Page 56 of Fractured
His eyes roam over me, studying me. Again, that little voice in the back of my head that wants to give him a chance pokes her head up but I shut it down. Alexander has proved himself wrong so many times. My body is a testament to that.
“We don’t have to attend the event for long. There’s dinner, then the auction, and a dance after. Anytime you’re ready to leave after dinner, just let me know and I’ll make our excuses.” He shoves a fork full of pancakes into his mouth.
I can feel my eyebrows drawing together so hard that my forehead hurts. What’s he playing at? I’m confused now. He likes nothing more than to see me squirm and sweat. Is this his chess move? Break down my walls? Get me to soften up so he can attack?
I straighten in my chair, push my shoulders back and pick up my toast.
“I’ll be fine. No need to worry.” I take a bite and chew, looking at the wall again.
He sets his fork down, smiling at me. “This is the most I’ve everheard you talk, Isabella. You have a lovely voice. Have I ever told you that?”
I arch one eyebrow, give him a side look, and shake my head. My body tingles and I can feel it run down my spine. He is gearing up. I can see it on his face, so I put my toast down on my plate. I’m not playing this round or running away in tears this time. He’s just warming up so I'll end the game before it goes too far.
I stand up and place my napkin on the table.
“If you would excuse me, I left my paints open. Thank you for breakfast.”
His mouth curves up into an arrogant smile as he looks at me.
“I like your voice quite a lot, actually.” He wipes his mouth with the napkin, slowly setting it on the table beside his plate. “Especially when it screams so close to my ear when you fall apart in my arms.”
I cringe and squeeze my eyes tight. He will remind me of that every chance he gets and he’s going to throw that in my face. The one moment I allowed myself something just for me.
White Knight to C8, he takes my black bishop. Well played Mr. Russo.
I turn from the table and pull the door open, turning the corner to the stairs to head up to my room, just as I reach the top of the second landing. He yells up the stairs.
“See you promptly at seven, Isabella. Don’t make me come looking for you.”
I stop and fist my hands. The entire house probably heard that. I move forward and jog up the last step, going to my room. I want to slam the door, but I won’t give him satisfaction. He meant to goad me and push the boundaries until I cried or showed anger. It was bad enough that I closed my eyes in shame at his words and ran away.
I plop down on the couch and put my feet up. That’s what I feel now; shame. I’d taken something for myself, thinking I could move on and be numb to the aftermath of emotions from the fallout. I took his queen that morning with my sharp declaration and he’s going to make me pay.
Chapter 12 ~ Alexander
I stand at the bottom of the stairs after breakfast and watch her back go straight, clenching her fists tight at her sides. I shouldn’t have done it, but the temptation to rile her up was too irresistible.
I head into my office, still chuckling to myself. I sit and turn on my laptop. She plays a good game; her front is almost solid until I bring up our wedding night. She can’t take that back. She gave herself to me, everything but her voice.
I bring up the camera feed to her room. She is sitting on the couch looking out the window; her face crumpled up in concentration, her hands clasped between her knees. I pan over to her bed; everything is still sitting there unopened. My God, she’s a stubborn woman. I would never have believed that when I first met her.
She was so awkward and clumsy; too easily flustered. She still is, but when she plants her feet in, it’s hard to move her.
I click off the feed and bring up my emails. I click on the one from Carlos.
Subject: Jasper
Boss,
News from Jasper He will be here early next week. I will set up a meeting then. Says we need your father to attend. I’ll be back around 6:30 pm to pick you up unless otherwise needed. (Please tell me Isabella is going with you.)
Carlos
Asshole. Did he really think I wouldn’t make sure to take her? She is coming with me in a dress or without. Humm… without sounds good. A naked Isabella. I groan and adjust my pants.
Subject: Re: Jasper
Sounds good. Let me know when he’s back and I will open up my schedule. I’ll inform my father tonight to make room to fit us in.
