Chapter 11 ~ Alexander
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My mind races as I rush across the foyer to escape out of my parents' front door.
What in the hell possessed me to say two weeks?
Where that came from, I don’t even know.
I feel like some foreign entity has taken over my body, and I can’t seem to control my tongue or my impulses. Sebastian treats her like a little princess, running around like a puppy to get her a drink. Standing behind her chair, glaring at me like some fucking guard dog ready to save her from me.
It raised instincts in me that I didn't know I possessed, and it definitely pissed me off.
He was acting just as possessive of her as I seem to be.
We both acted like two dogs fighting over a bone, and he will never come out as the winner, not in my books or by the contract she and I will soon sign.
Sebastian may have her full attention for now, but as soon as I park her ass in my house, and in my bed, she will know who she belongs to.
I love my brother, and I would give my life for him, no questions asked. But when you touch my toys, even if I’m not playing with them at the time, well, then you open up a whole new side to me that I reserve for the tougher aspects of my job.
Given the circumstances, her fear, and his determination to stay by her side all night, I thought it was best to bow out gracefully after dinner and allow him to accompany her into the sitting room.
But as I watched them come through the door, smiling at each other, Isabella looking happy and so much better suited to Sebsatian, my gut clenched, and I had to swallow my pride.
I walked away from them, and I never walk away from anything, least of all a woman that is mine.
My aggression had reached a level that I have never experienced, especially when it comes to my brother.
I am not this way with my family, and my actions tonight surprised even me, but there is something inside me that wants to own her.
I don’t like it, particularly when it involves my brother.
He’s a nice guy, and he cares about shit I’ll never understand, but I don’t like how something inside of me has staked a claim on her.
No, not in the slightest.
When it comes to women who interest me, she is the last thing I would look for. In a crowded bar, I would pass right over her and head straight for someone like her sister. But tonight, I don’t understand what is happening. I’m not this guy.
Isabella leans over once, and my dick jumps to attention.
Sure, her ass is plump, her eyes are gorgeous, and her hair is stunning.
The long, silky mass makes me want to wrap it in my fist and yank her head back again so I can suck on her throat, feel the beat of her heart under my tongue, and drag that floral scent deep into my lungs.
Christ, I’m getting a chub in my pants in my parent’s foyer at the thought.
What the fuck is up with all this shit? Five hours ago, I had Carla’s pussy gripping around my dick and an hour ago I had Rebekah trying to give me a hand job.
But right now, all I can think about is Isabella’s defiance, her juicy ass and the insatiable need to make her submit.
There was never a single time tonight that she looked at me without force, not once.
She has only spoken five words to me all evening.
Even that was not freely given. Despite my treatment of her, you would figure she would be interested in who she is marrying, but she treated me like the enemy, and given my reaction to her fumbling entrance, to her I am.
Her body was always stiff with fear and apprehension every time I got close. And I liked it.
I need to figure out what to do with her because I am out of my depth.
When it comes to your average, everyday woman, I feel out of place because they require skills I do not possess.
Once I’ve fucked, I’m out. I am not interested in playing Romeo and buying flowers. Suck my dick and leave that's my motto.
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 head down 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.
I grunt back at him, “Search the house, see who you can find and bring them here. We’re going to be having a permanent guest in a week and I’d like to have this place secure and fully staffed to be ready for her.”
The look of astonishment on Carlos’ face almost makes me laugh when he sucks in some air. But I have shit to do. We can talk about the fast-track wedding later after everyone’s informed about the new arrangements.
“On it.” He grunts as he leaves.
I sit behind my desk and flip open my laptop, bringing up the security system.
I scroll through, looking at the camera feeds for each room.
I want to know how many cameras are working and how many we have monitoring the yard, especially the ones in the house.
While I am away, I want to watch my bunny.
If she refuses to speak to me or even accept my touch, I’ll learn all I can by watching.