They slammed the door behind them and pulled out of the driveway. When they left, the entire house erupted with anger, screaming, and curse words. A few things flew across the room and shattered.
“Someone tell me how that idiot got into my home!” my father demanded. No one spoke. “Tell me!” His face was beat red as he barked at everyone “There are how many men here? My daughter was able to reach a gun and approach him! Tell me how this was all possible!”
“Sir,” Sal spoke first.
“Get out of my face!” Papa screamed.
“Papa, sit. It’s okay,” I said to calm him.
“Get this over with,” he said to the man that stood ready to perform the ceremony.
Jax pulled me into his chest. “This is why, Bella.” I understood what he was telling me. I understood now more than ever why this was so important.
“Okay,” I whispered.
***
The wedding was quick, just the basics. We signed the license and it was official. Jax took the paper in his hands and snapped a picture of it with his phone.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Sending it to my attorney.”
“Why?” That was an odd thing to do.
“Because I need proof, just in case.” His eyes snapped to the man that’d just married us. “Don’t ask questions, Bella, let me deal with it.” He hurried through the motions.
“So what now?” I asked as he tucked his phone into his jacket.
“Now we go home.”
“How can I leave my father when he’s sick, Jax?”
“If you stay, Bella, you’d be at risk. I can’t protect you if you stay, you’re safer where I am.”
“What is this? What are you afraid of? What is my father afraid of?” His posture stiffened as he stood to his full six-feet-four frame. His eyes met the men that were here for him. “Not your business.” Was he serious?
“Are you kidding me? How is this not my business? You come here and force yourself as my husband, and it’s not my business! You’re an asshole,” I sneered under my breath.
“Bella, you have no idea what you’re talking about.” He remained calm, but his voice was firm.
“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, and I hadn't seen her in so long I was sure she’d be thrilled to have me stay with her.
My hand quickly opened my bedroom door, I entered, and threw it shut, 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.”
“Will you?” he asked, amused.
“Yes, I’m not one of those women who 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.
The men in my life feared for my physical safety, but I feared for my emotional safety. He was going to eat me alive.
CHAPTER NINE
—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 was determined to 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.” He tapped on his phone.
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 I've ever flown, I have phobia of planes… anything you can get stuck inside of.” I never met his eyes.
“Really? Are you okay?” he asked surprised as 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. “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 who was there 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 to. 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 tucking me 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 and didn’t set me down into the seat. My body remained tucked against his. I didn’t want it to, 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 quietly to himself.
We continued our drive for a while before we’d reached his penthouse. When the driver asked Jax a question, I pushed into a sitting position sliding into the seat next to him, and 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 where two men awaited our arrival. 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’re 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 was an idiot. “Hi, I’m Bella Sagatori.” I extended my hand. Both Dominic and Tommy’s eyes darted 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. Fabulous.
“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 familia. Only a few men were allowed to be around at all. I guess I hadn’t realized how secluded I truly had been until now.
“Stop being difficult, Bella.” We stepped onto the elevator.
I cautiously 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 wasn’t okay, but the elevator was smooth. I smiled, realizing I didn’t have to close my eyes on the elevator.
I took a deep breath feeling as though I’d just conquered the world. A soft smile reached his lips, and my heart skipped a beat. He had the most beautiful smile.
When the doors opened, we stepped out and into the penthouse apartment. I was in awe. Art lamps illuminated the dark walls clad with 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 the bare floor to ceiling windows. “Wow,” I said as I walked through the open space. I missed a step 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 their originality and was sure they belonged in a museum.
Jax spoke with Dominic and Tommy as I continued my tour. There was a wide staircase 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 sitting to the side. Nothing else littered it. I traced my hands along the shiny, 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 only to myself. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction just yet, If ever. Although, I did approve, It was extremely nice.
“Oh?” he growled.
Without another word, I turned and sidestepped around him to continue on 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 separate room that led to the toilet.
He continued following me, and as we entered a large kitchen on the other side of the apartment he reached into the refrigerator. “Are you hungry?”
“No.” I shook my head.
He handed me a bottled water after opening it. “Would you prefer a glass?”
“No.”
“A woman of many words.” He smiled again. “Are you tired?” It was at least midnight. I was exhausted and a yawn crept up making it very clear. “I take that’s 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 couples did?
“Do you want to share a room with me, Bella?” His expression told me nothing.
No! “I just assumed.” We climbed the long staircase 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 inside my new room. My luggage had been set on the floor inside of an incredible walk in closet. It was all white with lights everywhere and as big as the bedroom itself. I didn’t have enough clothing to fill it, but I loved it nonetheless.
“Do you approve?”
“Yes, I really do.” I did. Oh, my God, I did.
“Good. This will be your room. You may decorate it any way 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 closing the door behind him.
I padded through the en-suite and bathroom. There was a large shower and Jacuzzi bathtub at my disposal. After grabbing a few things from my suitcase, I showered and slipped into a silk cami 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.
***
The next morning, I woke to a bright light shining through the windows. I’d need to get drapes first thing. I’d never been a morning person, but I did have to pee so I crawled out from the amazingly luxurious blankets and stepped into the bathroom to take care of business. I jumped into the shower when I saw my hair was completely matted to the side of my head then dressed in a long sweater and black leggings. After I’d dried my hair and placed my makeup in the right places, I stepped out of the room. I paused in front of Jax’s door and wondered if he’d already woken. I decided to let the thought pass then descended the stairs.
“Mrs. Moretti,” A grim voice commented.
I would never get used to that. “Hello,” I greeted my new guard as I took the last step. “Where is Mr. Moretti?” I asked
“He’s been gone since six this morning, Ma’am.”
“Bella, please. What’s on the agenda for today?” I gave a wave of my hand 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.” He stood tall but much shorter than Jax. Wide frame held within the confines of a dark suit, white tie, and shiny black shoes. His hair was slicked back, but I could tell it was wavy like Jax’s.
I nodded as I walked through the apartment to the kitchen for a cup of coffee and the odor of bacon quickly consumed 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 Sicilian 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 as well. I do like the sound of that. Come sit.” She patted the tall bar stool at the kitchen island. “What would you like?” Her smile was breathtaking. She glowed with peace.
“The bacon smells amazing.” I smiled.
“Eggs? Would you like coffee? Mr. Moretti prefers tea, so I wasn’t sure.” She eyed me questionably so eager to make me happy.
“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, letting it pass.
She quickly retrieved a cup of coffee and brought it to me. “How do you like it, dear?” She was so quick to please me. I honestly thought it brought her more pleasure to do it. My heart swelled.
“Cream and sugar.” The aroma was amazing, rich, and the color was dark. She handed me the liquid creamer and a crystal 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 mumbling in Sicilian.
“Tell me about yourself, Bella. Or do you 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 each full with 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 while we conversed. 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 had been. 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 Sicilian. 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 so far.
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 really. 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 crept 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 bedroom door, and I stepped over the shoes I was attempting to organize. I opened the door to several dozen red roses. Dominic stood hidden 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’s a card,” he announced before leaving the room closing the door behind him.
I took a long whiff of their strong fragrance and untucked the small white card.
Bella: The Begining (Sagatori Family Saga #1) Page 8