“Fuck you, Jax.” I spit and turned towards the hallway. I took each stair one at a time thinking over all that had happened. Was this all a joke? What the hell was going on? Fiction wasn’t even this messed up. This reality wasn’t working for me. I could get on a plane to Fiji or Australia, my friend Lou lived there. I could stay with her. I missed her so much since I hadn't seen her in so long.
My hand quickly opened my bedroom door. I entered and threw it back to slam, but it didn’t.
“Who the hell do you think you are?” Jax crossed the room I’d backed up in.“You clearly need to be punished.”
My head shook frantically.“No, I’ll say what I want to say, when I want to say it.”
“Will you?” He asked amused.
“Yes, I’m not one of these woman that ignore everything Jax. You probably plan on divorcing me as soon as you have the throne, so what does it matter?” I leaned against the wall he’d backed me up against. His arms reached above my head and his face leaned into mine. He was trying to intimidate me, but I wouldn’t be intimidated by him, now or ever.
“No, Bella Moretti. I’ll never let you go.”
My heart sank. What did he want to keep me around for? He’d already told me he’d never love me.“But I thought…”
“You thought wrong.”
I was in big trouble and I knew it.
Chapter 9
Bella
Leaving Papa was one of the hardest things I’d ever had to do. He’d assured me it was for the best. I’d find out why. I’d hit rock bottom but I’d climb my way back. I didn’t know how, but I would.
“Where do you live?”
“We live in the Samson Tower. The most upscale and elite building in Chicago. You’ll approve.”
I stared out of the window of the private jet.“Do you only fly private?” I asked. It seemed like a waste, all this for a few people.
“Don’t you?”
“This is the first time that've I’ve ever flown.” I never met his eyes.
“Really? Are you okay?” He reached for my hand.
My head turned to him seeing how close our bodies had become.“No, Jax. I’m not okay.” I snapped turning my gaze back to the window.
“Would you like a drink to calm your nerves?”
“No, I’d like to be sober for our fall from the sky.” I said sardonically.
“Okay then.”
“I was being sarcastic Jax.” I turned to him. I couldn’t help the smile that lifted at my lips. His eyes lightened in that moment. They were the same eyes that had sat in the safe house on the fireplace.
“White wine?”
“No, I’ll take a bourbon if you have it. I need something stronger than wine at this point.” I admitted. I was a nervous wreck. I hated heights and any sort of suspension. Didn’t anyone see the news reports about plane crashes?
“Your wish is my command.” He snapped his fingers and called to the woman that was supposed to serve us. She brought his requested drinks then winked at him. I didn’t care. I just wanted to go home to take care of Papa. He could fuck her if he wanted too. As a matter of fact, that would be perfect and then I’d slip out the back. Oh, I mean if I wasn’t on a plane. Shit!
The flight was bumpy and I cringed most of the way. I had four drinks and passed out at some point. I’d woke to Jax carrying me off of the plane. My head was tucked into his chest. I jerked from his hold only to be squeezed closer.
“Rest.” He growled.
He slipped us both into the back of a limo. He didn’t set me down into the seat. My body remained tucked against his. I didn’t want it too but his aroma swirled around me. His smell was spicy and unique. I loved it. I rested against him taking breath after breath. He chuckled to himself quietly, but I could feel his chest rise and fall.
We continued our drive for a while before we’d reached his apartment. When the driver asked Jax a question, I pushed into a sitting position. I slid to the seat next to him. My eyes searched out the windows.
“We’re home.” He whispered.
The car pulled into an underground parking garage and stopped in front of an elevator door. Two men waited outside the elevator door. They appeared very serious in stature. Scary almost. I’ve seen that look many times. They were made men.
“Who are they?” I whispered as we approached them from the car.
“This is Dominic and Tommy. They are in charge of your protection. They will be with you at all times.
“When will they sleep?” I asked. Everyone laughed like I was an idiot.“I’m sorry was that not a good question?”
