"You're getting married?!" Lorenzo exclaimed. He was supposed to be discreet for goodness sake. Thankfully the walls of my office were soundproof.
"Hey!" I glared at him.
This was why I didn't want to tell him so soon.
"How did you two get here so fast?"
I shrugged. "It happens. When you know, you know."
A mischievous smile crept up his face. I almost thought he could see through the facade and there was no need hiding the truth.
"I knew something was going on. You were tongue tied the moment you saw her."
I chuckled, mostly in relief.
"Well, she knocked the breath out of my lungs." I said with a shrug.
That was kind of true. Her beauty even in her work attire, took me by surprise. Then there was that pull I couldn't explain.
He plopped down on my swivel chair, spinning back and forth. "So you my big bad brother, you're capable of love? I'm shocked."
Love.
I wasn't capable of that.
I was attracted to Ada of course. But to say I was in love with her was a lie I couldn't tell myself even if I told everyone else.
"What can I say baby brother? Love at first sight is a thing."
"I believe it now." He chuckled. "Have you told mom?"
"We're keeping things private for now. I'm only telling you because you've met her."
"And also because you wouldn't be in love if not for me. You owe me."
I scowled. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"If I didn't ride my bike, get into the accident and dislocate my arm, I never would have been in the hospital and you would never have met the love of your life. It's fate! Say thank you."
Inasmuch as he was right, I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.
I scoffed.
"Just say thank you." He insisted, nudging my shoulder slightly.
"That's all you want?" I raised a brow. I knew him well enough.
"I want my bike back?"
"I would rather chew rocks than let you ride again. Mama almost had my head because of you."
"I'll be careful!"
"Yeah right. Get out of my office. I have a flight to catch."
"Where are you going this time?"
"New York."
"Got some business there?"
"Yeah. Important business." My answer was vague but he knew better than to question it.
"Make sure everything is taken care of in my absence." I ordered firmly.
He turned serious. "Yes boss."
~
I glanced at her a couple of times. She barely noticed me as her feet kept tapping the ground in what I assumed was nervousness.
She was clad in a lounge wear that seemed soft to touch. The contrast of lilac against her shimmery brown skin popped beautifully. Her new braids sat pretty on her head in a ponytail. I knew it was new because she let me know when she went for the hair appointment.
My eyes strayed to her slender fingers. She had a simple nail design. Short length. I guessed it was due to her profession.
The whole of my vehicle was filled with her fresh floral scent. I needed to know what perfume she used so I could get her more of it.
I had been staring at her for a long moment. I needed to snap out of it before she would meet my gaze on her.
Clearing my throat got her attention as she turned to me, looking up from her device.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"I'm supposed to be asking you that. You've been shaking since you got in."
"I... Um.. I just have a lot on my mind."
"You're nervous." I stated for her.
"A bit," she admitted with a shrug.
"Your parents are that scary?"
She chuckled.
I enjoyed the sound a little too much.
"They're just..." She trailed off, staring into space. "I hope they like you."
I smiled, deciding against saying anything else.
In a way, I felt the same about introducing her to my family. But even if they didn't like her, I did not give a bloody damn.
I couldn't say the same for Ada though. She seemed like a strong-willed woman. However she did let her parents' get to her. Maybe it was an African thing or just something specific to her background.
I couldn't relate but I would not judge her for it.
Placing my palm on her left thigh, I heard her breath hitch.
"Do you not want me touching you?"
She swallowed. "No, it's just, we don't have to... you know..."
She was flustered. I found it cute.
I leaned closer, slightly pinning her against the window. "We have to make the act convincing, Ada."
She nodded frantically.
"Words..."
"Yes, Alessandro." She breathed.
I felt my dick twitch. I needed to step back before I wouldn't be able to stop myself from doing inappropriate things to her in this back seat.
"We're here sir."
My driver spoke up just then.
I drew back immediately.
"This isn't the airport." Ada spoke up.
"I know."
I slipped out, moving to the other side to open the door for her.
She stepped out, staring at me with a question in her almond eyes. I loved whatever she did with her lashes. They framed her lids perfectly.
Alessandro. Focus.
Wordlessly, I pointed at the smaller jet that would be taking us to New York.
She gasped.
"Of course you have a jet." She muttered audibly, regaining her composure.
I raised a brow in amusement.
Taking her hand, I led her towards the stairs.
We boarded the flight while the crew ran around to make sure everything was in order.
Ada had just buckled up when I noticed something.
I had stared at her so much but somehow I missed out an important detail.
"Where's your ring?"
She hesitated.
"Did you lose it?"
That ring cost half a million. It was nothing compared to a billion which I had multiple of but it was quite a sum nonetheless.
"I had to keep it safe."
"Safe?"
"Yes. It's tucked away in my bag."
"It's supposed to be on your finger at all times." I reminded her.
"I thought we were going through the airport and I didn't want to bring any attention to us. We have to keep things private remember?"
I let out a sigh. She was right.
I immediately felt terrible for thinking of her as careless. She was a doctor for goodness sakes. She handled more delicate stuff. Why would she lose a ring?
I looked at her again and saw that she was facing the blank screen with a clenched jaw. She was upset.
I wanted to say something but thought it best to let her cool off.
It was a five-hour flight. She would be alright sooner or later.
I busied myself with responding to work emails.
But every now and then I glanced at her even as she buried her face in a book.
If she noticed me staring, she didn't act like it.
My hands itched to reach for her but I knew she didn't want that. We were not that kind of couple. It was my fault. I didn't have the luxury of time to do things the proper way.
But I believed we would make it work somehow.
Hopefully...