Adriana
…..
I closed the door behind me and made my way into the room.
My insides were telling me to peep and see if he was still there, but the thought of risking another contact with Daven Willingham was something I was not willing to do.
My thoughts were running wild.
I hope he didn't hear what Kent and I were discussing.
Or he maybe he caught a hint when I was smiling at the table earlier.
Or maybe he suspects me because he caught me eves dropping.
Or maybe I was just being paranoid, and it isn't that much of a big deal.
But the thought of how he keeps staring at me is something I can't get off my mind.
He's unto something.
He knows something, or at least he's catching a hint.
I need to be careful. I came all the way here to avenge my parents' death and not to get caught on my first week.
I have to focus, for their sake.
They deserve justice.
The door shut behind me, Eric was standing by the there.
His face squeezed in a frown. You could tell that he wasn't happy at all.
Clearly, the Raphael issue got to him a bit too much.
Perfect.
"Adriana," he said calmly.
For some reason, he was stiff, a little nervous, and unusually calm.
"Yes?" I said, wondering what was up with his vibes.
"Look, about earlier…" he started and I immediately remembered what had happened earlier.
He tried to touch me.
The air became stiff and the thought of it.
"Eric…" I said, not really knowing how to continue.
"I'm sorry, I did not mean for what happened to happen." He moved to the couch and sat down.
"I thought you'd be ready for this since you were in support of us getting married quickly."
"No Eric, you thought I was some weak bitch who wouldn't stop you!" Remembering it pissed me off.
"No, no, come on, you know I wouldn't do that." He said.
"Eric Willingham," I walked towards him,
"I know we are married and all. But do not forget that there was no courtship."
"I know but…" he cut in. I, however, continued.
"We've known each other for just a week. I'm not comfortable with this. Not yet. I'm not ready to consummate this relationship."
"So, you are trying to say…"
"I'm trying to say that you wait until I'm ready, or else I'll cut those balls off." I made sure I was looking straight into his eyes.
For a moment, it looked as if he was going to protest, then l changed his mind, pulling my hands into his and said.
"I'll wait no matter how long it takes. Just take your time and get comfortable."
"And, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the way I acted. I didn't think you would not be ready."
"Apology accepted." I said. The truth is, I wasn't here to mess around. The last time I slept with a guy I was not too familiar with was that one night stand I would never forget.
Never again!
.
After the annoying family breakfast, I made my way back upstairs.
Halfway to my room, I heard Selena call,
"Hey, sister-in-law!" I rolled my eyes before turning to her.
"I'd really prefer to be called by my name, you know." I said.
"Oh," the smile on her face slowly faded, making me smile.
"I just thought it was cool, you know, it'll help with bonding."
"Really?" I raised a brow.
"Well yeah, you know grandma is Italian, and according to her, that's how they refer to each other back home. With family titles, it reminds them that they are all one." And the smile was back again.
"Cool," I said taking time to look at her.
Clearly, their grandmother looks Italian, but They don't at all.
While Eric has black hair, Selena has red hair, just like her mother Bianca. And Daven has their father, Anthony's brown hair.
"Speaking of bonding, I was thinking, why don't we spend the day together, I can show you around." She said.
"I'd love to spend the day with my sister-in-law, but I have work. Sorry." I said.
"I know, it's our jewelry company. There wouldn't be much work till next week." She said.
"Oh,"
"Yeah. So what do you think?"
I looked at her for a moment, I didn't want to be rude.
"Yes," I said.
"Great!" She squealed. I'll meet you outside in some minutes. She said before hopping off.
Since work was canceled, I called Kent to ask about Raphael's whereabouts. He said they had successfully helped him out of the country.
Relief.
With the kind of mess he's in right now, I'm sure he wouldn't attempt coming back, at least not anytime soon.
I went downstairs to meet Selena as promised.
She wore a pair of jeans, a cotton shirt and boots. Her red hair was tied in a ponytail.
"Here," she said, handing me a hat while she put another on.
"We will be checking the stables. I hope you like horses." She smiled as she led me across the corridors and to the back yard.
We went to the building at the far end where the horses are kept. A maid followed us with a basket of carrots.
My shoulders dropped the moment we entered the barn.
It looked exactly the same, just like how It used to seventeen years ago.
Tears filled my eyes as the memories surged through me.
Dad used to bring me here whenever he had to clean the stables.
While mom worked in the kitchen.
I remember how I used to spend my afternoon in the fields, running around and playing with the animals.
And when it's time to go home, I'll cry to mom and beg her to let me sleep in the beautiful mansion.
And she'll say,
"Dear, this place isn't ours. The owners are generous enough to let us spend the day here."
Memories kept rushing through my head.
My attention was drawn to Selena she ran from one horse to another, feeding and petting them.
You can tell from their reactions that they were very familiar with her.
"Come on, Adriana," she said in between laughs.
"Isn't she a beauty." She pointed to the white horse in front of her.
I forced a smile, "She is," I said, moving closer.
.
After looking at the horses, we took a walk around the yard, and then Selena asked me to go up and get prepared for the party they were having tonight.
I went to my room and called Kent, he was going to be there.
The Willinghams will be attending this party because they are trying to get a contract with an international client.
Luckily, my buddy Kent and I are always a few steps ahead.
Time to ruin this deal.