Chapter 7
Jax
My tunnel vision blocked everything in the room. She’d been crying. Sad. Heart broken. Her father asked me to come here today hoping I’d marry his daughter. The payment of choice, a safe and comfortable future for his princess.
He'd leave her a fortune, but he’d been worried someone would take it all away from her. And he’d had been right to worry. She was his only Heir.
Bella’s fragile, but strong. She was like a flower. They wilt if not kept watered every once in a while, but could survive harsh summer heat. Her tears weren’t coming from weakness; they’d been coming from a place of love and sadness. She’d been sad; her father had for one, just told her he was going to die. And two, he'd insisted she marry someone that she didn’t love but she will on day.
I didn’t know why I agreed to marry her. I guess I couldn’t bear the thought she was going to be thrown to the wolves by marrying Casconi. I knew what that sick fucker was capable of. I knew his days were numbered. He’d eat her alive. He’s tough but only led by greed, putting himself first. No heart or a soul to speak of. He couldn’t protect her and that’s why I agreed before she’d come in.
Since Rebecca died, nothing’s been the same. Food had no flavor, work was bland and boring. I went to work and home, a penthouse in the sky above the city looking down on all of the chaos. We had a house. We’d only lived there a month before she was killed. I couldn’t go back after she died. I tried once, but couldn’t do it. I’d never loved anyone the way I loved her. She was my queen and together we were going to take over Chicago. All of that feels like a lifetime ago.
“Jax will take you home.” Anthony ordered Bella.
Anthony Sagatori doesn’t ask, he tells. And if you’re a smart man you do as you’re told. Just thinking about the things he could do to someone was enough to shake them up a bit.
Bella stood next to me in front of the large wooden desk. She leaned forward bracing herself along the edge.“Papa? Am I dismissed?” She asked flippantly, Definitely the only person that could get away with speaking to him that way.
“Go home Isabella.” His focus found me, his head nodding towards the door.
My hand extended to Bella’s, I entangled my fingers with hers. She needed to feel safe.
Finding our hands, she wiped another tear away, she nodded. She didn’t look back to her father as she walked to the door.
Tony and Anthony’s assistant jumped to their feet when we left the office and closed the door behind us.“Bella? You okay?” The assistant asked.
“I’ll see you later.” She didn’t stop to speak with them.
“Bella wait.” Tony said. Bella faced the elevator, but didn’t turn around. He approached, giving a knowing nod. He knew something was wrong, I could see it in his eyes.“Where are you taking her?”
“Not your concern.” I turned nose to nose with him.
“She is my concern Moretti. She will alwaysbe my concern.” He wasn’t going to back down and even though I wanted to put my gun to his forehead I wanted to respect him for it.
“You guard Bella?”
“Yes,” He gripped her bag.
“Not anymore we are going back to Chicago.” I dismissed him.
“Chicago? Who the hell…” He growled at me. Not smart.
My gun was out of my jacket before he could finish his fucking statement. The tip pressed flush against his temple.“I’ll fucking end you right where you stand. Isabella Sagatori will be my wife and you will continue to be nothing. You ever speak to me with such disrespect again I’ll bury you in your mothers front yard, do you understand?”
“Tony!” The boss growled from his office.
He nodded“Your bag.” He lifted it to Bella, but she wasn’t paying him any attention and I wondered if she heard anything that’d just taken place.
“I’ll take it.” I reached for the strap and gripped it into my hand.
“Hold her hand, she’s terrified of elevators.” Tony finished with a snide grin and walked backwards.
My face remained hard as I pressed the first floor button. I turned towards Bella seeing her eyes were closed and her jaw was tightened. I reached for her hand, tucking it tightly into my chest. She remained silent.
The doors opened and I gave a tug for her to follow. We left the building and stepped out onto the concreate. She seemed like a zombie. Silent. No expression. Eyes blank and lifeless. I watched her just to make sure she was okay. Honestly, I didn’t know what to say or do.
