. “Sorry. Brenna Marcelli. Well, technically Brenna Giovanni. I live in the next house over, which is about two miles away. I’m one of Marco and Colleen’s daughters. I run Marcelli Wines. I have my own winery, too. Four Sisters. It’s doing great, but that’s another story.”

Darcy felt as if she’d been caught up in a tornado. “Okay. Am I in your room?”

“Nope. You’re in Katie’s. She has much better taste. I shared a room with my twin, Francesca, and let me tell you, you don’t want to stay there. Very scary wallpaper.”

“You’re one of four sisters?”

Brenna nodded. “Katie’s the oldest. She’s married to Zach, and they have one daughter, Valerie. Francesca is my fraternal twin. She’s married to Sam. They have a fifteen-year-old, his from a previous marriage, and twins who are nearly two and a half. Mia, the youngest of us, has just graduated from Georgetown with a master’s in world domination. She starts her job with the State Department in September. Currently, she’s traveling with friends, enjoying her last summer of leisure. And you’ve already met Joe.”

“Yes.” The good-looking naval officer. “I thought being in a political family was complicated, but we’re easy compared to your relatives.”

Brenna rested her right hand on her swollen belly. “Don’t worry. They won’t quiz you on the various relationships for at least a week. But this can’t be tough duty. You’re used to hanging out at state dinners. I could never do that. I’m way too opinionated.”

“I avoid state dinners. That’s more my sister’s idea of a good time.”

“Still, I can’t imagine what it must be like to be the president’s daughter. Everything would be so public. I mess up enough in my life that I really appreciate being anonymous.”

“There are advantages to no one knowing who you are,” Darcy said lightly.

Brenna’s expression turned sympathetic. “They told us about the kidnapping. How terrifying. Are you doing okay?”

“I’m fine,” Darcy said. “They didn’t hurt me.”

Brenna glanced at the marks on her wrists. “I would think they did. But you’ll be safe here. There are tons of us to protect you. Not that I could really do much. Except maybe sit on the guy until he screamed for mercy. But Joe’s burly. All that SEAL training. Just toss him a Q-Tip and he’ll take on any enemy.”

“A Q-Tip, huh? What could he do with an actual weapon?”

“Conquer the known civilized world. Oh!” She pressed down on her belly. “Someone’s awake. It’s time for soccer practice.” She felt around on both sides of her stomach. “Just the two feet, I think. There can only be two. I couldn’t take more.”

“Are you expecting more?”

“I’m terrified I’m having twins. The doctor swears there’s just the one heartbeat, but they’ve been wrong before. I’m a twin, my twin had twins, and I firmly believe God has a sense of humor. Plus, I’m huge. Francesca didn’t even show until fifteen minutes before she gave birth, and Katie gained exactly twenty-seven pounds. I am a freak of nature.”

Darcy wanted to be sympathetic, but she couldn’t help laughing. If Brenna was an example of the Marcelli sisters, she couldn’t wait to meet them all.

She heard footsteps in the hallway. Grandma Tessa appeared. “Brenna, there you are. How are you feeling? Are your feet swollen?”

Brenna raised a foot. “Pretty much all the time since late June.”

“When are you due?” Darcy asked.

“The end of September. Another seven weeks. I don’t think I can stand it. Can someone just knock me out until after the delivery?”

Grandma Tessa reached in the pocket of her dress and pulled out a rosary. “Don’t talk like that. Babies are a blessing.”

Brenna leaned toward Darcy. “It’s never good when Grandma Tessa takes a trip around the beads. Just so you know.”

Darcy grinned. “Thanks.”

Tessa sniffed. “You’re already teaching our guest to be disrespectful. What will your mother think? What will the president think?”

“You don’t have to worry about him,” Darcy said. “I won’t tell.”

Grandma Tessa returned her rosary to her pocket. “Lunch is at twelve-thirty. Brenna, you’re staying. I called Nic, and he’s joining us. Darcy.” The old woman reached for her hand. “We’re so happy to have you here with us. I’m going to put you across from Joseph. A pretty face like yours will help his appetite. He doesn’t eat enough. Plus, an officer, eh? Think how nice everyone would look at the wedding.” She winked, released Darcy, and left.