The moment she called, I knew she had made her decision.
But her tone did not give away what it was.
I picked up the ring box for it just in case.
All she had to do was say the word and I had everything planned out. The contract was ready. She just had to read through, make adjustments and sign. That was all it would take for our ruse to begin.
When I slipped into my Lamborghini Urus, I somehow let out a breath of nervousness.
"Alessandro Ricci, you're never nervous." I said to myself, placing my hand on the steering wheel.
What was it about Ada that made me feel this way? It was just a meeting.
There was no need to get ahead of myself. If she did not accept my proposal, it wouldn't sting that bad. I would simply just find another option. Lots of girls would jump at the opportunity.
But Ada isn't just any girl, she is a woman. A woman of candor, class and sensuality.
She fit into everything on the list of what I wanted in a woman who would be by my side as I ruled my empire.
From the first time we met, I knew there was something special about her. I couldn't exactly place my finger on it but then and there I knew I wanted her. Needed her.
I couldn't stop thinking of her curves. I wanted to feel them under my palm if she let me.
I wondered if she ever would..
I blinked rapidly to focus on the road and tried to ignore the rush of blood to my crotch area. Now I was getting yet another boner at the thought of this woman. She had me fucked up.
~
I got to the bar and found her seated there nursing what I correctly assumed was a rum and coke.
She seemed too lost in her thoughts to notice me so I stood back and watched her for a few seconds, letting my eyes soak in the ethereal sight of her in case it was the last time. I wanted her to be mine. I really did. But I knew if she said no to this, I would most likely never see her again. She would make sure of it.
And even though it would kill me, I would have to respect her decision.
Her lips, her seemingly soft puckered lips invited me. I wanted to taste them at least once. It would make my entire year if she let me.
Immediately, I shook my head to rid it of its wanton thoughts. What had come over me? I was well known for being a composed man. Why was I acting out of character today?
"Hello, doctor." I crept up behind her.
I smirked as she got on her feet, startled by my presence.
"Oh my goodness, you scared me!" She clutch her chest and heaved a sigh.
I helped her get back on the stool.
There it was - the familiar jolt of electricity that came with whenever our hands touched.
"When did you get here?" Her voice broke into my thoughts.
"Not long ago. I've been staring for a while,"
"That's creepy." She said, despite smiling at me.
Her smile made a part of me I thought was dead lurch just a bit.
"I apologize." I said, smiling a little sheepishly.
I signalled for my guard to ensure the VIP lounge was ready.
He nodded and left.
From the corner of my eye, I saw her watch the exchange with curiosity. She had questions but she decided against asking them immediately.
He came back, nodded wordlessly and led us up to the lounge that was less noisy than the bar.
It was quiet enough for us to hear ourselves without yelling over the music.
There was a few minutes of silence as we sat side by side. Ada placed her hand bag between us. Like that would stop me if I wanted to do anything. But I decided to respect her boundaries.
"So..." She trailed off. "You come here often?"
"A few times." I shrugged, picking the drink I ordered and a refill for her from the waiter's tray.
"Nice." She nodded, looking around again as she fiddled with her neat fingers. She was nervous. I could feel it radiating in waves.
"I think we should-"
"How is work?" I cut her off. She needed to relax.
"It's work. It's good I guess."
"Any surgeries?"
"Had one today. Was successful." She said, taking a sip of her drink.
"Cheers to that." I tipped my glass in her direction.
"Cheers," she smiled, mirroring my action.
"Alessandro, about why I called you here..." She trailed off again.
Now I was nervous. Was she about to say no? Was that why she had been jumpy all evening?
I could already feel the pangs of disappointment creeping up my chest.
"Your proposal..."
"You have your answer, yes?" I asked. She nodded.
"Let's hear it then." I maintained a poker face, not giving away how my insides were churning in anticipation of her response.
"Yes. I'll marry you."
Relief flooded my veins immediately but I kept up my act of indifference.
"Great choice, Dr Wigwe." I grinned.
Once again, I signalled for my guard to bring me something.
He handed me the ring box and the file containing the contract.
Opening the box, I saw her eyes widen. It was a clean oval cut 6 carat diamond.
"Alessandro..." She whispers, taking her eyes away from the ring to stare into mine.
Something was wrong.
I waited to let her speak.
"I'm an Igbo first daughter. The wedding has to be lavish, starting from your proposal." She said, eyeing the ring with a bit of reluctance as it was laid on the table.
I smiled softly. Her relief was evident with how her shoulders relaxed after.
"Consider it done." I vowed.
I love a woman who never fails to be vocal about her needs. There was no need for pretense.
I had the money to spend.