The Balotelli-Bale Series Book #3: The Italian Belle

Chapter One: Arranged Marriages

A/n: The timeline of this book is 25 years after the ending of Book #1: Helena's Contract.

Twenty Five Years Later...
"I wouldn't call it a bad idea. Stupid yes but bad, no. So are you in or what?"

I narrowed my eyes at Chris. We met in an interesting way. He  pretended to be a bodyguard sent by the St Patrick Group just to get away from his father. It seems that is a plan we have in common; to get away from our parents.

"I think I will I have an answer after this party."

"Well Mr Bale, after you." He gestured to the open doors leading into the wedding reception. "Those men don't look pleased. They will probably carry you into the party if you take a second longer."

"It wouldn't be the first time." I laughed.

The only reason I'm here is because my mother sent her bodyguards to get me. They always manhandle me because I put up a fight. But today, I fully complied. I don't need to be embarrassed in front of people by being carried in like a child.

"Finally." She grabbed my arm sinking her nails into my flesh when I reached her. "Two hours late! Two hours Nathaniel! Why do you wear a watch if you can't keep time?"

"It was a slow evening. I'm here, now what?"

"I want to introduce you to someone." She combed through my hair with her fingers trying to fix up the unruly curls. She flattened the lapels of my tux. From the corner of my eye I could see Christopher laughing at me. He won't let me live down this moment. "Don't screw this up Nathaniel. Please, don't screw this up."

"I'll try not to." I offer no promises. "Where is she?"

"The prettiest one in the group of four."

"Pretty is subject to the beholder mother. Be specific. I don't want to get it wrong and upset you."

"The one in the blue dress. Be nice Nate. Be a gentleman. Be sweet if you have to. I want her to like you enough for her father to approve. We must have a wedding by December."

"That's eight months away." I frowned. "Why are you in a hurry to marry me off? I'm only twenty five!"

"I want you settled down by the end of this year. The more you remain a bachelor the more problems you get into! Being responsible for something bigger than all the idle time you have in your hands is a good thing! I mean it. Now go and make me proud."

This is the part I hate. I am not interested in a relationship especially an arranged one. I have other plans. Like Chris, I want to enlist. Since I was a boy all I wanted was to be in a ship. Perhaps it's the little hand made wooden boats Castle gave me as a gift every year or maybe I just love the sea. All I know is that I want to join the navy. However, my mother has other plans. She wants me to be stuck in a corner office playing CEO.  I have been through business school. I have graduated with honors but I have no use for anything I have learned. It was all for her.

I forced a smile on my face. Helena will punish me if I don't make her smile today. I have to turn my charm on. From the corner of my eye I spotted Chris blowing kisses my way. We will have a good laugh after this.

"Excuse me ladies, good evening." I joined the four women. "My name is Nate. You must be Rebecca."

I got easy on the eyes. I know it excites women. Rebecca smiled at me holding out her hand. I kissed the back of it. "I am."

"Can I steal you for a moment?"

"Yes." She agreed.  I took her away from the crowded room to the garden outside. "You're the legendary Nathaniel Alexander Bale."