“They will take twelve hour shifts, Bella.”
“Yes, of course.” My face heated. I wasan idiot.“Hi, I’m Bella Sagatori.” I extended my hand. Both Dominic and Tommy’s eyes dated to Jax. I followed their gaze to see Jax nod his head in approval.
“You may shake Mrs. Moretti’s hand.” Oh, I keep forgetting I was forced to marry him and now I had to take his name.
“Seriously?” I asked annoyed. So now I’d have to have permission to shake a man’s hand? I was never treated this fragile. Of course I was very rarely allowed to be around the men in the famiglia. Only a few men were allowed to be around at all. I guess I hadn’t realized how secluded I had been until now.
“Stop being difficult, Bella.” We stepped onto the elevator.
I watched the two men that didn’t even come close to Jax’s stature. They were shorter and stockier, but nowhere near his size. I jumped when his hand took mine.“You okay?” I was okay, the elevator was smooth. I smiled. That was the first time I didn’t have to close my eyes. Jax looked down at me and I looked up to him. I took a deep breath feeling like I’d just conquered the world and didn’t even know it. A soft smile reached his lips and my heart skipped a beat. He had the most beautiful smile.
We stepped out when the elevator opened, revealing the penthouse apartment. I awed at the amazing apartment. Dark walls surrounded us with lighting shining down against paintings I was certain were originals. Beautiful flowers in porcelain vases sat atop several metal tables throughout the room. Dark red furniture with light pillows sat neatly across them. The outer part of the apartment held bare floor to ceiling windows.“Wow.” I said as I walked through the open space. I missed a step down not paying attention and Jax caught me before I fell.“Thanks,” I offered.
“It got me too.” He said flatly. Oh did this guy not have any emotion at all?
I continued walking through the palace, taking in the amazing artwork. I was very curious about a few of the pieces that I was sure were originals, but I was pretty sure they were supposed to be in a museum somewhere.
Jax spoke with Dominic and Tommy as I continued through. There was a wide stair case leading upstairs, but I didn’t want to go there just yet. I walked down an even wider hallway seeing several closed doors. The first door was dark. I twisted the handle slowly opening it. I stepped in seeing red walls with the same kind of artwork and lighting on the walls. A large statue sat atop of a round table in the far corner. He had amazing taste that I was certain. A desk took up the middle of the room with a computer. Nothing else littered it. I traced my hands along the smooth wooden surface. It was masculine. There were no pictures or flowers in this room.
“Do you approve?” Jax’s hands landed on my shoulders squeezing. I jumped closing my eyes from the contact.
“I suppose.” I smiled to myself. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction just yet. Although I did approve. This place was extremely nice.
“Oh?” He growled.
Without another word I turned and sidestepped around him to continue with my tour. I heard him close the door to his office as I stepped down the hall opening each door one by one. The other rooms were bare. There was an elegant bathroom with his and her sinks, a stand in shower, and a toilet separated by a door in a separate room.
He continued following me and as we entered a large kitchen on the other side of the apartment he reached into the ref
rigerator.“Are you hungry?”
“No,” I shook my head.
He handed me a bottled water after opening it.“Would you prefer a glass?”
“No,” I shook my head gently.
“A woman of many words.” He smiled again.“Are you tired?” It was at least midnight. I was exhausted and a yawn creeped up making it very clear.“I take that as a yes.” He nodded.“Come on I’ll show you to your room.” My room?
“Where will you sleep?” I asked confused.
“In my room.” He said flatly.
“Won’t we share a room?” Isn't that what married people do?
“Do you want to share a room with me?”
I didn’t know.“I just assumed.” We climbed the long stair case to an open hallway with two doors across from each other. He stepped to the door on the right opening it.“Is that your room?” I pointed to the door on our left. He’d have full access to my comings and goings and I didn’t like that.
