Chapter 16
ALEXEI
I’ve been wound tight since the kiss. I pride myself on always having control over everything. But as soon as it comes to Isabella, the intensity overrides any hope of me keeping control of the situation.
It's as if a primal instinct takes over, and all I want to do is claim everything she has to offer until I own her.
I’m standing in my bedroom, and with my hands in the pockets of my pants, I stare blankly over the backyard while trying to figure out how I feel.
I fucking want Isabella Terrero. Not only because she’ll be a valuable ally, but because I’m falling for her.
I’m fucking falling.
I’ve teased my friends and brother when they fell in love. I helped them get the girl. I’ve watched them build lives with the women they love.
But not for a second did I think there’s a woman out there who will make me want my own happily ever after.
I let out a burst of cynical laughter.
Fuck, how the mighty fall.
Isabella Terrero. The fucking daughter of my enemy. I did not see that coming.
My eyes narrow at the thought that her memory can return at any moment. I have no fucking idea what I’ll do if that happens.
I’m not sure how Isabella will react. After all, we could’ve left her to die in Columbia. Hopefully, that counts for something. Also, I’ve gone above and beyond to make her feel at home.
Maybe she won’t freak out.
Maybe luck will be on my side for a little while longer.
I hear the door open behind me and slowly glance over my shoulder. Isabella comes in and shuts the door before walking toward me.
I turn my gaze back to the view outside the window as she comes to stand beside me. Silence weaves around us as I wonder what the future holds for us. I’ve always been able to plan ahead, but that seems to be a thing of the past.
“I want to start training,” she murmurs softly.
“Okay.” Turning my face, I glance down at her. “Just take it slow.”
She nods, lifting her eyes to mine, and then we stare at each other.
After a moment, Isabella asks, “Who are you, Alexei? What makes you tick?”
I turn my gaze back to the view, thinking how to answer her. “I’m a conqueror.” I take a slow breath, then exhale.
“It’s all about the power. I’m addicted to it.” Turning to face Isabella, I stare deep into her eyes. “You’re the first woman to make me tick. You’re such a fucking challenge, and I love it.”
A soft smile forms around Isabella’s mouth. “I just need a little more time.”
Time.
Nodding, I lift my left arm and wrap it around her shoulders, pulling her against my side. “As long as you fall in love with me.” I make it sound like a joke even though I’m dead serious.
Isabella glances up at me. “That’s the easy part… but it’s only been two weeks… in my mind. I can’t just get engaged and marry you based on what I’ve been told. I’m sorry we have to start over. I know it must be frustrating for you.”
Lowering my arm from her shoulders, I turn to face her. “Setting love aside, would you consider a marriage to form an alliance?”
Isabella’s left eyebrow lifts. “With the world we’re born into, I always knew my mother would try and force the issue at some point. Not that I had any intention of just marrying whoever she tried to pawn off on me.” Isabella shakes her head. “I’m not a slave.”
It was worth a try.
“But I’m willing to consider it,” she says, surprising me. “After all, it will still be my choice and not my mother’s.”
The corner of my mouth lifts. “Marrying me would be the biggest fuck you to your mother. Keep that in mind.”
And making the announcement of our engagement public might be just the thing to draw Sonia out of her hiding place.
Isabella lets out a chuckle and walks toward the bathroom. “You make it sound very tempting.”
Hopefully, tempting enough.
“I’m going to get ready for bed,” she adds before disappearing into the bathroom.
My eyes drift to the bed, and knowing sex isn’t on the table, I’m mentally preparing myself for one hell of a long night.
Letting out a sigh, I walk to the closet and moving my suits out of the way, the biometric scanner verifies me before the vault opens.
Taking the engagement ring I got earlier today from my pocket, I place it in the vault before shutting it, not sure whether I’ll ever get to put the ring on Isabella’s finger.