For a moment, I consider pulling her to me, tasting those lips once more before I have to step back into reality completely.
Instead, I say, "When we get to New York, things will be complicated. People will question your loyalty. You'll be watched."
She tilts her chin up. "I'm used to being watched."
"This is different. If my men find even a hint that you've betrayed us?—"
"They won't," she interrupts. "Because I haven't."
I search her face for deception. All I see are hurt and anger. "I believe you. Don't make me regret it."
21
ISABELLA
The private jet cabin feels cold again. I sit rigidly, watching Alessandro speak with his security detail at the front of the cabin. My husband of barely two days. The man who just hours ago was making me scream his name in the most exquisite pleasure I’ve ever experienced. The man who then accused me of conspiring against him.
Last night, I'd foolishly hoped this arrangement could become something real. Maybe not a fairytale, but something with trust, respect, and affection.
I twist my new wedding ring. It’s supposed to be a symbol of love. Instead, it’s a chain binding me to a man who will never trust me.
What did my father do? Why now?
I blow out a breath knowing why my father would strike now. Alessandro was right. He was out of the country. It was the perfect time to strike. Still, something seems off about it.
Alessandro finishes his conversation and takes the seat across from me. He watches me, not with lust but in suspicion.
"You should try to sleep," he says. "It's a long flight."
"I'm not tired."
His jaw tightens. "Isabella?—"
"Will you ever trust me?" The question bursts from me. "Or will you always be waiting for me to betray you?"
He studies me with an unreadable expression. "Trust is earned in our world."
"And how am I supposed to earn it when you think my family is guilty?"
“Your family is guilty. You, on the other hand, that remains to be seen, but I’m trying to give you the benefit of the doubt.”
“Right, so you can fuck me again, I bet.” I shock myself with the words.
“I’m sorry if last night was so unpleasant?—”
“Don’t.” I turn away, looking out the window at the endless blue sky. “All I asked from you is respect. Don’t twist my words. Don’t manipulate me.”
“You think I was manipulating you?—”
“Weren’t you? And you won, like you knew you would. I’m not an idiot, Alessandro, but I know I’m young and lack experience in the world. You took advantage of that. You know I’d like to have a marriage more like your siblings and you used it against me. Just like my father apparently used me against you.” God, I want to scream. “I wish you'd left me behind in Capri. Freed mefrom this life. But of course, you won’t. You’ll use me against my father right back.”
I snap my mouth shut, wondering why I’m bothering to speak my feelings and truth. Alessandro won’t care.
He doesn’t say anything, but what could he say? That I’m right? I already know that.
A moment later, he rises from his seat and goes to the table where he begins to work. Right. I know all about this as well. Business first. Always. Wives and children? They’re distractions.
I sigh and settle into the flight, preparing myself for the return to the real world filled with loneliness and powerlessness.
