“I don’t want to be a prisoner.”
“From what I saw this morning of my brother pinning you against the wall, you weren’t exactly fighting. For a prisoner, you looked really damn cozy.”
“I’m shiny and new. He just wants to play with me until he grows bored.” She averted her gaze.
What was happening between her and Alonzo, she didn’t know. He was everywhere. Even when he wasn’t close by, he seemed to sense her need for him. He’d call her or someone would stop by with a gift for her.
The roses he sent today, they were so sweet.
Dear my sweet,
I’m always thinking of you. Until tonight.
Love, Alonzo
The card had been so sweet, so simple, and yet, it spoke volumes to her.
“My brother does not care about shiny new toys, Tessa. Believe me, he’s not besotted with you because of that. You frown a lot for someone so young.”
“I don’t know what any of this means at all. I’ve never dated, let alone had a boyfriend.” She picked up one of Caesar’s toys. The young boy saw it and came crawling toward her. She smiled as he reached out for it, and she let him take it. “What do you mean about him being besotted?”
Jessica chuckled. “You caught that bit, right?”
Her cheeks heated.
“You know, I really like you, and I can see why my brother likes you. I know I was going to have to marry someone I didn’t want. In our world, we don’t marry for love.” Jessica shrugged. “You’re different. You don’t judge anyone. You take care of Caesar, and you’re nice to everyone. I’ve seen the way Michele is. If they’re not high enough on the food chain, she treats them like shit.”
“I don’t like being mean,” Tessa said.
“It’s not about being mean. You’re a breath of fresh air in a world full of hate and betrayal.”
Tessa stared down at the ground. “But it’s not going anywhere.”
“Why not?”
“You said yourself. This world doesn’t allow love matches, and I don’t want to be the other woman. I don’t bring anything to this relationship. I don’t give him money or power. I’m no one.”
“You’re far from being no one, Tessa. You’re here, and he’s not been with another woman.”
“You don’t understand,” Tessa said.
“I do understand.”
“How can I let him pick me when I know there is someone else who can give him what he needs?”
Jessica picked up Caesar and held him against her chest. “Alonzo won’t marry out of duty, Tessa.”
“You did.”
“I’m a woman. Our father is dead. All the decisions land on Alonzo. He’s the one in charge.”
“I just don’t see marriage being there for us.”
“Why not?”
She didn’t have an answer. Wasn’t it too fast to assume marriage? She wasn’t part of his world, not really.
“I think my brother is falling for you, Tessa.”
“It’s too soon.”
“Just because he’s been pursuing you for a couple of weeks doesn’t mean he wasn’t thinking about it long before then.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know my brother. He’s had his eye on you for some time.” Jessica winked at her. “You were grieving your parents’ loss. Going through so much pain and of course he was dealing with his own stuff. The time was not right, but now it is. Think about it, Tessa.”
Tilting her head to the side, she stared at Jessica.
It seemed surreal to her that she was talking about this with anyone, let alone Jessica.
“Now, I think it’s time that I took you for a nap. Don’t you, sweet boy?”
“I can do that,” Tessa said.
“Nope. I can, and my brother is heading this way.” Jessica got to her feet. “Besides, I think I’d like to try being a mom, even just once.”
Before she could offer again, Alonzo was there, by her side. Tessa had already stood.
Cole and Demetri kept their distance, but like always, they were close.
“Did I miss something?” Alonzo asked.
“Not much. You look like you’ve had a shitty day. I’m taking Caesar in for his nap.”
“I don’t mind doing it,” Tessa said.
“Please, you do enough around here, and I’ve taken up too much of your time already. Take care of her, Alonzo,” Jessica said.
Tessa watched as Jessica carried Caesar into the house.
She didn’t know what to say to him. Glancing over his shoulder before looking at her feet, she wondered what to do.
“I’ve missed you,” Alonzo said.
She returned his gaze. “I liked the flowers.”
“You did?”
“Yes, they were beautiful.”
“Good. I picked them out especially for you.”
“You did?” she asked.
“Don’t sound so surprised. I can do a few things for myself. So, I was thinking we could go out dancing tonight.”
“Dancing?”
“At a nightclub. I’ve already bought you a dress.”
“Do you think it’s safe?” She didn’t want him to get hurt.
“With me around, it’s always safe.”
“Do you really want to take me with you? To be seen with me?” she asked.
This made him stop. “Why do I feel there’s something more going on right now?”