Christ, what a mess.
“Boss?” Carlos asks as he stands by the door waiting for me. Despite his dark expression, he is chomping at the bit to ask me questions. But I’m not in the mood for his crap either. I’ve had enough; I just want to get the fuck out of here.
I hold my hand up in his face. “Don’t ask, just get the car. I’m not in the mood right now for any of the shit you wish to dish my way, asshole.” He does not say a word, as his eyes narrow and his expression becomes serious. He simply opens the heavy door, doing what I asked.
As the front door closes behind him, I just stand there waiting to mull over my thoughts. I was such a prick tonight. I need a moment to gather my shit. I don’t even know where I want to go. I just want to leave, maybe I should head to the club and burn off some steam, but since I refused Rebekah’s handy, I don’t think that’s going to help.
Stopping to stare once more at the door, I think better of it. With my mind a mess, my thoughts only on Isabella, I should head home and prepare the house for her since I opened the floodgates and fast-tracked the whole wedding.
Two weeks.I can’t believe I said that.
Not bothering to wait for Carlos, I open the front door and headdown the steps toward the car. Carlos has the back passenger door open and is standing there silently, waiting.
“Where to, boss?”
I can't help but grin. “The two of us will head home tonight, Carlos. I have a house to prepare for my future bride.”
Carlos just raises an eyebrow at me. “You don’t sound thrilled about it?”
I lift my chin. “Although I didn’t want to get married, I didn’t have a choice in the matter.” My grin widens. “But I’m determined to make the most of the situation after tonight.”
In a statement of admiration, Carlos says, "She's gorgeous, no? She has the potential to be a great wife. Trust me, I know."
My eyebrows shoot up. In the last few hours, the massive shit show that has taken place might change his opinion, and he has no idea what has been going on. Honestly, I don’t think Carlos even knows which one of those girls was chosen to be my wife.
Curiosity gets the better of me, and I ask. “Which daughter are you speaking of, Carlos?”
He replies, “The goddess in red, Alex. She is humble, kind, sweet... she is perfect.”
It just sets me off again. “How in the hell would you know if she’s kind or not? You have never met her? If it were up to me, I’d take that cute little gold charmer home.”
As I slide into the car, I settle myself in the backseat. Carlos leans into the door before he closes it and says, “That would be a mistake.”
Anger reignites inside me. How did this girl make everyone she trips over fall for her nonsense? She has a pretty face, but she is a klutz. She does not think before she speaks, and she’s got my family and best friend wrapped around her little finger in less than three hours.
"Just take me home. I have a few things to get ready before I leave for New York."
As I sit in the back of the car, I watch the night scenery fly by. The city is glowing down below, a city the Russo’s own. Each lamp post we pass is like a strobe light flashing in my eyes every two seconds, making a dull ache in the back of my skull. I rub my hands over my face and try to put this night into perspective.
In the coming weeks, I will have a lot on my plate. The wedding is the least of them. The New York trip has a whole host of problems of its own. A major player will have to be removed before we can realize the bigger picture, which could get touchy for a while.
We start up the hill that leads to my home. My property is much like my parents; it’s gated, but I don’t have a flashy R on the front of the gate. I don’t need to announce where I live. I like my privacy. Carlos buzzes us in and we soon pull up the circle driveway to the house.
I don’t wait for him to let me out of the car; I just get out and head straight up the stairs and go inside.
He’s not far behind me. Catching and closing the door as I head to my office, I toss over my shoulder, “Get everyone in my office within 10 minutes. Staff meeting”
Carlos follows me, closing the door quietly behind him.
I can hear the alarm in his voice, “Boss, it’s 9:30 at night. There’s no one here? Maybe Rose is still here working in the kitchen? Danny, possibly? But that’s about it for the staff.”
Pulling out my chair, I stand beside it looking at him. I don’t keep that much staff around since I’m not here very often, I spend the vast majority of my time at the club or in the office downtown. I’m going to have to hire people within the next four days because of my stupid mouth.
Two weeks?I didn't think that through very well.
Isabella is accustomed to luxury, and this house is opulent but it’s held together with minimum staff. I'd like to at least offer her a small gesture of my regard for her and make sure she has what she needs. She will be my wife after all.
When I look at Carlos, he still has his eyebrows raised at me, like he thinks I’m crazy.