When we walked through the glass doors, the wind picked up, blowing her over a few inches, I pulled her close when she didn’t fight against it. I covered her shoulders with my arm and tucked her into my side.
She stepped into the limo willingly. I closed the door and stood at the window watching her for a brief moment before looking up to Sagatori’s office seeing him watching as well. I couldn’t imagine what either one of them were going through.
“Have you eaten?” I asked when I’d gotten into the car.
“I’m not hungry.” She answered flatly.
“I didn’t ask if you were hungry, Bella, I asked if you’ve eaten.”
“No.” She nodded, meeting my stare.
“Okay, I’ll feed you.” I gave a nod to Mickie and he pulled the car out of the parking lot.
***
The short drive was quiet. She hadn’t spoken and I didn’t know what to say. When we drove up to the restaurant, she sighed.
“I look like death warmed over.” She pinched her cheeks.
“I think you look beautiful.” She was beautiful and real.
“Thanks,” She whispered as she closed her eyes.
Mickie opened Bella’s door. He took her hand and she stepped out brushing against me as I stepped out after her.
“Will it just be the two of you Mr. Moretti?” The hostess asked.
“Yes, thank you.” I nodded.
I pressed my hand to Bella’s back, offering support, as we walked through the dark restaurant. We were seated in a quiet corner and left with menus.
“They have the best lasagna here.” I offered some conversation. She opened her menu staring off into space.
“I thought he’d live forever.” She mumbled.
I leaned forward and reached for her hand. When my fingers touched hers, she pulled away.
“My father is crazy, Jax. I’m not marrying anyone.” She scoffed.
Nodding, I replied.“He wants what’s best for you.”
“You offering to marry me is insane.” Her head fell. I wanted to know what she was thinking.“I’m really sorry about your wife. I really didn’t know.” She sipped her water right after the waitress had sat it down in front of her.
I ordered our food and waited for her to relax. She was so tense. I couldn’t say I blamed her or thought she should act any particular way. She’d been hit with a lot and taking it all pretty well I’d say.
“Moretti, I didn’t put all of that together last night. You’re the Chicago boss.” My eyes rose.“You were at my mother’s funeral. I remember you being there. Papa said I had to stay away from the men.” She rolled her eyes. She didn't like rules, that was obvious.
I didn’t think she’d ever noticed me.“Yeah, my entire family was there.”
“I know your brother Adam.” her hands mindlessly played with the silverware.
My brows rose.“How?” He wasn't someone that she should be associating with. However, I’m not either. Her father was smart to keep her away from the famiglia her whole life.
“I went on a date with him once.” She said with apprehension.
“A date? As in just one?”
Her head ticked back and forth.“Technically it was two, but who’s counting.” Her eyes began wondering around the room.
“And?”
“He was a little too obnoxious for me. I was in a rebellious phase. Honestly, I think it was my name he wanted to date. The boss’s daughter. He showed me off the entire time we were ou
t. Get in with the boss and your golden, right?” I leaned forward on the table, she rested her chin in her hands.
My hands combed through my hair. Standing, I removed my jacket, folding it on the back of my chair.“You won’t be around Adam, alone again.” I said taking my seat.
“You’re nothing like your brother.” She suggested as her eyes his something behind them.
“Thank God.” I laughed.
She smiled.“I really do appreciate what you did for me last night and what you’re trying to do today, but I’m not marrying you or anyone for the matter. Your wife was a lucky woman.” She said while unwrapping her cloth napkin into her lap. I mimic her actions.“Hmm.” She hummed.
“I’d like to ask you something.” I watched as she bit her lip.
“Shoot.” She reached her small hand to the table for the wine glass.
“Did you scratch Casconi's neck?” Getting into the middle of this could back fire. Fuck it.
“You know Sam?” Her voice broke. I didn’t like the fear I saw dance at the corners of her eyes.
“Of course I know him.” Unfortunately.
