Last night she was angry, and rightly so. I did promise her own room and reneged on it. Not that I care about that. Her fate was sealed the moment I saw her in that dress and now it’s just a matter of time.
She stirs and whimpers in her sleep and the blood rushes to my head. What is she afraid of in her dreams? I’m surprised to discover I would do anything to chase it away and try to ignore the fact it could me she is dreaming of. I am a monster and I’m sure I feature in many a person’s nightmares, but it unnerves me to think of starring in hers. I want to protect and care for her where nobody has before. This woman has awakened strange uncared for feelings inside me and I can’t allow that.
Flipping on my back, I stare at the ceiling and curse myself for being a fool. What was I thinking? Sophia was right—as always. This marriage was a bad idea because far from being the marriage of convenience I wanted; it’s threatening to undo all the good work I have done since…
Sliding out of the bed, I pace to the bathroom and stare at myself in the mirror. What I see is a fool staring back at me. Cursing, I run the tap and splash some water on my face and groan. Fucking idiot, how did I allow her in? Making a fist, I try to shake her out but even I know she’s there. Somehow, she’s crawled into my black heart and let the light in. The trouble is, once the cracks begin to show, it’s certain the rest of the structure will crumble unless something is done and fast.
Turning on the shower, I step naked into it and let the hot jets wash away my shame. I’m better than this. I’m stronger than this and with a sinking feeling I know what must be done. I need to push her out and it will be hard because I promised her a fucking honeymoon and now, I’ll have to revert to Plan B. Plan bastard because it’s the only way I’ll drive her out of my aching heart.
So, I dress and leave my sleeping beauty and head downstairs to get some much-needed distance between us.
As I reach the kitchen, Mrs. Billings looks up and nods respectfully.
“Good morning, sir.”
I nod and take my seat at the table which is laid for two and I snarl, “Make up a tray and take it upstairs for my wife. She won’t be joining us.”
She nods and if she thinks this unusual, she doesn’t show it because she knows better than most how my moods swing like a pendulum.
Grabbing a glass of juice, I drink it almost in one and pick up my phone as Matteo enters.
“Good morning, Mr. Moretti.”
I nod toward the chair opposite.
“Did you get my instructions?”
“Yes, sir.”
“It’s changed.”
He remains silent and I snap. “The honeymoon’s off. Call the airfield and have my plane made ready to leave in one hour. I need to head to New York to check on the Clarkson account.”
Matteo nods and as usual his expression is blank but I know he will be forming his own conclusions why things have changed and I wonder what they are because even I don’t know myself what’s possessing me right now.
“You’re up early.”
Sophia slides into the seat next to me and reaches for the juice looking at me with interest and I snap, “Go on, say it.”
She leans back and regards me through her heavy lashes, and I swear I see a flash of disappointment in her eyes before she closes them and laughs softly. “Things didn’t go as planned then.”
“None of your business.”
I help myself to a slice of toast and spread some butter and marmalade before attempting to eat something, but it turns to dust in my mouth. My appetite remains for only one thing and for my own sanity I need to leave it where it sleeps because I’ve come to the conclusion it will ruin me forever.
Sophia says softly, “I’m sorry, Tobias.”
“For what?”
“For the situation we’re in. It’s not right.”
Feeling irritated, I snap, “For fuck’s sake, it’s 7am and I don’t need a heart to heart with you. You’ve got what you wanted and now I’ll have to deal with it.”
“You’re wrong.”
“What?” I snap irritably and to my surprise, she reaches across and grips my hand tightly and says in a small voice. “I just want you to be happy.”
Snatching it away, I say irritably, “Then get dressed, we leave in half an hour.”
“Where are we going?”
“New York.”
“Can’t it wait?”
“No. I want to wrap this up because I’m done biding my time. I need Clarkson to man up and do the right thing.”
“Which is?”
“Sell me his fucking company before I ruin him forever. I need a distraction and he is just what I need right now.”
“And Anastasia? What about her?”
“Exactly. Now if you’ll excuse me.”
I scrape back my chair and she says in surprise, “What about your breakfast, you must eat?”
“I’m not hungry.”
Before she can annoy me any further with her unwelcome conversation, I stride from the room and head upstairs to change. The sooner I get out of here, the better. I can’t deal with what’s here—not yet, anyway. I need some distance to set my heart back on track. Whatever this infatuation is stops now because if I allow her inside, it will destroy everything I’ve worked so hard to build and I can’t let that happen.
Exactly thirty minutes later, I step inside the car waiting outside and Sophia slides in beside me. Matteo jumps into the front and says into his headset, “We’re ready.”
The car in front pulls away and we soon follow with the car behind bringing up the rear. As convoys go, this is a deadly one because I never travel alone. It’s for our protection and has always been this way since the day my parents died.
Snapping open my briefcase, I remove the Clarkson file and handing the duplicate file to Sophia, we settle back for some all-important reading and I forget all about the woman who doesn’t even know what she’s done.
