Chapter 6
Six
James
N ever in a million years did I think that Francesca would readily agree to my favor, not after I denied their request all those years ago. Emilia is her only daughter after all, but it appears they must be as desperate as I suspected.
Wasting no time, the first thing I did when I woke up this morning was call Kayden. Giving him a brief overview of the circumstances, I let him know he will be my best man in tomorrow’s ceremony. To say I caught him off guard would be an understatement, but he understood the importance of the situation. As much as I would love to include Jaxon, I know he has his hands full with Melody right now. My parents are out of town on vacation, so the only family I will have there will be Kayden and Brooke.
Walking into my garage, I think back to when I first met Emilia seven years ago. She was just as much of a firecracker then as she is now. She had just turned eighteen, and I had just been granted a favor for a long court case I had been employed for on behalf of the Bonetti family. As I waited in the booth, I saw the most beautiful woman sauntering up to our meeting place, Bonetti’s Diner, on the west coast. She looked like an avenging angel coming to take my soul. Perhaps she did because ever since that day I haven’t been able to get her off my mind.
I remember the way she looked at me with curiosity, but I also remember the caramel hue of her eyes that was more pronounced when the sun hit her face just right. Ever since that first meeting, she has despised me.
It might have to do with the fact that her parents asked me to wed her shortly after our first encounter. Robert had called me one evening, asking me for a significant favor after I had already declined Francesca.
“James, my friend, you know I wouldn’t ask you if I didn’t think it would work out between the two of you,” he had said, a hint of pleading leaking into his words.
“Robert, I understand why you’re asking this of me, but I simply cannot accept it. She just reached adulthood and has much life yet to experience. You should let her live while she can. Not only am I much older than her, but she doesn’t even know me well enough, or I, her. At least let her be the one to start granting my favors, this way we can get to know one another. Maybe things will happen naturally.”
Robert sighed heavily. “Alright, James, always the one to speak the harsh truth. I suppose that is the lawyer in you, after all.” He briefly paused before continuing. “Fine, I will have her grant your favors, and you will try your best to win her over, agreed?”
“I will do my best,” I had replied.
Ever since that conversation, I have asked Emilia out to dinner every chance I get with her, and every time she turns me down. I have tried to win her over to no avail. She’s a stubborn woman, but I love it about her. I always hoped to eventually win her over, but first I wanted to let her experience life before being tied down. It was only fair.
But now, life has taken an unexpected twist, and it’s as though fate is intercepting, bringing us together in the most unlikely of ways.
* * *
Pulling out of my garage, I head toward our downtown area to do a little shopping. Kayden is meeting me at one of the stores so we can get fitted and take home our tuxedos. Normally, these types of things can take weeks, but when you have extra money to throw around you’d be surprised how quickly things can get done.
Parking along the street in a two-hour-parking space, I decide to text Emilia. It feels wrong to get married without at least some form of communication prior. I know this is probably not what she wants, but that doesn’t mean I have to be inconsiderate about it.
Good Morning, Emilia.
What do you want, James?
Is that any way to greet your futurehusband? You wound me, Em.
I’m only going along with this to appeasemy father, cabrón. And to avoid falling intoAnthony’s hands. Do not mistake my agreementfor want. It is with high reluctance that I agree to this.
Understood. Have you picked out a dress?
Wouldn’t you like to know...
Have you picked out a tux?
Yes. In fact, I am about to do that aswe speak, Em.
Don’t call me that, James.
Oh, Emilia. I look forward to seeingyou walk down the aisle tomorrow.
I’m sure you will be absolutely radiant.
Maybe I won’t show up.
Oh, you will. Wouldn’t want to let downyour father, now would you?
*Angry face* Fuck you, James.
Tsk, tsk. Foul language, Ms. Bonetti.
I’ll show you foul language.
Chinga tu madre, cabrón. (Fuck off, asshole.)
She can tell me to fuck off and call me an asshole anytime she wants. Her fiery spirit only makes me want her more. In fact, the entire interaction has my dick straining against my slacks. What I wouldn’t give to release some of that tension, but seeing that I’m in public, it’ll have to wait until I get home later tonight.
Now, now. Get some rest and relaxation tonight, Emilia. Our wedding night will be one to remember.
You’re delusional, James!
Her comment only causes me to chuckle under my breath. Waiting for Kayden to arrive, I scroll Emilia’s social media. She rarely ever posts on her Instagram, but the posts she does have are absolutely beautiful. In every picture she is happy and smiling, unlike the scowl she permanently wears in my presence.
I love looking at her photos, though; she has the most gorgeous smile I have ever seen. When it reaches her eyes, they absolutely come alive. I hope one day that I can make her happy, so much so that I am graced with her smiles everyday and no longer have to view photos to see her happiness.
I shoot off one last text, one that I know will have her feathers ruffled.
See you tomorrow, love.
For a while, three dots would appear, then disappear, before repeating the whole process over again. I knew I would get her flustered. I waited patiently for a reply but soon joined Kayden in the store when no reply came.
At the end of the day, I never received a text back. Lord only knows what she really wanted to say to me. Tomorrow should be interesting to say the least…