“Yes,”
We stepped into my room. My luggage had been set on the floor inside of an incredible walk in closet. It was all white with lights everywhere. It was as big as the room itself. I didn’t have enough clothing to fill it but I loved it none the less.
“Do you approve?”
“Yes, I really do.” I did. Oh my God I did.
“Good. This will be your room. You may decorate it anyway you’d like.” It was beautiful just how it was.“I had fresh flowers placed in here for you.”
There were White Orchids on the table next to the bed.“Thank you.”
“I’ll let you get settled. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He said and then closed the door behind him.
I padded across the room to the bathroom. There was a large shower and Jacuzzi bathtub at my disposal. After gabbing a few things from my suitcase I showered and slipped into a silk kami and panties. I turned the lights off, plugged my cell phone into the wall next to the bed and sent a text to Emily.
Bella: I’m here.
I drifted off to sleep knowing she wasn’t going to respond right away. She’d probably been asleep for a while already.
***
The next morning I woke to a bright light shining through the windows. I’d need to get drapes for the window first thing. I was never a morning person but I did have to pee so I crawled out from the amazing quality of the blankets and stepped into the bathroom to take care of business. I jumped back into the shower when I saw my hair was completely matted to the side of my head and dressed in a long sweater and black leggings. After I’d dried my hair and placed my make-up in the right places I stepped out of the room. I stopped in front of my door seeing Jax’s door. I’d wondered if he was awake yet but let the thought pass. I continued towards the stairs and descended.
“Mrs. Moretti.” A grim voice commented.
“Hello.” I said as I took the last step.“Where is Mr. Moretti?” I asked
“He’s been gone since six this morning Ma’am.”
“My name is Bella, please.” He nodded.
“Well, what’s on the agenda for today…?” I gestured for his name I couldn’t remember who was who.
“Dominic.”
“Thanks.” I offered a smile.“Anything exciting?”
“Yes ma’am. You will be having lunch with Mr. Moretti at Timber.”
“Okay and when is that?”
“Noon.”
I nodded as I walked through the apartment to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. The smell of bacon quickly grabbed my attention.
“Hello?” I asked a tiny woman moving about in the kitchen.
She quickly turned from the stove and wiped her hands on her apron.“Isabella, oh it’s such a pleasure to meet you!” She said in her thick Italian accent. Her smile reminded me of home and I melted into her hug.“Are you hungry? I’m making you breakfast, but wasn’t sure what you’d like so I made a bit of everything.” She leaned back.
“Oh wow! That is so thoughtful of you.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m Alessandra. I’m Mr. Moretti’s housekeeper. Well now I’m also your housekeeper. I do like the sound of that. Come sit.” She patted the tall bar stool at the kitchen island.“What would you like?”
“The bacon smells amazing.” I smiled.
“Eggs? Would you like coffee? Mr. Moretti prefers tea, so I wasn’t sure.” She eyed me questionably.
“Yes, that would be lovely.” This woman was so kind. I imagined her being like my mother would've been. I smiled at the thought.
She quickly retrieved a cup of coffee bringing it to me.“How do you like it dear?” She was so quick to please me. But I honestly thought it brought her more pleasure to do it. My heart swelled.
“Cream and sugar.” The aroma was amazing rich and dark. She handed me the liquid creamer and bowl of sugar. I watched from under my lashes as she paid close attention, she was trying to learn how I preferred my coffee. When I was finished she clapped her hands together once and turned to the stove.
“Tell me about yourself Bella. Or do you do prefer Isabella?” She turned to me as she waited for my response.
“Bella, please.” I smiled.
“Okay.” She also smiled raising her index finger.“Got it.”
Alessandra set several plates in front of me with several breakfast foods, watching me carefully. She was learning about me. I smiled at the thought that she wanted to be so helpful. She was my favorite part of Chicago so far.