Chapter 14
Anastasia
He’s gone. The space beside me is empty and cold and as I look around the infernally large room, I can see that I’m alone. Listening out for any signs of life, I just find an eerie quiet that unsettles me. Where is he?
Suddenly, the door opens to the suite and I hear the rustle of someone coming. Feeling a sudden flash of fear, I fully expect to see my new husband prowling toward me but am surprised when a thin, severe looking woman enters the room.
“Good morning, Mrs. Moretti, my name is Mrs. Billings and I have been instructed to serve you breakfast.”
“Um, good morning. That’s very kind of you.”
Swinging my legs out of the bed, I relish the feel of the soft pile carpet under my bare feet and walk with her to the small sitting room where I notice a table has been set for one overlooking the garden. I take a seat and she says politely, “Would you like some coffee?”
I nod and watch as she turns and pours some hot coffee into a delicate bone china cup and places it before me. “Creamer is on the table. I have brought you some toast and pastries to be starting with. I have some eggs, bacon and pancakes warming on the side but if you would prefer something else, I can make it for you.”
Feeling a little uncomfortable, I say quickly, “No, that will be fine, thank you.”
She nods and says respectfully, “If you need anything, the number is on the phone. Just lift the receiver and dial 5.”
She turns to leave and I say quickly, “Um, thank you.”
She nods and I say, “Um, excuse me but will my husband be joining me?”
I almost see a flash of pity in her eyes before she shakes her head. “Mr. Moretti has left for a trip to New York. He will be gone for a couple of days.”
“New York, but...”
I stare at her in astonishment and she smiles thinly. “If you need anything while he’s gone, I am here to serve and he has left instructions you are not to leave the house. As I said, if you need anything at all, I am here to help.”
This time as she tu
rns away, I don’t stop her because a burning knot of fury has formed inside me. He’s gone to New York, what the fuck? I thought we were going on our honeymoon. What an asshole.
Angrily, I chew on my toast and look out over a garden that is the grandest I have ever seen. It stretches away into the distance and begs to be explored. In fact, this whole house is begging for my attention and I slowly settle down. He’s gone. Maybe that’s a good thing because it means I’m off the hook. Whatever he had planned for me has obviously been cast aside for something much more important and I should be relieved, but strangely I’m not. If I feel anything, it’s disappointment and feeling angry at that, I try to get a grip on my emotions. Surely this is what I wanted all the time, isn’t it?
Despite everything, I am hungry and the food laid out for me is delicious. So, I eat every last crumb and after several cups of coffee, feel ready to face my first day in my new home.
I decide to take my time in getting ready and just savor my unexpected privacy. My first stop is a long, hot shower and this is one hundred percent luxury. Wrapping a large fluffy towel around my dripping body, I relish the heat it provides and sigh with satisfaction. I could get used to this.
I clean my teeth and comb out my hair and then head into my closet to dry it and select a suitable outfit for exploring.
It doesn’t take long and I am soon dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with some leather flip flops on my feet. I wear no make-up because what’s the point? I have the place to myself and I can’t wait for that. Having lived under the shadow of my parents all my life, my days were never my own. They were always planned out for me with either study, or music classes. In fact, I think I had every class going from extra tuition to language lessons and needlework. As I grew older, my time was volunteered to local charities and attending functions with my mom. I was her puppet, and that never changed when she arranged my engagement to Sebastian Stone. Then my job title changed and I was expected to play the dutiful fiancée. I attended charity galas and coffee mornings and then at night was placed on his arm to attend business dinners and theater opening nights. We were the perfect couple in company and strangers when the car door shut. Much the same as now, and my heart sinks as I realize that the only thing that’s changed is my address.
Once I’m ready, I head off to explore this amazing house and it takes all morning to do so. Every room is impressive and decorated in a regency style that must have cost millions to create. I am in awe of the huge tapestries on the walls and the ornate gold leaf furniture and valuable looking antiques. Huge sweet-smelling flower arrangements delight me as I walk from room to room, and heavy fabrics hang proudly at the windows that show a stunning world outside.
The sun is shining and I open the huge doors of a particularly pretty sitting room and head out onto a patio that stretches the entire width of the house. There are steps down onto a manicured lawn and in the distance, I see a walled garden and tennis courts.
Happily, I set about exploring my new home and then look in surprise as I sense I’m being watched. Turning swiftly, I see a man watching me, his eyes disguised by the usual black sunglasses, and he is wearing the same suit the others all wear. He nods respectfully and I say in surprise, “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were there.”
He heads toward me and says in a soft voice, “I’m sorry to startle you, Mrs. Moretti, I’m Angelo, Mr. Moretti has asked me to remain and make sure you have everything you need.”
I stare at him in surprise. “Like what?”
He smiles briefly. “I am here if you have any questions and to keep you safe.”
“Safe? Why, what could happen to me here?”
“Nothing ma’am.”
I feel a little confused and then it dawns on me and I say bitterly, “What you mean is, you are here to make sure I stay, is that right?”
He says nothing and I sigh. “So, if I asked you to arrange a car to take me to town, you would do it, right?”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Moretti, that is not allowed.”
