Santiago: The Almeida Brothers Trilogy Book One: Social Rejects Syndicate Read online

  “Where will my workspace be?” I ask. I need to change the subject fast.

  “I have two empty rooms down in the basement. I can make one into your office. I need your office to be in a very secure part of the house. My old accountant had one of the bedrooms as an office, but I want to keep the bedrooms separate from business.”

  “Can you show me?”

  He leads me down to the basement. I love how private it is. The two rooms sit side-by-side and are spacious. I can envision how they both will look after I renovate them. I want a comfortable workspace with a huge desk, a cozy chair and a lot of light. I see the other room as a library with lots of books. My heaven on earth. I glance over at Santiago and can’t hide my smile. “It’s perfect.”

  “Good. I’ll have my architect here tomorrow.”

  “Just like that?”

  “These two rooms are yours. Make them whatever you want.” He steps into my space and kisses my cheek. “Anything you want is yours. Just say the word.” He takes a step back and motions for me to go ahead of him back up the stairs.

  “I have one more question,” I say.

  “Okay?”

  “Can I use the kitchen any time I want?”

  “You like to cook?”

  “I love to cook and bake.”

  “The kitchen is yours whenever you want it.” He smiles, winks, and walks back into his office. My girl parts are now screaming at me. Marrying that man just might be the best thing to happen to me.

  Chapter 5

  Santiago

  The next morning, I walk into the dining room to find Amelia already there. She’s drinking coffee and reading on her tablet. Her hair is up in a bun and she’s wearing a black skirt with a blue blouse. On her feet are black pumps. Those sexy legs of hers are on full display, and I need to adjust myself before making my presence known. My hands are itching to touch those legs.

  “Good morning,” I say as I enter the room.

  Amelia looks up and smiles. “Good morning. I hope you don’t mind that I came in here to have coffee while I read the news.”

  “No, not at all.” I take a seat next to her and pick up the newspaper. “I do the same, but I like the old-fashioned paper.” She laughs and I watch her for a moment. “Did you sleep well?” Silvia pours coffee into my cup. “Thank you.”

  “I did. Better than I have in a long time. Thank you,” she says and continues reading. I start with my newspaper while breakfast is put on the table. We prepare our plates and continue reading and eating in silence. I smile at how we have this part of our day in common. It’s a comfortable silence.

  “Santiago!” Rodrigo bellows as he comes into the dining room.

  “I’m here. What’s going on?”

  “I think we have a problem…” Rodrigo stops talking when he sees Amelia.

  “Rodrigo, this is Amelia.” I smile at Amelia. “This is my brother, Rodrigo.” Amelia stands and Rodrigo kisses both of her cheeks.

  “Nice to meet you,” she says.

  Rodrigo nods. “Likewise.” He sits and makes himself a plate. ‘My apologies for barging in on your breakfast.”

  “What’s the problem?” I ask him.

  He looks at Amelia, then back at me. “We’ll talk after breakfast,” he says, and I nod.

  Amelia looks between us. “Do you need me to leave? I don’t mind,” she asks completely understanding things need to be kept quiet.

  “It’s not necessary. It can wait until after breakfast.” I look at Rodrigo and he nods. “In a few minutes, my other brother will be gracing us with his presence, and you can meet him, too.”

  She laughs and continues to eat.

  I look over at Rodrigo, catching his smile. He takes the part of the newspaper I’ve finished with and starts to read.

  “Good morning,” Marco grumbles as he sits at the table.

  “Good morning,” Amelia responds, forcing Marco to look up.

  “Shit, I’m sorry.” He quickly stands and extends his hand. “I’m Marco.”

  “Meet Amelia,” I say.

  He kisses her cheeks. “Nice to meet you. Sorry for the disrespect, I didn’t see you,” he says as he sits.

  “No disrespect,” she tells him, throwing me a sly grin. After a few minutes, she stands. Amelia gathers her dishes and Silvia takes them from her. “Silvia, you don’t need to clean up after me.”

  “It’s fine. I get paid to do this,” Silvia explains.

  She glances over at me. “I’m headed downstairs. I have some drawings to finish up before the architect gets here.” She bends and kisses my cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

  The three of us watch her walk out. Her ass in that skirt can bring a strong man to his knees.

  Marco lets out a whistle.

  “Fuck, she’s hot,” Rodrigo mumbles.

  “She’s hot and she’s mine. Watch over her. She’s to be protected at all times,” I tell them.

  “Goes without saying,” Marco says. I nod.

  “Now, what problem were you talking about when you came in here, Rodrigo?” I ask.

  “I got a call from Tiago. The drug shipment we sent to Paulo Sinta in Spain wasn’t received. We can’t find the transporter,” Rodrigo explains.

  “How did we lose track of the transporter?” I ask.

  “Tiago says our usual transporter decided to have someone else transport without informing us.”

  “What the fuck? I want to see him in my office in fifteen minutes,” I bellow as I head into my office.

  “Why the fuck would you give my shipment to another transporter without informing me? Who gave you authority to make that call?” I ask.

  “No one, Sir. I’ve hired some men to help me out and I’m training them to do some of the work,” he informs me.