She nodded.“He’s crazy Jax. My father won’t believe me. And I’ll tell you one thing; the second I get the chance I’ll kill him.” She said behind clamped teeth.
“Why do you hate him so much? What has he done?” There’s a huge back story here. Makes me wondered why Sagatori doesn’t believe her.
“Where do I begin?” She snorts.“Could it be the insatiable stalking or the fact that he’d threatened my father?” Her jaw tightened.“I can put up with a lot. I can, but you threaten my family and I’ll stick an icicle in you fucking eye.” She’s a tough girl. I see that she’s loyal. Something that wasn’t a common trait these days.
“He won’t hurt your father.” I happen to know he’s well-guarded. I was surprised that I didn’t see Sal today though. And the fact that Tony backed down so easily didn’t set well with me either. If Sam did have his eye on the gold, she needed to be protected. I'd see to it.
Her eyes met mine with uncertainty.“He’ll do anything he wants.”
“No, it’ll work out.” I’d see to that personally as well.
“Who’s going to stop him, Jax? He’s the up and coming boss. Face it, when Papa dies he’ll take over. He’s made it very clear since I was a teenager he was going to have me. He always gets what he wants.”
Heat took over my body at the admission she’d made.“Look at me.” I growled. Her head snapped to mine.“I’m not going to let anyone have you.” I said between my teeth that ground against one another.
“Has he had you?” My hands gripped the cloth napkin in my lap. I realized the thought of him touching her brought back anger I’d tucked away.
“Never!” She screeched.
I was hoping she’d say that. Relief washed over me as I unclench my teeth.
“Why would you marry me?”
“Someone has to protect you Bella.”
“You don’t know what you’re up against, Jax.” She breathed.
“I know exactlywhat I’m up against, Bella.” My chest tightened. I’m not scared of Casconi. I’d always been more feared than him. I hold many cards up my sleeve, with action as far south as Kansas City. Cassini has nothing I fear. However, he should fear me.
“Then why would you stay?”
“What?” I asked, confused by the question.
“If you know, then why would you put yourself in a position like that? What’s in it for you?” She’d been questioning a few things. My integrity, honor, and loyalty.
I shook my head.“You think I’m scared?” I know the damage Casconi causes. I’ve seen his wrath. I’ve witnessed the fallout. But I wasn’t fucking scared.
“What if we didget married? What would that be like?” She took a small bite of her lasagna that’d arrived only moments before.
“Honestly, I hadn’t thought that far into it.” I shrugged, resting my elbows on the table.“You’d come to Chicago with me and we’d continue as normal until.” I stop myself when I realized I’d have her with me in Chicago.
“Until?” I didn’t reply.“I’m not going to Chicago Jax. I’m not going to agree to getting married. I don’t see the reason. Giving myself to someone that I don’t love just because it’s convenient seems a bit ridiculous.”
“I get that. I never thought I’d marry out of convince either.”
“But yet you’ll do it.” She sips her wine.“I won’t do that to you. He’ll kill you.” Oh, Bella Sagatori you have a lot to learn.
“You’re scared of him.”
“Presumptuous much?” Her fork dropped to the porcelain plate.
“Yes.” I watched her sparkling eyes wonder into darkness.
“And, sure of yourself.” She snapped. If anyone else in this world spoke to me like that I’d gut them.
“Always.” She was flustered. It was amusing to watch.
Her face reddened with a smile peeking out from behind the sneer she’d been holding.“Good.” She stabbed another bite of lasagna into her mouth.
When we’d finished our meal and I was satisfied she’d eaten enough I paid the bill and we left the restaurant.
“Jax.” A voice screeches from behind us just as I was tucking my arm around Bella shielding her from the wind.
I turned seeing Beatrice, Rebecca’s mother.“Bea, how are you?” I approached. I hadn’t seen her for a while. It was difficult being around her family. Bekka was also from Detroit.
“Well,” Her eyes follow to Bella.“Didn’t take you long, did it dear?” Her nose lifted with disgust.
