CHAPTER NINE
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.
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, and unlike the cugine that had protected me, he didn’t seem annoyed with me. So far everyone was very kind.
We approached the table that Jax sat at. He stood when we approached, and 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, taking in the beautiful restaurant.
“Do you approve?” Why is he constantly seeking my approval?
“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 to the table. The tall, very cute waiter approached, smiling at me and then to Jax. I returned his smile, quickly catching Jax’s attention.
“Mr. Moretti, what can I get for 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 at me as he walked away.
“Staking your claim I see.” I twisted my hands together on the table. Jax reached for them 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 your ring?” I asked when I realized there wasn’t one in the bag for him. Couldn’t I claim him? Was he free to do as he pleased?
The look of shock filled his face. “I wasn’t shopping for myself, I was shopping for you.” I nodded while 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.
His eyes grew wide, and he picked up the wine glass finishing his drink quickly. “You didn’t answer my question, Bella.” He removed the napkin from his lap and waved the waiter over requesting the check.
He handed over payment for lunch and stood to hover over me as I watched him. He was cocky, sure of himself to say the least. I honestly wondered if this pissed me off or turned me on. The fact that I had to ask myself that question in itself angered me.
I stood from my seat and wrapped my scarf around my neck. Jax held my black wool coat open and slipped it over my shoulders. I’d never been good with giving up control. I’d begun slipping into the idea that I could give it someday, but I didn’t like being told what to do. Every time he’d attempted to dominate me, I wanted to slap him. I’d seen the way woman were treated by controlling husbands. I’d also witnessed how couples outside of the familia were treated as equals, and that’s what I wanted. I told myself if I had that, I could give up control, but the fact was I wouldn’t need to.
“Bella, do you approve of the ring? Please don’t force me to ask again.” I refused to answer him.
The sun’s reflection caught on the ginormous ring that hugged my finger. A smile broke onto my lips and an unsatisfied twist inside of my stomach broke the smile as quickly as it had come. The ring didn't mean anything. It was just a piece of jewelry and nothing more.
Mickie opened the door to the limo and Dominic stood close by as he watched the area. I stepped inside the limo and Jax followed behind me. After Mickie closed the door behind him, he sat still against the door making no attempt to move closer to me. He adjusted his tie and ran his hands through his hair. My eyes were fixed on him. Thick dark hair, large oval eyes, and a strong jaw. What was he feeling? Was he stressed? Had I upset him again? Why did I always have to be so difficult?
I remained still in my seat as I continued to watch him. We’d gone three blocks and his eyes never met mine. I wanted to talk to him and see what was wrong, but the silence felt more inviting.
“I’ll be taking you home.” His voiced ushered me from my thoughts.
“Where will you go?”
“Business, Bella,” he answered with an annoyed tone.
“Of course. Well then, I’ll just sit in the castle and wait for my prince to rescue me.” I flipped my hair from my face.
His body was against mine before my hand left contact with the dark strands. “Comments like that make me want to kill every man in this town.” His hand was at my throat. His eyes were dark and his growl was deep coming from a place he hid well. “Do you understand, Bella?”
I shook under his touch. My throat pained where his fingers pressed into the flesh. When I didn’t answer he pressed harder. “Yes!” I choked.
He released his hand from my throat pulling my lips flush with his. “I asked you a question earlier, and you continue to ignore it.”
I knew the question and I knew what he wanted, but I wouldn’t give it to him. He could beat me to death if he wanted, but I wouldn’t be treated like that again. My pathetic tears pooled at the corners of my eyes. He could see them, and as the first slipped I breathed the word I knew he didn’t want to hear. “No.” He’d said he would respect me. He’d lied. So why should I respect him? I’d lie as well.
Perhaps Sam wasn’t the one I should’ve been scared of. Perhaps it was him, Jax Moretti. Perhaps he was the man who had orchestrated this entire thing. Truthfully, he was no better than Sam. Sam was bad. He’d wanted me that night. I couldn’t bring myself to speak aloud what he’d done to me, and I refused to let it inside my head again. I’d kill him, and I’d kill Jax if he ever lay another hand on me.
Jax’s eyes growled at me with hate. It was more than clear he hated me when the word left my lips. I wasn’t okay with that. Because I knew he wouldn’t let me go, I saw that more than anything. I could see deep down in the swirling colors of his eyes that this was a game he intended to win, but why? He could have what he wanted. I knew I was only a side item that lingered until it wasn’t needed any longer. Why did he want to treat me so badly?
He snapped his hand away and leaned back onto the seat. He looked down as he slipped on his black leather gloves. “You think I don’t know what you’re thinking?” He stared out the window. I remained quiet, hugging myself in the seat. “I’m no better than him. Like you’d said before.”
His admission confused me. Everything about Jax Moretti confused me. “If you touch me like that again, you’d better kill me,” I said as I adjusted my hair. My throat hurt, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of watching me comfort myself. If he was vile enough to put his hands on me, he’d probably get off on it. “Or I’ll kill you.”
His brows set firmly and his eyes stared out the window. “Threats will get you nowhere with me, Isabella,” he growled angrily. Chills ran down my spine. I knew why this was all wrong. He was just like Sam. That look, those eyes. Made men were made to kill, and he was the boss. Why for one second did I think he was different? He played me in the beginning.