Page 62 of Fractured
“Thank you for tonight, Isabella. I’ll see you at breakfast.” I hand her the shoes, and she holds them to her chest. A shy smile on her lips as she turns to her door. I watch her as she opens it, stepping in and turning back to me halfway through the door, looking up at me.
“Thank you for tonight, Alexander. Another beautiful memory for me.” She closes her door.
I smile and go into my room, closing the door, and tossing my tie on the bed. I sit down and take off my shoes, undoing the top three buttons of my shirt.
I think I’m fucking dating my wife.
Chapter 13 ~ Isabella
Closing my bedroom door slowly, I smile one last time at Alexander, and he smiles back. I lean my back against my door and listen to its soft click, letting out a sigh as I hug my shoes to my chest. I’ve never really been out on a date, but I think I could consider this one.
My feet feel so light and my heart is soaring as I head to the closet and swing the door open, setting the shoes on the floor. Taking one of the wooden hangers down to step out of my dress, and slip it on the hanger. It’s still the only thing hanging in there, but he bought it for me and it doesn’t deserve to be wrinkled.
With a big smile on my face, I go to the bathroom, turn on the tub, grab some lavender salts and poured some in. I shouldn’t be so happy or even trust Alexander, but I had so much fun tonight that it almost felt real, like he really wanted to be with me and get to know me. Skipping to the sink, I take out my hair clips, carefully take off my earrings, and set them on the counter.
Running my finger over the necklace around my neck, the cold stone is beautiful. I don’t know why he bought it, but deep down I felt special, like he only wanted me to be happy. And I am, or maybe I shouldn’t be, but tonight was something I had only ever dreamed about. An attractive man only interested in me and only me.
I step into the hot water and lay back deeper in the tub, my chin sitting below the water.
As the night progressed, I forgot myself.
I forgot about the game we were playing. This side of Alexander is not something that I’m used to, and I let myself go. I kissed him back tonight. I’d like to say that art swept me away and imitated life. The painting reminded me of our first dance at the rehearsal dinner. The way he cradled me, cupping my head in his large hand as he kissed my cheek.
After soaking for 20 minutes, I climbed out and dry off, wrapping a nice warm new towel around myself. Searching my luggage for my t-shirt and shorts. I take the fluffy blanket from the end of the bed and a pillow to the couch, turning out the lights. I turn on the end table lamp and make my bed.
Going over to the window seat, I tuck myself in, bringing my knees up and hugging them as I look out over the garden. I really wish that he was like this when I first met him. Not that this changes anything. I still plan to leave. But this new Alexander makes me question everything. If he would stay like this, if I could believe him, this might work. I blow heavily on the window while scrolling the letter A across the glass. I can never figure him out; he changes from day to day.
I climb from my seat and snuggle down on the couch, hugging my pillow. Tomorrow is another day, Izzy, one square at a time.
The sun shines in my eyes and I roll over and rub my face. It’s Sunday morning. Sitting up quickly, sending a rush to my head, I remember. Alexander wants to have breakfast this morning.
I go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, run the brush through my hair, take out the knots, put it in a nice long braid and coil it on top of my head, pinning it in place.
Going to my suitcase and digging through it, I find jeans and a Harry Potter t-shirt. I put on my black loafers, and I check my appearance one more time. Then sit back down on the couch to wait for Sasha. I sat there for 30 minutes before getting up and opening the bedroom door.
I look both ways down the hall; she’s not anywhere to be seen. Maybe when Alexander’s home, I don’t have to have a bodyguard. I step into the hall and closed my door, making my way down the stairs, and hit the second landing. I peek down the stairs, looking to see if anyone’s around, but there’s no one. So, I go down the stairs and turn right at the bottom, heading for the dining room.
I walk in and there are two place settings, one for Alexander and one for me. I pull my chair out and sit down, placing my napkin on my lap. Just like yesterday, I reach for the coffee pot and pour a cup.
The door opens and Alexander comes storming in, only this time he can’t grab my hair and stick it behind my back. I already have it up. He comes up behind me, strokes my neck down to my shoulder blade, leads in close and kisses me underneath my ear and whispers.
“Good morning, Isabella.”
Alexander sits. He snaps his napkin in his lap. He pours himself a coffee and stirs a teaspoon of sugar in while looking at me.
“Did you sleep well?”
“I did, and you?”
He seems shocked that I actually answered him back. Most of the time, I just nod or say nothing. But I agreed to play Isabella Russo.
Black Rook to C8, I take white knight.
Alex smiles, “I did, actually. So, what’s on your schedule today? Reading by the pool, or are you going to continue painting?”
He takes a sip of coffee and looks at me over the rim of the cup. Humm... Sasha must have told him I read a few times by the pool.
“I’m going to continue painting. I felt inspired by last night’s auction. The pieces were all so beautiful.”
