Contract to Love

by Sauder-Wallen, Annie

  Contract to Love

  By Annie Sauder Wallen

  Prologue

  “All in favor.” All hands went up. “All opposed.” Sabin’s eyes glanced around the table. No one would oppose what he wanted. His eyes came to rest on his grandson who sat beside him. Young Sabin would be a great leader one day, but if business were conducted as it had been in the past, Jack, Orlando’s son, would inherit everything. Everyone knew that Sabin would, of course, make the final decision, of all his sons and grandsons, young Sabin was most like him.

  “One more item before we leave today,” Sabin said watching all eyes. “A young woman has opened a new furniture store right in our district. Her business must be crushed!” Sabin said with a vengeance. “We cannot let new business come in; it would hurt all we do.”

  “What do you suggest, Papa,” Orlando asked.

  “Since our unfortunate incident with the Torrolli brothers, the police have been watching us like a hawk,” Sabin explained, “So we can’t get rid of her.”

  “I have an idea,” Sabin continued, “Young Sabin will court her.”

  “What?” Lawrence gasped. “Me, you’ve got to be kidding? How would that help?”

  All eyes turned to Sabin.

  “When we try to scare her into selling, the police won’t believe we would do that do a girl being courted by my grandson.”

  All heads nodded together. It was true. This is a good way to keep their business running smoothly. If the girl moved in, their business would suffer, and give others the idea they were not as powerful anymore. The Karapellis wouldn’t accept that.

  “Young Sabin?” Sabin questioned.

  “If it is your will, Nonno, of course.” Lawrence answered.

  “All right, meeting adjourned, Mario, get me Lorenzo Doletti on the phone. He owes me a favor.”

  Chapter 1

  Elizabeth anxiously watched the embers of the fire burn her new furniture store. Oh, how she dreaded telling her father. John Sanders had argued with his daughter about moving so far away, and opening his chain furniture store. Elizabeth wanted to make her father proud. Her brothers had made a success of their furniture stores. Now she wanted to prove to all of them she could do it. But her dream was burning around her.

  “Ma’am, the damage seems to be contained in only one room. You sure were lucky. The fire seemed to be cause by and electrical outlet.”

  “Thank You.” Elizabeth said absent-mindedly. Her mind already thinking about what to say to her father.

  ***

  The next day Elizabeth spent cleaning the room that had the most damage. Her father begged her to come home, but she told him she would still succeed. She could make the store a success. He finally agreed to send money to pay for the damage since she still had no insurance.

  “Hello.”

  Elizabeth swirled around so caught up in her own thoughts she had not heard anyone come in

  “Hello,” she said tentatively.

  “I see you have had trouble lately.”

  “Yes, can I help you?” Elizabeth asked still unsure. Her father had warned her to be wary of other people.

  “My name is Lawrence. I live down the street. I was wondering if I could help you clean?” Lawrence asked.

  “You want to help me? Why?” Elizabeth wondered.

  “Well, you are my neighbor.” Lawrence answered.

  He was tall, dark, and handsome. His hair and eyes were as dark as night. His boyish grin whispered of mischief. His strong, powerful arms could hold her in the dark of night.

  “Ms. Sanders, are you all right?” Lawrence asked.

  “Um, yes, of course. If you are sure you want to help, those boxes could be taken out.” Elizabeth stammered.

  “Sure.” Lawrence answered easily. They worked the rest of the afternoon chatting comfortably.

  “Thank you for your help, neighbor.” Elizabeth smiled.

  “Sure, no problem. Since we have been working all evening, how about supper tonight?” Lawrence asked smoothly.

  Elizabeth chewed nervously on her bottom lip. Should she go out with him? After her earlier thoughts, she wasn’t sure, but they got along so easily that afternoon. They talked about furniture, birds, weather and nothings. But could she trust herself and her thoughts?

  “Well, what do you say, Elizabeth?”

  “Ok, I would love to.” Elizabeth agreed.

  His strong hand grasped hers lightly and he led her out the door. Where had that electric shock come from that shot up her arm? Had she imagined it? Lawrence didn’t act like he felt anything. He just smiled his boyish smile. Oh, those lips!

