AllFreeNovel
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He’s one man.
Within twenty minutes, I’m back at the house, stepping out of the white mini-van that was my Uber ride just as a black stretch Lincoln pulls up in the driveway.
I pay my driver and he speed away because the vibe here is unpleasant at best.
The sky is still dark, a hint of the morning sun coloring the horizon orange as my dad stands under the lights on our front walkway with my mom wandering out the front door, breaking into a broad smile when she sees me. She doesn’t look upset at all, blissfully unaware of the chaos and destruction happening around her. I’m tempted to tell her everything, but what would that do except upset her? She wouldn’t remember it tomorrow anyway.
“Anna, thank God.” my dad gushes as he comes over to me and wraps me in a hug. Dropping his voice, he adds, “Follow my lead.”
The other car comes to a stop, the headlights exposing what the dim morning light didn’t and the chauffer emerges, walking back to open the other door and a man steps out in a black suit, white shirt, black tie. His hair as blonde as mine but his skin is the color of a copper penny.
The juxtaposition is equally jarring as confusing.
And creepy.
He moves around the back of the limo, swishing his hand to the side of his head and it’s obvious his skin tone is unnatural. Too much bronzer and time in the tanning booth and I wonder if he thinks he looks good or he’s using it for shock value.
He brings his knuckles just under his nose as if he’s warding off an offensive smell, then says, “What is all this, Niko? I got to the hotel and she wasn’t there. Did you lie to me?”
His dead blue eyes drift to me for a moment and I could swear, he gags. This has to be a joke, right?
“Anna, I’d like you to meet Alex Sokolov, finally. Alex, this is Anna. You’ll never believe it but her purse was stolen. She was out with some friends and her purse was snatched. She’s been at the police station ever since…not at the hotel like her phone showed. I’m so sorry--”
Alex’s hand leaves his nose to put his palm out to silence my dad, his brows knit together.
The story is a good cover but I can’t tell if he’s buying it. His eyes are soulless. His dark suit hangs on him like it was made for someone much bigger. He meets my eyes again and bares his teeth on a bizarre hiss.
I hold my breath as he sucks all the warmth from the beautiful day then finally purses his lips, sucking in his cheeks.
“Stolen, purse, huh? Is that what happened Anna?” He asks, walking in a slow circle around me.
I hesitate. I’m not the greatest liar and—my heart sinks—this man is going to be my husband. Shouldn’t there be some sort of trust between us? But then, if he wants trust, he shouldn’t be forcing me to marry him.
I nod as he comes back to stand in front of me. So close, I can see the pale skin around his hairline where the tanner didn’t do it’s thing. “It was terrifying.”
He huffs. “I’m sorry that happened to you. We were all very worried. But it’s given me more clarity about our…situation. I don’t like waiting and I won’t chase you ever again. This marriage is happening today. Right now. Get in the car.” He snaps his head toward his Lincoln as his driver races toward the door closest to me, swinging it open averting my eyes.
“What?” My father and I say in unison.
My mother squeals. “Oh, how romantic! A wedding!”
I shoot her a look, but she doesn’t notice, her blissful private world isn’t connected to reality.
My father steps forward, his brow covered in sweat. “Alex, is that really necessary? I thought there was going to be—”
“She travels in my car. You follow behind with her mother. I have a priest heading to my house right now who will perform the ceremony. Let’s go. This is happening.” He nods to me, then turns, apparently expecting me to follow like a puppy.
If he’s so disinterested in me, why does he want this marriage so much? Is it really just about taking me from my father as payment for a debt?
“Go.” My father mutters with shame in his eyes. “I’m sorry, but you need to go with him.”
I force a smile as my mother waves taking the long five steps toward the open car door and lower my head, sliding across the leather seat, the low throbbing between my legs reminding me of the entire lifetime I lived last night with Cyrus.
As soon as the limo starts to move, Alex turns my way.
“I assume from that performance back there, your father has told you what this is all about? Why this is happening?”
I nod, surprised that he’s opening up this subject.