“What about if I wanted you to take me to see my sister?”
“Mr. Moretti has asked that you remain here.”
I feel slightly hysterical as I snap. “What, I can’t even go and see my mom?”
“If Mr. Moretti agrees, that could be arranged.”
“Then ask him.”
“I’m sorry ma’am, but Mr. Moretti has asked not to be disturbed.”
I feel the frustration building and snap, “Then get me his number and I’ll call him.”
He almost looks sorry for me and says gently, “Ma’am, Mr. Moretti has left strict instructions that he is not to be disturbed. He also made it clear that you are not to leave the house for any reason. I am afraid I can’t help with any of your requests.”
Turning away, I force myself not to shout and scream like a petulant child. It’s ok for him to go heading off to New York, but I have to wait here like a discarded toy that he’s bored playing with.
Sighing to myself, I say with resignation, “Am I allowed to call anyone at least?”
Angelo nods and reaches inside his pocket for a phone and offers it to me. “Of course.”
Snatching it from his hands, I walk away and feel the tears building as I realize I have no one to call, anyway. I never really had that close friend you always thought you’d have. It was always Angel until my parents ruined our relationship by fixing me up with her boyfriend behind her back. I had many school friends, but they drifted off when school ended and I never made time for them. I will certainly not be calling mom and the only other person I can think of is Martha, so with shaking fingers, I dial my former home and sit on a nearby bench, desperate to hear a familiar loving voice.
“Good morning, The Johnson household.”
“Martha.”
My voice breaks as the feeling of relief overwhelms me when I hear her soft comforting voice.”
“Anastasia, darling, how are you?”
“I’m struggling.”
I can hear the concern in her voice as she whispers, “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s so hard being away from home. It’s all strange and nothing makes sense anymore.”
“Don’t worry, darling, it’s natural, you’ve got quite a big adjustment to make.”
“But what if I can’t? What if I want to come home?”
There’s a brief silence and then she sighs.
“You have to give it time. Change is something that requires it. You have never lived outside these walls, honey and it’s natural to feel anxious. You’re also living with strangers, which takes a lot of adjusting to. My advice would be to settle in and discover your new home and family. After a few days it won’t seem so strange anymore and you will begin to feel at home.”
“Home?” I laugh bitterly.
“That’s the last thing I want to feel. You see, Martha, when I left, I wanted something more. I wanted to feel free where I never have before. I suppose I thought this was the answer to everything, but I’ve just swapped one lonely prison for another.”
“What about your husband, maybe he can take you out somewhere?”
“I doubt it, you see, he left this morning and won’t be back for a couple of days. I’ve been told to stay and wait for him, but I’m alone except for a housekeeper and a bodyguard. This sucks, Martha. I thought I’d have a life, you know, be free to do what normal people do, but I’m not.”
“Then do what makes you happy, honey. Discover your new home and make it yours. You’re married now and are the lady of the house, as they say. You have to make that job count for something and I’m sure Mr. Moretti would be pleased to see you’re taking it seriously.”
For a minute, I let her words register. Of course, this is my home now and she’s right. I’m in charge, or at least I should be.
Feeling a little happier, I say softly, “Thanks Martha, I knew I could count on you to make me feel better.”
“I’m always here for you, honey You know that.”
The tears threaten to be my undoing once again but I hold them back and say softly, “I love you, Martha.”
Then I cut the call before she can reply because I can’t deal with emotion right now. I need to harden my heart and take charge, and Tobias Moretti will just have to deal with what that involves.
Chapter 15
Anastasia
My first stop is to explore this amazing mansion. The only people who appear to be still here are my guardian devil and Mrs. Billings, and an eerie silence follows me wherever I go. With every room I discover though, I fall in love with this place just a little more. Despite being the grandest house, I have ever seen, it also has a warmness to it and provides a comfort that can’t be described. Whoever designed this place knows their stuff because it could have turned out cold and unfeeling, but it isn’t.
Little homey touches make it a home and the stunning art and impressive furnishings make my eyes pop. There is nothing I would change, and it gives me hope for my time here. Maybe I could settle here. Tobias may travel a lot, and I would be free to enjoy the luxury this place provides.
The morning passes in a flash as I explore every inch of the palace I now call home.
One room in particular makes me laugh with delight because it lies on the topmost floor and the view across the gardens is stunning. I feel on top of the world in here, as the sunlight streams through the floor to ceiling window and lets nature into surely the prettiest room I have ever seen in my life.
It is decorated in the palest blue and the wallpaper is an intricate design of nature and birds that appears to be woven from silk. As I run my hand over it, I feel a softness to the material that warms my heart. The drapes are made out of the palest blue silk, interwoven with the same design as the walls, and they feel heavy and opulent. White scatter rugs provide a deep comforting tread and the huge bed that dominates the room faces the window and I sink back and appreciate the comfort the plump pillows and heavy comforter gives me. I almost groan at the luxury and imagine myself reading here for most of the day as I lose myself in worlds that are exciting and captivate my imagination far more than ordinary life.
Completing Beauty: Books 1-3 Page 24