  Chapter 2

  After a week of hard work, Elizabeth and Lawrence had set the store to rights again. It soon would be time for the new reopening. Elizabeth and Lawrence seemed to get along so well. His help was almost too good to be true. He just appeared at the moment she needed him the most. Every evening he would come by and help her clean. Then they would go out to supper to a nearby restaurant.

  On Sunday night, Lawrence had called and invited her to a celebration dinner. Tomorrow would be her grand reopening. She quickly accepted. Now she had to decide what to wear. Since last week, she couldn’t stop thinking about the man. His dark eyes and hair, and those strong, powerful arms. She wanted this evening to be perfect. Should she choose the sleeveless black dress or the low-cut red dress? The red dress!

  Ding-dong.

  Elizabeth glanced in the mirror one last time. Then grabbed her purse and made her way to her small living room above the store.

  “Hello.” Lawrence said as his eyes appreciably taking her in the stopping at her breasts. Elizabeth blushed. Lawrence chuckled.

  “We have reservations at The Waterfront.” Lawrence said taking her hand.

  ***

  “Did your dad send any money for the insurance yet?” Lawrence asked.

  “Not yet, and I hate to call him back. He will just beg me to come home. He was livid when I told him about the fire.”

  “Why would he beg you to come home?”

  “Well, I am his only daughter, and he doesn't think I can handle it. I have four older brothers that started a store like my fathers’. I want to prove to him I can run my own business myself.” Elizabeth stated emphatically. Lawrence dared not try to contradict what she said even though his job was to make sure she didn’t succeed.

  “What about your mother and sisters? so do they help in the business?” Elizabeth asked curiously.

  “No, my grandfather is from the Old World. Women are partners to their husbands only in love.” Lawrence continued, “My mother told me she nearly went crazy after she married my father, Mario. Her father allowed her to help in business. They grew grapes and made wine.”

  Elizabeth listened intently trying to concentrate on his words and not those lips.

  “So tell me how the furniture business is different in your family. There are a lot of people that run it. In our family business, there has been my father. Then my brothers moved and started their furniture business. So ours has always been a small business.”

  “Well, my grandfather is the head of business. Then next in line is my Uncle Orlando because he is the oldest. Then is my father, Mario, and uncles Romeo and Fabian. Then the grandsons, Jack and John, Orlando’s sons, me, and Thomas, Romeo’s son. Uncle Fabian doesn’t have any sons.” Lawrence explained. “When my grandfather passed on, Orlando will be the main boss, with Jack and John to inherit everything. But my grandfather will make the final decision if he feels someone is better suited for the position. I want to be the head businessman someday!” Lawrence finished with a cold look in his dark eyes.

  Elizabeth shuddered.

  Thankfully the waiter brought their entrees.
They ate in silence for awhile. Then talked about the water, and boats. Elizabeth was not going to talk about business again. She didn’t want to see the cold, determined look in those eyes.

  ***

  He walked her upstairs to her room.

  “Thank you, I had a great it--,” She didn’t get to finish her sentence he captured her lips with his own wonderful lips. Masterful lips. His kiss was gentle, at first, then it deepened hungrily. Her arms enclose around his neck. Her fingers ran through his dark hair. His hand found her breast and squeezed gently. Then his had moved up and slipped the red fabric off exposing her creamy, supple breasts. His warm mouth found each nipple hardened and begging for more. Then he quickly stood up and walked out the door. She stood their naked to the waist aroused, and confused.

  Chapter 3

  This week had been a success with her new reopening. Lawrence came by every evening. Nothing was said about last Sunday night. Every time Elizabeth thought about it she blushed. When Lawrence came, he would bring little gifts to her. Then he would lean in, steal a kiss, but things never went further than that. Then he would turn, grab the key and lock up her store. On Saturday, Elizabeth decided to visit some friends, while Lawrence decided to stay home and catch-up on business.

  In the middle of her meal, she received a phone call from the police saying her store had been robbed. She hastily made her way back home. All the furniture had been taken.

  “Maam, the intruder appeared to have used a key to get in. Have you given anyone a key?”

  “No, I haven’t...” Elizabeth trailed off.