When I finished, she quickly cleaned up the mess. We conversed as I had eaten my breakfast. I learned she was from Sicily and had known the Moretti family for a very long time. I spoke freely about myself feeling safe with her. She didn’t have children as her only son had died. She didn’t speak about how he had passed and I didn’t ask, but I could see how proud of him she was. She smiled and watched me as I talked about my family and college. She was so interested in what I had to say. I sat there watching her as she continued cleaning up. When I finally excused myself she was already on her way to clean the rest of the house at mad speeds. She had more energy than I did. When she saw Dominic’s feet on the coffee table she smacked him, yelling a few words in Italian. I giggled to myself as I followed the stairs to my room to call Papa. I was feeling a bit of guilt for enjoying my morning here.
The phone rang three times when he finally answered.“Isabella?”
“Papa, how are you?” I cried quietly to myself. Yes, I was twenty four years old, but I was a daddy’s girl and I was proud of it. He was all I had.
“I’m fine, just fine. How are you settling in?” I could hear his voice relax.
“It’s okay. I’m going to visit often. I want to make sure you’re alright.”
“Yes, that would be good, but not right now. Wait a little while. I have lots of time. I’d like for you to get settled then you will visit.” He breathed.
I wanted desperately to know what he was keeping from me. We talked for another twenty minutes about nothing much. I told him how nice Alessandra had been. I wished he had more time to meet her. He hung up and a ping of loneliness creeped through me.
I spent the next few hours unpacking my bags. The closet could hold a lot more than I had brought with me. There was a knock on the door. I stepped over the shoes I was attempting to organize. I opened the door to several dozen red roses. Dominic stood behind the massive arrangement.
“Mr. Moretti sent this for his bride.” He said. I stepped aside so that Dominic could set them on the table closest to the window.“There is a card.” He said then left the room closing the door behind him.
I took a long whiff of their strong fragrance and untucked the small white card.
Mrs. Moretti.
I look forward to our lunch date.
Mr. Moretti.
I smiled at the gesture.
The rest of the morning went smoothly. As I stepped into the restaurant I was greeted by the hostess. Dominic stood close to me, matching each step I took. He was serious about the job that he’d been given a
nd unlike the Cugine that had protected me, he didn’t seem annoyed with the job he’d been given. So far everyone was very kind.
We approached the table that Jax was sitting at and he stood when he saw me, a smile lifted to his lips for a brief moment.“Hello.” He said tucking his napkin into his lap after I’d sat.
“Hello,” I smiled as I took in the beautiful restaurant.
“Do you approve?”
“I suppose.” I smiled on the inside leaving no evidence of approval on the outside.
“You’re a difficult woman to please.” He said as he waved the waiter over to the table. The tall very cute waiter approached, smiling to me then to Jax. I of course smiled back, catching Jax’s attention.
“Mr. Moretti, what can I get you this afternoon?”
Jax ordered for me and was very clearly marking his territory when he named me as his wife. His tone was sharp enough to slice through a steak. The waiter nodded, never looking back to me as he walked away.
“Staking a claim I see.” I twisted my hands together on the table. Jax reached for my hands as he watched me closely.
“I am. I have something for you.” His eyes met mine. He released me and reached for a small bag that sat on the seat next to him.“This is for you.” He opened a tiny black box. My eyes widened when the large shiny ring sparkled in the sunlight.“You needed a wedding ring.”
“Yes, we must keep up appearances.” I answered sardonically.
“Why must everything I do not be good enough for you?” My eyes narrowed, but I didn’t look up. I realized I had been less than kind to him, but honestly what did he expect?
“Where is yourring?” I said when I realized there wasn’t one in the bag for him. Couldn’t I claim him?
The look of shock filled his face.“I wasn’t shopping for myself, I was shopping for you.” I nodded as he placed the ring on my finger. It fit perfectly. How had he known my size? I couldn’t help but stare at the beautiful sparkle the ring threw as the light caught it.“Do you approve?”
I shrugged back against my seat.“Do I get to claim you as well?” I asked ignoring his question.
Bella #1 (Sagatori Family Saga #1) Page 8