  “How many times do we have to tell you how important these shipments are? Didn’t I tell you what would happen if these shipments didn’t make it to their destination?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Then why would you take it upon yourself to make the decision to have someone else do it?”

  “I’m sorry, Sir. I shouldn’t have done it without your permission.”

  I look at him and laugh. This whole thing is ridiculous, yet my shipment is still missing.

  “Where is my fucking shipment?” I growl.

  “I don’t know, Sir,” he nervously responds.

  I look around the room. The two enforcers I have for the drug business stand on each side of the transporter and my brothers stand watch by the door. I’m trying to decide his punishment, but I need to know where my shipment is first. That shipment was worth a million Euros.

  “Tiago, have you been able to get a track?” I ask.

  “Dinis says he may have a lead.” Tiago Costa has been with our family for many years. He and Gustavo Neves help me, and my brothers run the drug business. Our dealers and clients know them and trust them. But what’s more important is that my brothers and I trust them. Dinis Nobrega and Dominic Macedo deal with the money laundering business. Alvaro Gomes and Ramiro Moreira deal with the weapons part of the business. These six enforcers help my brothers and I with all aspects of the business, but they have taken on their parts. We are very appreciative of their work and we trust them not only with our business, but with our lives. These six men aren’t afraid of anything. They’re like family.

  “How much longer before we get confirmation?”

  “I hope soon,” Tiago answers.

  “Until then, lock him up.” Tiago and Gustavo grab each of his arms and drag him out of my office. Marco and Rodrigo wait until they leave the room to come stand next to me. “Make sure our shipment is found, and when it is...make his last moments on this earth hurt.”

  Marco nods.

  “Do we have another transporter ready?”

  “Yes. Another shipment is going to Spain as we speak,” Rodrigo says.

  “Good.” I say, sitting down at my desk. “You both need to know I’ve hired Amelia to handle the bo
oks.”

  “Are you sure that’s a smart move?” Rodrigo asks.

  “I do. She’s stronger than we all think, and she has a degree in it. I want to see how she handles all of this.”

  “So, it’s a test?” Marco asks.

  “Yes and no. I think she’s going to pass with flying colors, but I also want to see how she reacts to certain aspects of our business. It will tell me if she can handle being my wife.” I smile at them. “She’s going to be great at it all. I can feel it. I think she’s going to be an important asset to the business.”

  “She has you by the balls, big brother.” Rodrigo laughs. “How did that tiny little thing wrap you up in such a small amount of time?” Marco chuckles.

  “That little thing can hold my balls any fucking time she wants,” I say with a smirk.

  My brothers laugh as they leave my office.

  Chapter 6

  Amelia

  My office is almost complete.

  The architect, Julio, wasted no time getting started and three days later, here we are. I told him my vision for the room next door, and that’s almost done as well. I’m so excited for what’s coming. My office is going to be a functional workspace, but the room next door will be my sanctuary.

  I’m a bookworm that’s always dreamed of having my own library with every kind of book imaginable. Since Santiago is allowing me to do it, I’m going to make it happen. He told me to make a room my own, so I am. Right now, I’m standing in the middle of the library taking it all in. The only furniture in the room will be a big comfy recliner and a small coffee table. This room is a dream come true.

  “The room is coming along,” a deep voice rumbles from the doorway. I turn to see Santiago leaning against the door jamb.

  “It looks beautiful. I can’t wait for it to be finished,” I tell him.

  Santiago walks in the room and stands next to me. “Do you have everything you need? Is there anything I can help you with?”

  “No, thank you. Julio is wonderful. I can see why you trust him,” I tell him.

  He smiles. “Julio is the best. If there is anything you need, feel free to ask.”

  I nod. “Thank you. Are you sure the accounts can wait until next week?”

  “Yes, they’ll be fine. I want your office to be complete before you dive in.” I watch him. I know there’s more he wants to ask. He notices how I’m looking at him and his eyebrow quirks up. “What?”

  “I feel like there’s more you want to discuss?” He laughs, and a tingle runs down my body with the sound.

  “I do have something else I want to talk to you about. I don’t want to rush you, but have you thought about the wedding?”

  I take a deep breath and answer his question truthfully. “I’ve been thinking about it. I was walking through the gardens yesterday and I think we should have the wedding out there.”

  “The gardens are beautiful. A wedding out there would be perfect. Mama would love it. Have you thought of a date?”

  “No, I haven’t. I thought it should be something we decide on together.” I offer him a smile as he takes a step toward me, placing a hand on my cheek.

  “You’re absolutely right. We should be doing this together. Why don’t we go on a date tonight? I’ll plan it all.” A smile lights up his face. He looks truly happy to take me on a date, and it makes my stomach flutter.

  “I’d like that,” I confess.

  “Great. Meet me at seven in the foyer.”

  I nod.

  “We will pick a date and get those plans started.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  At five minutes to seven, I step into the foyer from the grand staircase. The front door opens and in walks Santiago.

  A sexy smile spreads on his lips and my eyes are drawn to it. He extends his hand, gently, I place my hand in his.

  “Are you ready?” he asks.

