My father has a point. This seems a little strange. We’ve already agreed to the marriage and we’ve already agreed to the takeover, so why shove her in our faces any more than he already has? I think I might have to get Carlos to do a bit more background research on Mr. Gallo and soon-to-be Isabella Russo.
“Place the call. Tell them I’m picking her up tomorrow. I’ll have her room ready by tomorrow afternoon.”
My father huffs out, “She works, she has a job, Alexander. She’s a restoration artist at the Art Institute of Chicago. But I will give Robert a call; I’ll let you know what time you can collect her. This will be a shock to her. I don’t think the prick even told her she was leaving by Thursday.”
This guy is an asshole. I’m glad he’s not joining us on the plane because I’d probably punch him in the face. Her family has a real fucking problem with her, and I don’t know what it is, but I’ll get to the bottom of it.
“Good enough,” I bark, “let me know. I already started getting everything ready here.”
“Try to be gentle, Alexander.” I can hear the hesitation in his voice, which is so unlike him.
“This whole thing has been a shock to her. She’s a sweet girl, so just try to have some patience. She knows our way of life, but she doesn’t know yours. Just give her some time.”
Anger raises its ugly head again, “How did I end up being the prick in this whole thing? I agreed to the match. When you called me this morning, I didn't argue. I pushed up the wedding date. For fuck's sake, I’m letting her move in here less than 5 hours after meeting the woman. Why does everyone seem to think I’m the asshole here? “
“Because you are, Alexander.” He states, and he’s quiet for a moment. “They cut you and me from the same cloth. And I know how this is going to affect you. But there’s a bigger play at hand, and she’s only a young girl. Let her grow into her role. Take some time and some patience; she will blossom on her own. You just need to hold your temper in check.”
He lets out a long sigh. “But that’s enough for tonight. It’s been a long evening. I’ll get a hold of you tomorrow and let you know what time you can pick her up.”
I rage inside. “Good enough. But like I told you, father, my wife, and my rules. We don’t have to worry about her daddy coming to her rescue since he’s the one hell-bent on selling her to the monster in the first place.”
I hang up. I don’t want to hear anymore. I am who I am and I’m not about to change it for them or anyone. When they want someone to do the dirty work, they call me. I can’t change my skin like a chameleon. I am not the nice guy in this scenario, nor will I ever be.
Tomorrow I’m bringing my little bunny to my home, which almost makes tonight worth it. I can’t wait to see the shock on her face, the pulse pounding in her neck when the monster comes to take her away again.
∞∞∞
Chapter 12 ~ Isabella
Something is going on in this house. I can feel it in my bones, but no one wants to tell me what it is. All morning long, the maids have been rushing in and out of my room, packing my belongings. I had hoped to get a few days to get everything ready, but it appears that they were eager to get started. Since I am running late for work, I don't have time to ask them.
Snagging my purse off the back of the chair sliding the strap over my shoulder, I sidestepped through the door moving past another maid, hauling a suitcase into my room.
What the?
As I walk down the hall towards the main staircase, rummaging through my purse for my car keys, I can hear my father’s irritated voice the closer I get closer to their bedroom door.
“It’s pointless to argue with me, Sophia. It’s already decided.”
I move in closer, hugging the wall so no one notices my attempt to overhear. My mother’s response is mumbled, and I try to lean in closer to hear better, but the sound of a banging door behind me causes me to jump, realizing that the maid is leaving my room with another of my suitcases.
I have no idea what’s going on or why they’re packing up my belongings so quickly; and by the sound of father, it's best to wait and find out tonight when I get home.
Hoping down the last step to the landing, I proceed to the kitchen at the back of the house. Today is Anna’s day off, so I’llbe doing the restoration by myself. I can’t wait to see her tonight and have a drink with her. We have so much to talk about, not to mention all the strange things going on around the house this morning.
Diane our cook smiles at me as I round the corner.
“Morning Izzy. So what will it be this morning? A muffin? Or breakfast cookie? I already have your coffee made.” She hands me my Harry Rules travel mug. Diane has always been so kind to me; I adore her. She’s like a mother to me, or the mother I wish I‘d had.
I lean in and kiss her cheek.
“Morning, thank you so much, Diane. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
I smile as I grab a breakfast cookie. “You have a great day, and I’ll see you tonight when I get home. I’ll let you know how the restoration is going.”
Her smile gets wider as I back out of the kitchen.
“Well, I can’t wait to see more of it. Every time you show me a little picture of everything that you expose, it just makes me excited to go to this opening to see the whole thing in its glory.”
