“Yes, I actually did. I slept like a log.” I beam back at him.
“That’s what happens when you finally trap a bunny and give them nowhere else to go.”
His voice booms across the foyer, and we both look up to the upper landing. Alexander is standing there, his hands in his suit pockets, looking like a bloody GQ model, with that cocky smirk on his face.
My face heats and I look back down at the floor, trying to hide my red cheeks. I can hear his steps as he gets closer. He’s one step above me and I jump when I feel his hand on the side of my head, bringing me closer to that vanilla musk scent. I close my eyes and he leans down, lightly kissing my temple.
“Good morning, Bella.” He breathes in my ear.
I look back up at him over my shoulder, and he’s staring down at me. The smile dies on his face as the anger once again pinches his features. We stand still, both not knowing what to do.
The shock on his face lets me know he has no idea why he kissed me, either.
Shaking out of his two seconds of kindness; he straightens his shoulders and walks past us both, turning at the base of the stairs he heads toward the dining room.
“Breakfast is ready. Hurry up.” He snaps behind him.
“And he’s back,” I mumble.
Carlos laughs and puts his hand on my back, guiding me to the dining room door.
“I’ll be in the office if you would tell him for me.”
“You’re not coming to eat?” Hoping I won’t have to face Alexnder on my own.
“No, I’ve already eaten, and I have to get a few things done before we take you to work.”
Shit!
I step through the dining room door and Alexander is in his usual seat at the head of the table. Mine is right next to him, again so there is no getting away from him as I had hoped.
As I cross the room, I bite my lower lip and take my seat, unfolding my napkin and placing it on my lap. My eyes bug out of my head as I scan the table. There are so many platters laid out that I think there is enough food for 20 people.
Eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes with toast, hash browns with fresh herbs, and a little tray with pots of jam, honey, and peanut butter are off to the side.
I feel queasy. I rarely eat breakfast. Diane makes a breakfast cookie and I have coffee with it. My eyes water and I look at this amazing breakfast and guilt washes over me from missing her and not being able to eat this. I fill my plate and pick up my fork and knife.
Alex points with his fork, breaking the silence between us.
“Eat. You only have a half hour before we have to go.”
I look up at him and watch as he rams half a pancake into his mouth.
I lift my fork and stab a few hash browns, bringing it to my lips. I chew and am surprised they taste wonderful. I put a few more in and reach for the coffee decanter.
“Here, let me. My arms are longer.” Alexander pours my coffee into my cup.
“Cream? Sugar.” He raises his eyebrow at me in question.
I hesitate to respond as I look at him, but I do. "Two sugars, one cream, please."
He puts it in my coffee and I grab the spoon to stir it, but he’s already mixing it with his spoon. He sets it down in front of me.
“Drink it before it gets cold.” He has this weird smile on his face, more like an upturned grimace.
I can't help but feel distrustful of his kindness, my boob is an example of how devious he can be. I pick up my cup and watch him closely out of the corner of my eye. It is only a matter oftime before his pleasant facade changes.I can sense it.Holding the warm cup to my lips, blowing across the top like I always do before I take a sip, my eyes close as the delicious taste of freshly roasted coffee beans coats my tongue.
Alexander is watching me, and I take another sip doing my best to ignore him.
