Page 49 of Arranged

Carmella stepped off the elevator first, uncertain what to expect. I’d been given a brief tour, knowing the accommodations weren’t considered five star to either Don, but that’s not what I was going for. With coastal views, I’d wanted the rooms to reflect the atmosphere.

The sun was finally dipping to the point of twilight, a few splashes of remaining sun coming into the bank of bay windows. A dining room table with thick, high-back wicker chairs fronted the incredible scene.

There was a small kitchenette, a comfortable living room with a gas-burning fireplace, and two exits out onto the balcony. Everything was in coastal colors of light blue, yellow, and cream.

My new bride was laughing as she walked into the center of the room. “Beautiful.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

I immediately locked the elevator, heading into the bedroom and bathroom to double-check that we didn’t have any visitors. Our suitcases had been brought from the other hotel, safely secured in the room. Purchases I’d made for her had been placed on the bed. After looking in the closet, I started to return to the living room area, finding her perched against the door with her arms crossed and her head resting on the door jamb.

“Are you expecting company?” she asked, almost purring the question.

“I was double checking the security.”

“Mmm… You’re always on guard.”

“A requirement.”

“Did you really think the church was being cased out?” She laughed slightly, truly not understanding the potential for danger.

“I think there’s nothing wrong with being overly careful.”

“If you say so. It’s also awfully boring. But I will admit your taste in hotels is quite impressive.” She noticed the items on the bed and frowned. “What did you buy?”

“A few things to make our stay more comfortable.”

“Gabriel isn’t staying with us. Is he?” Her tone was almost accusatory. As if I’d lied to her.

I thought about her question as I had when planning the alternative scenario. “We’re going to be under watchful eye for weeks, months. You already know that. We’re the role models for this alliance and will be scrutinized by everyone involved and those who think they have a right to be. We’ll be photographed and barraged with questions when we go out anywhere. Even while inside whatever home we choose, there’s always a risk if we walk outside whatever action we take will be photographed and end up in the morning news. I thought having a few days of talking, eating, sleeping. Fucking. Completely alone. Would be a good idea.”

Her lips pursed at first and she looked away as soon as a heated flush swept up from under the crimson sweater. “You seem to understand the life and requirements more than I do. I don’t want to be separated from Gabriel for very long. He’s not used to being away from me.”

“Understood. We aren’t that far away should anything happen.”

“You promised me it wouldn’t.”

So I had. However, reassuring her wouldn’t make anything easier.

“I’ll make us a drink. Why don’t you take a few minutes with the packages?”

She half laughed, even rolling her eyes. “I don’t know who you are or who you think you are, but we both know what this arrangement is all about. You don’t need to ply me with romantic gestures. We aren’t likely to be friends and we’ll only be lovers for the family, friends, and in front of the cameras you were mentioning.”

I walked closer, taking my time in doing so. When I stood inches away, she pulled away from the door jamb, no longer comfortable in the position or by being around me.

The moment I lifted my arm, she flinched and jerked her head away. The reaction had been instinctive, an action of cause and effect because of Derek. I’d never been immune to thoughts and acts of rage before, but around her, feeling anger was instinctive and reactive.

So were the evil, vile thoughts I had about putting Derek through as much torment as he’d done to her. I continued the action, curling my fingers. She was watching every move I made, finally exhaling and shifting her head back to center.

I gently brushed my knuckles across her jaw. For all her defiance, all her attempts at living normally, she was trapped in a world made by her father. There was little difference in the two of us, only I’d been trapped in a world of my own making, from a need to crush the hatred and fury I’d felt for God, every doctor, and mankind in general. Maybe now because of ambition.

Her slight moan was the only indication my reaction was well received. But I refused to push her, determined to provide her with some space.

Maybe one day I’d manage to say I’d kept a decent part of the man I’d once been. One could always hope. However, she needed to understand what we were up against and what would be required was entirely different than what she was talking about.

“I’m not plying you with anything, Carmella. You will learn very quickly that I don’t play games. I’m also running a multimillion-dollar operation while Don Santorelli continues to recuperate. Yes, we will be studied and pried apart if possible, which means we need to be close, more so than the typical couple. We need to be seen as a powerhouse that will never be toppled, not a glass house waiting for the first stone to be thrown. That will mean strict rules and for our ‘pretend’ romance to become very real.”

“What are you trying to say to me?”

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