  “Does someone know about the key?” the policeman asked.

  Elizabeth assured him no one knew, but her didn’t look very convinced. He told her if she remembered, to give him a call.

  Oh, she was calling someone all right, but it was not the police. She quickly dialed Lawrence's number with her shaking fingers.

  “Hello?” the deep voice answered.

  “Where have you been tonight?” Elizabeth said trying to keep her voice even.

  “What’s wrong, Elizabeth?” Lawrence asked concerned.

  “You broke in my store, and stole my furniture!” Elizabeth said in a rush and on the verge of tears.

  “Calm down. Think about what you just accused me of.”

  Elizabeth broke down and cried.

  “There, there, now tell me how it happened.” Lawrence comforted.

  “Well,” sniffed Elizabeth, “someone used my key and broke in my store. All my furniture downstairs is gone...” Elizabeth started sobbing again.

  “Elizabeth, any one could have found that key. It’s under the rock by the door. Tomorrow you will call the insurance company.” Lawrence dictated.

  Elizabeth agreed and said she would call tomorrow. She apologized about accusing him of doing the deed. He assured her everything was all right.

  Chapter 4

  The insurance money came in, and Elizabeth used it to order new furniture. Lawrence helped her pick out the most popular items. She still felt bad about accusing him. He would just shrug and say no problem. They had been out to dinner every night this week along with plays, ballet, opera, and dancing. At the end of each date, he would kiss her lightly on the lips. Then turn and leave. And yet, with each kiss her love deepened. Yes, it was love. She saw that fact staring at her in the mirror. She loved in love. Her blue eyes sparkled. Her cheeks bloomed in color. A permanent smile fixed on her face. She couldn’t stop singing. If she only knew how he felt. He seemed to care for her, but was it love?

  A crashing noise jarred her back to the present. She rushed downstairs only to catch two masked men loading up the new sofa she had ordered last week with the insurance money. She turned to run back upstairs and phone the police. Then they turned. They dropped the sofa. One grabbed her arms. The other pushed her to the floor. The one with a black mask slapped her face and her nose started bleeding. The blue-masked one leaned down by her ear and told her to take her business back where it belonged or she would pay the consequences. How odd? He had an Italian accent? Then the black-masked one took the knife and sliced down her arm. Elizabeth then passed out.

  ***

  Elizabeth vaguely heard a frantic voice call her name. Then carefully she was taken to the hospital.

  Elizabeth woke up and looked around the room. Then she heard voices in the hall.

  “Mr. Karapelli, she will be fine. She was very lucky. Just keep ice on her eyes and nose, and keep the stitches dry,” the doctor instructed. Then Lawrence came in and kissed her on the forehead. He took her to her friend Mary’s house. When he was satisfied she was all right, he left. He had a bone to pick.

  Chapter 5

  Lawrence strolled right into the big house, up to the second floor where his grandfather’s rooms were located.

  “Hello, Nonna.” Lawrence said affectionally.

  “Why Lawrence, we weren’t expecting you tonight?” his grandmother smiled her sweet smile.

  “Where is Nonno?” Lawrence returned her smile.

  “He is in his study, dear,” she answered.

  As Lawrence walked in, Sabin glanced up from the report in his hand.

  “Yes, young Sabin, What is it?”

  Elizabeth Sanders was hurt and taken to the hospital tonight.” Lawrence pointed out.

  “I know. I have the report here.” signaling to the report in his hand.

  “Nonno, she wasn’t supposed to get hurt. You said you just wanted to scare her to give up the business.” Lawrence pleaded.

  Sabin watched his grandson closely through his old, intense Italian eyes. “I have reprimanded the Doletti boys for that. Why are you so concerned? You, as well, are to be talking hoer out of keeping the business. Do you have feelings for her?”

  “No! Of course not.” Lawrence said quickly. “I just do not think she is going to give up easily. Even after tonight. She will only be more determined.” Lawrence finished.

  “All right.” Sabin said flatly. “Time to move to Step B.”

  “But Nonno,” begged Lawrence.

  Sabin glanced harshly at his grandson.

