Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(57)

I sigh. “Why are you so against him?”

“Because you’re way too young!” she snarls, louder than usual. Mom takes a deep breath and tries to remain calm. “Look, Columbia is around the corner. You’ll find plenty of amazing, well-educated boys there, believe me. Alexander should remain what he is—a friend. You should be glad he came back after what you did.”

“That incident was ten years ago! I was seven. Now it’s different, I’m turning eighte—”

“Exactly,” she barks abruptly. “Now it’s different. Now you can be rational and realize he is not the right man for you.”

“So it’s only about the age difference?”

“Petra.” It seems like she’s about to lose her temper. “Van Dieren has quite a reputation among women…”

“I know that. But with me he is different...”

“That’s what all his previous girlfriends thought! That they were special, different. Look at Amanda, ten years in a relationship with him. Ten years! Poor woman, she gave too much of herself. She always did what he wanted, expecting one day maybe they would get engaged. And what did he do? He dumped her.” She exhales loudly in annoyance. “Petra, you know how much I want to see you happy, right? But promise me you’ll keep your distance.” She reaches out, taking my hand and looking me straight in the eyes. “I’m serious, my little angel. This man will only break your heart. I know him much better than you do.”

There’s no possible way to change my mother’s mind on this. I let out a sigh. “Alright. As you wish” feels like the right answer to give. I have no intention whatsoever of doing so, but she could call Dad and reveal my secret at any time. I feel so stupid and naive to have trusted her like that. After all, Alex already disappeared for ten years—I can’t risk losing him again.





Chapter 13





Manhattan, September 12, 2019

Alexander Van Dieren





Fuck. What have I done?

Since I came back from Rome, I haven’t felt like seeing anyone, not even Lucy—and she was quite fun to have around. Two weeks have passed, and yet my mind keeps ruminating about that kiss. That night was pure magic. From our ride in the taxi, our dinner, our dance, our… Argh. I can’t believe it. Petra is your goddaughter, man. I sigh, displeased. But now it feels so different. Now it’s not only about protecting her, caring for her, and loving her like family. Now Petra is no longer that little girl running in the green fields of my estate. Now she’s finally a woman—and an adult in a few months… Damn. You knew bringing her to your suite would be a mistake. And a big one. Oh God, but she’s so charming. She’s always known how to entice me with her angelic face and cheeky smile... I know I should’ve never tasted her lips, sucked her neck, or felt her so close to me. And worst of all was seeing her find pleasure with me. Since then, those images have been stuck in my mind and my heart—and despite my many attempts, they’re not leaving. I feel so ashamed and disgusted by feeling so turned on by her. I’m definitely not the right man for her. Hell, she’s the cherished daughter of my best friend and business partner, and my own goddaughter! I should’ve stayed home right here in New York... But letting that douchebag Andrew spend an evening with her would’ve been impossible to bear. What about apologizing? No. I can’t handle seeing Petra again. At least not yet. Texting her maybe? Terrible idea—it’ll leave a paper trail. What if Roy reads it? Whatever. I’ve got to forget it. Now that she’s at Columbia, she can find someone her own age, a nice, young, gentle boy without my past, my reputation, my kinks… I just need time to heal. Time alone. And far from her.

“So, Alex, what do you think?”

“Van Dieren?”

I blink, returning back to earth. “I think it’s great.” I have no idea what Roy and Paulo are talking about, but I hope it’s great anyway.

“Very well. Paulo, count us in for your big day, then. Can’t wait to be back in Rio. Petra will love it.”

Oh God, the wedding. I’ve totally forgotten. Paulo, the CFO at Gatt-Dieren Capital, is getting married next month in Rio. It will be a sumptuous and pompous ceremony for him and his Brazilian fiancée. I knew Roy and I would be attending, but Petra?

I lean closer to Roy’s ear, and in a low voice ask, “I’m sorry, Roy, are you sure Petra should be attending? A big wedding could be too much for her…”

Roy smiles, seeing me so worried. “My dear friend, I would’ve agreed with you just three months ago,” he replies with the same low voice. “But the doctors said she has made substantial progresses. I think having you around has given her more confidence.” Roy gives me a light and comforting clap on my arm.

I swallow hard. Petra can’t be around. I have to heal. Seeing her will only hurt my heart. I can’t see her or her delicious cherry lips; her big, dreamy blue eyes; her delicate skin; her long dark hair that smells like jasmine. “What about her classes?”

“Relax. We leave Thursday and come back Sunday. She’ll just miss two days.” I sigh. Roy seems decided. Happily decided. I take a sip of my whiskey. “Look at that woman over there.” Roy points to the entrance of the lounge. I follow his finger.