“Hello, I’m Isabella Sagatori.” Bella extended a hand to Bea.
Bea’s eyes never left Bella’s.“Sagatori?” She asked not reciprocating the gesture and instead walked away without another word.
Bella’s hand tucked into the sleeve of her sweater to keep warm. After I helped her into the car, Mickie took his place behind the wheel driving away.“Where’s your coat?”
“In the car at the office. I’m fine.” She deadpanned.
I apologize explaining who Bea was, hoping she didn’t feel accosted by her less than welcoming attitude.
“Jax, she’s hurt. Her daughter’s gone and your kinda all she has left from that, ya know. She’s grieving. She probably thinks you’ve already replaced her baby girl.”
Bella had a way about her that drew you in. I was seeing that more and more.“You’re very insightful.”
“Meh. I don’t know about that, but I haveseen it before. My grandmother acted that way with Papa after momma passed away. She was hurt and needed to push that on someone you know. I imagine your wife’s family feels the same.”
I hadn’t considered that. I’ve barely spoken to Rebecca’s family in months. I’m doing good to go day to day with normalcy. Add in the in-laws and it makes it damn near impossible. They constantly talked about her. Sometimes I didn’t want to talk about her. Sometimes I wanted to forget her. Especially knowing whose arm’s she’d been in right before she died.
“Where are we going?” Bella asked thirty minutes into our drive. She’d been distant in thought since we left the restaurant.
“I’m taking you home.” I felt the car as it rounded the crazy ass corner. This road was a death trap.
She laughed into the sleeves of her sweater.
“What’s so funny?” I asked as Mickie pulled into the drive of her home.
Once the car was in park, she shifted into the seat.“This is the safe house, Jax.”
“Oh, I didn’t know.” I can’t believe Sagatori let me leave last night knowing where his safe house was.
“Don’t worry about it and Papa isn’t going to make you disappear, just yet.” Her door opened as she stepped out.
“Just yet?” I stepped out and saw Mickie's glare as he closed my door.
Her body turned towards me, her hair in the cutest bun on top of her head. She was smiling with color reaching her dark eyes. They sparkled with the
hint of sun peeking out from behind the clouds. she was absolutely beautiful. Fuck!
“Where do you live?” We stepped onto the porch.
“How about we go inside, warm up and have a drink?” She turned and brushed against me.
She was close enough for the scent of her expensive perfume to swirl in the air around me.
She was trying to unlock the door, she fumbled with the keys. After a few seconds I stepped next to her, bringing my hand to hers. Her back was to me with my head over her right shoulder. She turned, the smell of her hair finding me. My heart beat hard and fast. For the first time since a lifetime ago, I was intoxicated by another woman.
“I’ve got this.” I leaned into her neck whispering.
Her hand fell.
When the door opened and the alarm gave a warning. She pressed a few buttons and it quit.“Sorry it’s cold, we turn the heat down when we’re not here. I’ll turn it up.” She left the foyer.
I removed my coat and scarf, hanging them on the wooden coat rack. I loosened my tie as I let my eyes roam the house. I entered the great room and saw that she was standing behind a large bar
“Drink?” She asked looking up from the bar.
I nodded.
I approached the fireplace. As I rolled up my sleeves, I opened the fireplace and placed a few pieces of wood inside. I moved them around lighting it as I watched it come to life.
“You’re good at that.” She said as she sat next to me on the brick. She handed over a glass.“I love fires. They’re one of my favorite things about winter.” She reached up with her free hand to pull her dark hair out of the bun. She shook her head a few times and her hair fell in dark waves around her beautiful face.
My eyes locked on hers. When she looked up from the fire hers locked on mine.
I felt alive, brought on by her scent, smile, full lips, and bright round eyes. I reached my hand to her hair, taking a few strands into my fingers. Her eyes didn’t move, didn’t blink, she was scared. I tucked the strands of her soft, silky hair behind her diamond pierced ears and dropped my hand.
Bella #1 (Sagatori Family Saga #1) Page 6