  “I am.”

  We walk out of the house and Santiago leads me into the garden. When we stop, there’s a picnic set up. I’m truly surprised. I never expected this to be our date. I look at Santiago, who’s analyzing my reaction.

  “I didn’t expect this.” He’s got a romantic side to him.

  “I know. I wanted to do something unconventional. I wanted us to get to know each other without any formalities. Plus, it doesn’t get dark until almost ten, so a picnic was possible.” He removes his suit jacket and tosses it to the corner of the blanket. “Shall we sit?”

  I remove my pumps and bunch my dress in my hand to make it easier to sit on the blanket. He follows my lead and kneels beside me. Santiago unpacks the basket, and we spend the next couple of hours learning about each other.

  I’m comfortable with him. He’s funny, smart, sophisticated, and incredibly sexy. I like him. He has so many layers and I’m enjoying peeling back each one.

  “I think a wedding out here would be fitting,” Santiago states.

  “I’m glad you like the idea. Do you have a date in mind?” I pick up my glass of wine and take a sip.

  “I was thinking in two weeks.”

  I spit out my wine and grab for a napkin quickly. He laughs and I glare at him.

  “That’s very quick. What’s the rush?”

  “I know and I’m sorry. I should have said something earlier. When my father died, there were some grumblings of me taking over the business. You see, family is taken very seriously in this business. A single man running this business is frowned upon. It shows instability. I heard the grumblings after I approached your father, and I knew I had to rush this wedding.” He takes a breath and continues. “I understand this puts an immense pressure on you when we are still getting to know each other. Things will stay as they are until you are comfortable to move our relationship further. My staff will not speak to anyone regarding the business that goes on in this home. There is no pressure. We just need to make it official as soon as possible.”

  “Thank you for your honesty. I understand why you need this wedding to happen quickly. Two weeks it is then,” I tell him, taking another sip of my wine. He studies me as if I’m the most puzzling thing in the world. “What?”

  “Why are you being so understanding of everything?” he asks.

  “I was very angry with my father when I found out he promised me to a man I didn’t know. It made it a little better knowing I was promised to you. I told you about my crush. I opened my mind to getting to know you and figured there could be worse things than to be married to you.”

  He returns my smile. “Had a crush?” he asks.

  I shake my head and laugh.

  “I’m grateful. Any other woman would fight tooth and nail. You are embracing all of it and I respect you very much. I just want you to know that.” He moves to get up and stops. “And for the record, I’m crushing pretty hard myself right now.”

  I can feel the blush rush to my cheeks. He stands, offering me his hand to help me to my feet.

  “That blush drives me crazy,” he says, and I can’t help the giggle that escapes my lips.

  Chapter 7

  Santiago

  Two Weeks Later

  (The Wedding)

  I walk into the gardens and take in everything around me. Amelia has outdone herself. It looks beautiful out here. There is a white arch placed in front of the fountain sitting in the middle of a bed of roses. There’s a white runner leading up to the arch with white rows of chairs sitting on each side of the aisle. It looks like there are about fifty chairs set up. Amelia didn’t add any additional flowers. I see her in every touch. It’s simple yet elegant.

  “She took care of every detail herself. I offered to help her, but she refused,” Mama says as she walks up to me. I turn to look at her. “She is perfect for you, Filho.”

  “I know, Mama. The last month hasn’t been what I expected. I’m falling for her, but I know it’s fast so I’m not rushing things with her. She understands the business and the need to get married right away. She’s amazing.”

  She
smiles and places a hand to my cheek. “Be happy. Make her happy. If she has something to say, listen. She’s an intelligent woman. Don’t take her for granted.”

  “Yes, Mama.”

  Guests start to arrive, and I greet every one of them, thanking them for coming. Before I know it, it’s time to take my place next to the minister at the altar. My two brothers join me, and then the music starts. Amelia’s sisters, Isabel and Eva, are the only two bridesmaids. Once they’ve taken their places, the Wedding March starts, and everyone stands. Amelia appears with her parents by her side. She looks beautiful. I can’t look away from her as she slowly walks up to me. Our eyes are locked the whole time. She’s wearing a simple white gown with a veil that acts as a train. Her hair falls down her back in soft curls.

  When she reaches me, both her parents kiss her cheeks and Leonardo places her hand in mine. I wink at her as we step together toward the minister. The ceremony starts and twenty minutes later, he pronounces us husband and wife.

  “You may now kiss your bride,” the minister announces. I step close to Amelia. She grins as I press my lips to hers. The kiss is short and sweet, but it turned my world upside down. The pull between us is charged. I want more—so much more. When we turn to our guests, she places her hand in the crook of my elbow and we head down the aisle with clapping, cheering, and catcalls going on all around us. The photographer is busy snapping photos, but all I want to do is kiss her again, properly.

  When we get to the end of the aisle, I take her in my arms again and kiss her. I don’t deepen the kiss, but I run my tongue along her bottom lip, causing her to whimper. I pull away, placing a chaste kiss on her cheek, right next to her ear.

  “I want so much more of that,” I tell her before pulling away. I look into her eyes and see the same want and need I’m feeling in my bones.