AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 1
Philippe
Present Day
I lean back in my office chair, staring outside into the town square of Marienplatz, which is a neighborhood in Munich. My apartment is located directly across the street from some of the most beautiful architecture I’ve ever seen in my entire life. My father was assigned to Germany when the clans had a shift thirty something years ago and so we moved here. Back then I was a mere child and hated every bit of it, but now I’m more grateful. The city is beautiful, filled with history and some of the most authentic people I’ve ever met.
My eyes scan over the citizens of Munich who travel through the streets and the tourists who take in our city and all its beauty. They’re quite easy to spot, staring up at the regal buildings. I want to continue leaning back in my chair, looking down on to the streets but I can’t. Unfortunately, I’m pressed for time and since work has been keeping me busy over the last few days I don’t have a moment to spare.
I stand up and walk across my study to the door, open it and come face-to-face with my assistant, Luna. “Oh! I was just coming in to discuss some things with you. Are you stopping for the day?”
“Yes. I have to get ready to fly out to Seattle.”
Luna scrunches up her nose. “Even though I’m your assistant I have to admit you leaving slipped through my mind. I didn’t realize the time was passing so quickly.”
I nod, “Yeah. The time went fast,” I reflect on how rapidly the last nine months have gone. I’ve kept myself insanely busy with clan matters, focusing every day on getting as much work done as I could. After all, I knew the moment I flew out to Seattle my focus would need to be on my fiancée. We’ve only seen each other once and I haven’t spoken to her except for that day. I’d thought about messaging her online and getting to know her like Leon and Bethany did, though it seemed too millennial for me. I’m an old-fashioned type of man who appreciates small gestures. I don’t want to learn about my future wife through lurking on her social media profiles, but instead to be with her and discover what makes her tick.
I sigh, not realizing what I’ve done until Luna brings it up. “You don’t want to go.” She states, and she isn’t wrong. I’d much rather stay back here and work. Call it avoidance, I just don’t want Carla to think I’m something I’m not.
“No, not really.” I admit.
“Why go? Stay here.”
Luna has been working for me the last four years. She’s just a girl from the Czech Republic who moved to Germany to start a new life. From my understanding her father was sick when she was a child and still is to this day. Because of it she was never able to really have any sense of adventure. I remember the day I hired her, how I informed her that my job required me to travel to different countries and I’d need her to accompany me to them. Her eyes lit up with excitement and that’s when she told me her story, how she wanted to travel the world and see everything it had to offer. She’s been a great assistant ever since and I’m lucky to have her on my team.
“I don’t have a choice in the matter. I’m going to see my fiancée.”
“Ah, I thought you were going for work. I forgot about your ghost of a fiancée.” She laughs at the end, but the way she laughs makes me feel like she’s a bit uncomfortable.
“No, I’ll be in Seattle for two weeks to spend some time with Carla before I fly back into Munich. It isn’t much time, but it’ll give us a chance to get to know one another.”
Luna’s eyes drift down to the floor, causing me to think she’s a bit disappointed. She’s been a complete workaholic the entire time I’ve known her. I place my hand on her shoulder and give her a squeeze, “Relax, Luna. Take the next two weeks to go to the spa, shopping, see more of Munich you haven’t discovered yet. It’ll be like a vacation of sorts.”
“Vacation? Oh, no. Someone has to keep things in order while you’re away with your beloved.” She laughs, tossing her head back. As she does it, her wispy platinum blonde hair falls from her clip and spans down her back. It reminds me of a commercial you’d see on television for a hair product.
I bend down and retrieve her clip, handing it to her before I stand back up. “I mean it, Luna. Have a good time while I’m away. Don’t be coming in here checking in to see how things are going. I have other members of my staff on that. If I’m taking a break, you surely deserve one as well.”
Luna smiles lowly before going back to her usual resting bitch face expression. I don’t think she means to do it, but it’s what I enjoy about her. She never lets her own feelings filter into anything work related. “I will try. Thank you for caring. Does your flight leave soon?”
“Yes, in about an hour which is why I need to get to packing. I’ll see you when I get back.” I say, walking past her and head down to the other end of my apartment toward my bedroom. I place my thumbprint on the pad. Because my men come in my apartment so often I wanted an extra layer of security when it comes to my bedroom. Even though I own my apartment, this is the only part that feels like it’s actually my own.
I spot my suitcase laying open on my bed and forgot I did that much. Before coffee I’m usually a zombie. Though, I’ll be grateful I did something. I head over to my closet when my phone starts to buzz in my pocket. As I retrieve it I see it’s Ion and immediately answer.
“Didn’t think I’d be hearing from you.”
Ion chuckles, “I don’t know why. I had to make sure you aren’t getting cold feet. Everyone knows your heading to Seattle.”
“Yes. I’m packing for the trip now.” I admit. Ion and I have known each other for years. He’s one of the only people who knows just how badly of a procrastinator I am.
“Are you nervous?” He inquires.
“I don’t think nervous would be the appropriate word. I hardly know Carla, and I want to get to know her. Honestly, I’m anxious about the result of the trip.”
“Well, you can’t be anxious before it’s even over. You’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, of course you’re going to say that. Not like anything is riding on this trip going smoothly.” I sarcastically mutter out.
Ion laughs, “You’re right to be somewhat anxious. I was when Mariana was putting me through hell, but look at us now. We have two kids and we’re happily married. With any luck, you and Carla will head down the same path. Fuck, and just remember Stefan Dalca even nailed down a woman. If he can do it, anyone can.”
The two of us laugh together at that. Stefan is a risky fucker. “Any words of advice?” I ask, needing to hear something encouraging right now.
“Yes. Accept her for who she is, whether she’s docile or independent. See her weaknesses and strengths. Accept every flaw and perfection about her. She’s not only going to be your wife, Philippe, but your partner.” Even though he can’t see it I’m nodding. I have to go into this with an open mind and a positive outlook. No matter what happens, Carla and I will do everything we can to make this work. I just hope she’s feeling the same way I am.
