Rodrigo
I was hoping James would be an honorable man and hold up his end of the bargain. After we agreed on the marriage between our children, I warned him not to say anything until the details were finally worked out.
I was having a party – something small, just to see everyone in one place – and James thought that was a perfect time to tell Alexander.
“Think of it like this,” James said. “This way, we can really celebrate the unity between our two families. It’ll be a kick-off to all of the good times that lie ahead.”
I still didn’t trust James, but I knew I had to be patient. It was easier to keep an eye on him when he was around. That was one benefit to this whole arrangement. Sure, Melinda wouldn’t like it. But it was the best solution for the good of my empire, which it was my duty to protect. And it was her duty, as well. Since she was a teenager, she’d understood she would marry someone in the business.
Only problem was, she always thought it would be someone on our side.
Just as James arrived, Antonio and Melinda were standing in the foyer, getting ready to go out. I’d had my doubts about hiring Antonio at first, but now I understood his presence was the best solution. He was an excellent watchdog, and Melinda had been cheerful and content again now that she was free to go out.
“We’ll be back later,” Melinda said cheerfully, leaning in to kiss me on the cheek. “Love you, Dad.”
I grinned. “You be safe, sweetheart,” I told her. I glanced up at Antonio, making sure he knew exactly what was at stake here.
As the two of them left, Alexander burst inside. He was red with anger.
“Your daughter is a fucking tease,” he snapped, wiping his forehead and sighing in exasperation. “She thinks she owns the fucking world!”
I chuckled. “That’s how girls are, son,” I said. “Didn’t your father ever teach you about the mysterious ways of the female?”
Alexander glared at me and, for a moment, I wanted to punch him. I had my doubts about working with James, but Alexander was going to be a real pain in my ass if I had to keep straightening him out like this.
“Come on,” I told Alexander. “Come have a drink with me and your father. There’s something we want to discuss with you.”
Alexander screwed his mouth up like a little kid. Again, I fought the urge to slap him across the face.
“Marty, have Alexander and James meet in my office,” I said. “I’ll get a drink and meet them.”
Ten minutes later, I was sitting behind my desk, watching Alexander’s face grow ecstatic as James explained the deal.
“You mean, she’s gonna have to marry me?” Alexander’s eyebrows shot up into the air. “She can’t say no?”
“Indeed not,” I said. “She doesn’t have a choice in the matter. She’ll be a good wife to you, Alexander. She’s smart and she keeps her head down, most of the time.”
Alexander grinned wickedly. “I’d love to show that little bitch a lesson,” Alexander growled. “She thinks she’s so high and mighty, like she’s so much better than me. She’s gonna be in for a world of trouble when she finds out.”
I gritted my teeth. “I understand that the two of you have your differences, but please avoid referring to my daughter in such ugly language,” I said. “She’s going to be your wife, Alexander. You don’t call your wife a bitch.”
James and Alexander burst into raucous laughter. “Sometimes you do, son,” James said. “Sometimes you do.”
“But not before the wedding,” I added sharply. “She’s not to hear anything about this – do you understand? You need to keep it a secret until I’ve told her myself. I don’t want her getting suspicious and trying anything.”
Alexander’s face darkened. “You mean I can’t tell her now?”
“No,” I said.
“Why not?”
I sighed. “Because I’ll need to make arrangements, and it’s better if she doesn’t know. I’ll need to secure the required documents, which very likely means taking copies of her birth certificate and her ID card.”
Alexander sighed. “So when is this fucking thing happening?”
James burst out laughing. He reached over and patted Alexander on the knee in a show of paternal pride. “Can’t blame the boy,” James said with a smirk. “Your daughter is one hot little minx.”
“Again, this is to stay a secret for now,” I told Alexander. “You’re not to say anything.”
Alexander suddenly frowned and glanced at his father. “Does this mean I have to change?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“I mean, do I have to quit fucking other women?”
I sighed. “Don’t you want to have a family, Alexander? Don’t you want to have children and watch your heir grow up? Someday, your son will be the head of the Rex family.”
Alexander pouted like a spoiled child. “I guess,” he mumbled under his breath. “But I’m too young to have kids!”
James roared with laughter. “You’re thirty-two years old,” he said, slapping his own knee. “You’ve had enough time to fuck around, Alexander. It’s time to think about growing up.”
Alexander glared. “Whatever,” he mumbled. “As long as this is on for real. Do I have your word?”
I nodded.
Alexander put his hand out for me to shake. “It’s a deal,” Alexander said wickedly, grinning and slurping down the last of his drink. “And I can’t fucking wait.”