Truth

the first miscue on their road to fulfilling Nathaniel’s quest; after Allison and her husband tragically perished in a hiking accident, Cindy was left alone. Marie reached out, posing as one of Allison’s old friends. Since that time, Cindy has worked on the estate. All of her needs were met: college tuition, (she was currently taking online courses) clothes, and housing. She has also accumulated a nice nest egg. Never would Cindy suspect her saviors were anything but.
    The direct line of Jonathon Burke was gone.
    Nevertheless, the reason Derek Burke was on Tony’s radar was in reality Cindy was his cousin; Derek’s grandfather was Jonathon’s brother. In the past month, Tony had spent a great deal of time learning more about Derek Burke. A few of Tony’s recent trips weren’t business at all. He couldn’t very well take Claire to watch the new Mr. and Mrs. Burke in person.
    Tony’s observation: Derek was nothing like Sophia -- their relationship wouldn’t last.
    Past suitors were tested, induced with great temptations. All failed. Sophia may have interpreted it as personal failure; however, Tony believed he was only accelerating the future, in essence, saving her from greater heartache. He needed to decide how to do the same with Derek; test him, before it was too late. This would take time.
    After all, just because, Tony allowed his defenses to wane, he couldn’t allow Sophia’s rash decision to change his ultimate plans. Her art career was finally receiving warranted attention. She truly had talent. He even owned many of her pieces. They were displayed in New York, Phoenix, and Dallas... if he remembered correctly. It didn’t seem right to have her work displayed at the estate. Damn, if he hadn’t been so preoccupied with Claire...
    Leaning back in his luxurious leather chair, Tony’s mind slipped back to his wife. He didn’t regret marrying her; it surprised him how much he usually enjoyed being with her. In the past, beautiful women had their purpose, like anything else: a nice car, a priceless antique... It took Tony awhile to realize Claire was different, not someone to use when he wanted and forget until the desire returned. No, she wasn’t like one of his many expensive cars. And she wasn’t just a beautiful ornament to have on his arm at functions, although she played that role to perfection.
    Tony’s realization hit months ago when he realized it didn’t matter if she were dressed in designer gowns with perfect hair and perfect makeup or newly awake with no makeup and tussled hair. He no longer saw the difference. For a man who valued outward appearance as much as Anthony Rawlings, that insight was shocking.
    When he first brought her to the estate, he never intended to enjoy her, much less love her. Truthfully, it was initially determined she and her sister would have accidents , much sooner -- years sooner, like their parents. However, as he began following Claire and her life, there was an undeniable attraction. Then at her parent’s funeral for no particular reason, Tony fought the urge to comfort her. At that moment, he knew he wanted her for himself. Truthfully, Emily’s survival has been a byproduct.
    As a man who makes money -- lots of money, buying and selling -- rarely does Anthony Rawlings become emotionally vested in projects or people. Initially, he saw Claire the same way; however, after his acquisition, as weeks and months passed, despite her situation, she worked her way into his being -- into every fiber. Her strength to meet him with eyes on fire while her words and body appeased, fascinated Tony. Never had anyone done that.
    Smiling, he recalled their amazing honeymoon. The isolation of the island paradise kept he and Claire within the confines of a private bubble. Yet, as always, life intervenes. Back to Iowa meant disruptions. Being a multibillion dollar company, there were always issues with Rawlings Industry. The stock price was up, but there were always fires in need of dousing. A recent acquisition in Missouri was currently raging.
    On top of Rawlings Industries and Sophia, Tony had to deal with John Vandersol. The man absolutely infuriated Tony. Never had he met a more arrogant, self-righteous prick. Tony did his research. He knew John was accomplished. Every account Tony uncovered was flattering -- some to the point of nausea. It was hard to believe anyone could be as perfect as everyone’s account of John Vandersol.
    During their first meeting, Tony was