  “Are you disobeying me? This does not look well for a boss in charge of his company.”

  A determined look passed over Lawrence’s face. “OK, Nonno, we will move to Step B.”

  Sabin smiled. Now that was more like his grandson.

  Chapter 6

  Elizabeth sat down to take a rest. It had been a week since the break-in incident. She was still recuperating. Lawrence came by more frequently to check on her, but he seemed more withdrawn lately. They planned to go out to eat tonight. She longed to ask him how he felt about her, but always held her tongue. Maybe tonight she would ask him. Elizabeth glanced around her shop. The burglars didn’t take anything last time. They left her bleeding. They had warned her to leave. But why? The police didn’t really have any leads. Lawrence would be here any moment to help her lock up as he was every evening. He promised he wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

  ***

  They drove to the restaurant in silence. Most of the dinner was in silence. When they talked if was about the weather, and news. After supper, they decided to walk in the park. As he walked, in silence

  he took her hand.

  “Elizabeth, last week you scared me with the accident. I only know one way to keep my peace of mind,” Lawrence paused. Elizabeth frowned. What is he trying to say?

  “Elizabeth, will you, um, marry me?” Lawrence stuttered.

  Elizabeth’s eyes filled with tears. Her smile said it all.

  “I wanted to know how you felt about me. I wasn’t expecting marriage. Yes! Yes, I will marry you!” Elizabeth happily confirmed.

  Lawrence pulled out a large, round diamond with two sapphires on the side. He told her the sapphires were to match her eyes. Elizabeth’s eyes filled with tears of joy again.

  Chapter 7

  The next two weeks Elizabeth spent planning the wedding. When Elizabeth asked Lawrence when they shou
ld have the wedding, Lawrence said as soon as possible. She planned and planned. He walked in, looking at the cost for the wedding and yelled he didn’t want a big wedding. He apologized later, but insisted they elope. She begged him to allow her parents and brothers to come, but they couldn’t come until the end of the summer. He wouldn’t budge. She had noticed a change in him, but couldn’t pinpoint it exactly. She finally agreed to elope next week.

  She picked a long, lacy, short-sleeved white dress. It was also low-cut like the red dress she wore on the date he caressed her breasts. She would soon be Mrs. Lawrence Karapelli. Her love for him surpassed the highest mountains. She would do anything to please him.

  Chapter 8

  On May 28, at 3:00 p.m. Miss Elizabeth Sanders became Mrs. Elizabeth Karapelli. Her friend Mary stood up beside her. Lawrence stood on the right with his cousin Thomas beside. They stood in a beautifully crafted Catholic chapel. Father Joseph stood in front of them, saying the words you will love her, honor her, and be faithful to her.

  Elizabeth’s love shone through her eyes. She practically glowed today. Lawrence smiled, but the smile did not seem to go all the way to his eyes. He is probably tired, Elizabeth thought. I will make him happy tonight. She blushed just thinking of the pleasure, tonight was sure to bring.

  After the small ceremony, Mary wished her good luck and lots of happiness. Then Lawrence and Elizabeth boarded a small plane and they flew to the Virgin Islands. How ironic! This would be the last night she was a virgin. Tonight her dreams would be fulfilled. She felt she couldn’t be happier.

  Once the plane landed, they walked down the sandy beach. Elizabeth saw the royal blue water sparkling in the sunlight. She saw the palm trees sway gently in the light tropical wind. They had supper on their balcony. The meal consisted oven fried grouper fingers, sweet rice, roasted tomatoes, and some tart red berries.

  Lawrence finally seemed to relax. They talked and laughed about their courtship. Then Lawrence stood up without a word, took her hand and led her to ecstasy. He slipped her dress off easily. She tugged on his shirt. He chuckled, then unbuttoned it and slipped it off. Then with ease, he unsnapped her bra, but quickly covered her breasts with his hands. Then his mouth took their place. He slipped her panties off and continued lower with his mouth. Elizabeth arched, as he gently laid her on the bed. He quickly discarded the rest of his clothes. He moved himself to the inside of her thighs. He plunged in deeply. Her surprised cry was swallowed by his tender kiss. Then ever so gently ecstasy began to take over.