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

Chapter Two: Wild Creature

Nathan's POV
Rebecca and I have shared a lot in the past week. We actually like each other. We have been inseparable and even my dear friend Chris is starting to feel like a third wheel. We spend most days together setting the sheets ablaze.

"That is a smile I don't see everyday." Castle squeezed my shoulder. "You must be happy."

I don't have a father.

I know everyone has a father because how else would someone exist without two parents? What I mean is I don't have a father who has raised me. In his place is Castle. For as long as memory serves me he has always been there. He has stepped in everytime a father was called for down to talking to me about girls and every change my I experienced when I was a teenager. I love the guy. What I don't like us the relationship between him and Helena.

"Sort of." I closed my journal. "Did any letter come for me?"

"Nate, we have to talk." He pulled a chair close to me. When he does this it's serious. "It's... It's commendable and brave of you to want to serve in the navy. Not everyone is as selfless or courageous but you do realize you're the only child your mother has, right?"

"Right."

"What will happen if you die in combat? What will happen to your mother?"

"I understand where you're coming from but I'm not changing my mind. I'm joining the navy."

"Have you told Helena?"

"I'll tell her on the day I'll be leaving."

"That is insensitive." He reprimanded me.

"If I do it now she will try to stop me."

"Help me understand why you want to join the navy? You'll make more money as a CEO. You'll be safer here. Why the Navy?"

"It's something I am drawn to and I feel I have to do. I'm deeply inclined to it. I love the sea. I love ships. I want to serve. That's my calling."

He frowned at me and for a moment Castle looked at me like you would look at someone you used to know. He let out a deep sigh almost nostalgic.

"What about Rebecca? I hear you are to marry in eight months."

"I will marry her but I'm still going to enlist."

"What about an heir? You know we aren't certain of what will befall you when you leave. Surely the Bale bloodline can't end with you."

I don't want to have children just yet. I am hoping to do so in my late thirties when I'm more independent from Helena. "At my own time. I won't be rushed into a responsibility I'm not ready for."

"In that case, when the letter gets here I will ensure your mother doesn't get her hands on it."

"Thank you." I picked up the book I have been reading. It's an old book. I have been taping and stapling the pages together.

"The Odyssey. I know this book." Castle noted with a frown. "Where did you get it?"

"I think I have always had it. Is it yours?" I showed him the initials on the front page; A.C.

"No. But I knew the owner. He is an interesting man." He smiled. "It's a good read."

"Who is the man?"

"He is a fisherman. Try not to be late for the Gala your mother is hosting." He left me with the book in my hand. Most fishermen I know are uneducated and can't read a book this complex let alone understand it. Who could he be? A.C.

"A fisherman who reads odyssey? Odd." Chris noted.

"Very odd."

"This thing about you and the navy, tell your mom. It's not cool to ambush her with something like that. Are we still on?"