Dominic's Nemesis Read Online Free PDF Page A

if she were somehow aware of
his scrutiny. He wondered what color her eyes were. The thought
reminded him of his own atrocity and he reached up to make certain
his spectacles were in place.
    “She is quite insensible.” Ethan, who had
been watching his reaction with some interest, turned back to his
patient as he spoke. “She could not have seen them even if you
hadn ’ t been wearing the
spectacles.”
    “The woman will have to be removed to one of
the guest chambers immediately.” Dominic averted his gaze from the
patient, not sure why he felt so unsettled by her. He’d gazed upon
attractive women before. “I ’ ll not have her stumbling about my private
rooms.”
    “I was rather curious why you brought her
here in the first place.”
    Not having a good explanation, Dom did not
bother to make up a bad one. “Cael looked a bit winded. I think a
few hours delay would be a good idea.”
    “I ’ ll suggest it to him. Though I doubt he will accept
my advice. The situation with Stephan needs to be handled straight
away.”
    “Then demand a detailed explanation about the
woman, and make sure you delay him. I would do so myself, but he
wouldn ’ t believe that I
had any interest in her well-being.”
    He felt his brother’s dubious expression
leveled at him. Damn. Dom wondered if his reaction to the woman was
that blaring. Cael, he could never fool, but he’d become skilled at
sidestepping Ethan.

Chapter
4
     
     
    The following morning found Dominic closeted
off in his study with his grandmother and his late
father ’ s mousey
solicitor.
    “ Conte
Ambrosi —”
    Dom bristled. “Please. I am either Dominic or
Signori Ambrosi.”
    “Forgive me, Signori, but the estates may, if
you wish, be placed in trust for your heirs, just as your
father—”
    “There will be no heirs.”
    “Yes, but are you certain —” The
solicitor persisted. “—absolutely certain that you wish to transfer
ownership and deeds to all your father ’ s lands, the family estates, the vineyards, and the
country province to your brother?”
    The little toad of a man annoyed him. “Yes,
as soon as it can be arranged.” Dominic felt restless to have the
business finished. He had other issues on his mind, the sodden
beauty lodged in his bedchamber for one. “I have no idea of ever
returning to Italy. Gideon was apprised of my wishes regarding our
father ’ s estates. He has
agreed to assume all responsibilities. Since my father ’ s title was set forth in such a
way that it is inherited by all male heirs, there is no legal
reason why the estates wouldn ’ t be transferable as well. A portion of the profits
from the vineyard and properties will be diverted to me. You may
also allot a percentage of revenues into a trust of some kind for
any future nieces and nephews, if you like. The rest I leave at
Gideon ’ s
discretion.”
    Dominic left the man hunched over a desktop
awash with papers, while he joined his grandmother by the
mantel.
    “Nonna, you could have handled this yourself
and sent the final papers by messenger for my signature.” Although
Dominic preferred to avoid all matters Ambrosi, particularly ones
that involved him traveling to the family estates in Italy, he
admired his grandmothers ’ shrewdness. He oft times wished his father and
uncle had inherited the trait.
    “Si ’ .” She agreed without hesitation. “But then I would
not have had the pleasure of seeing my favorite grandson.”
    Nonna was not given to tender emotions.
“And?” He prompted.
    “Always such an intuitive child, you were.”
She smiled as if he pleased her in some small way. The smile faded,
and she spoke next in a hushed tone. “A warning, Dominic. Fausto
was quite put out at having his title and lands revoked by the
Consulta Araldica. He ’ s
been up to some mischief of late. I cannot be certain this tirade
of his will not extend to you. You are, after all, your
father ’s son. Fausto’ s
envy of Lucca knows no bounds…even in death.