Page 34 of She Belongs to Me
Likely the only reason the Georgetown administrator had called me was that I’d left her three messages. She knew I wasn’t going anywhere.
“Anything for a family providing such a generous donation. I assure you the money will come into tremendous good use.”
When she started to tell me how, I gritted my teeth. “I trust you’ll use the money wisely, Ms. Carter. When can I anticipate receiving a link for the exams?” I drove into the estate, waving at one of my soldiers. I’d already contacted the security person I trusted and who’d installed my limited system. He was set to arrive in the morning. Just in time.
I doubted the bastards from America would figure anything quickly, but I wasn’t into wasting additional time.
“I’ll provide the link tomorrow afternoon after talking with her professors.”
“And she’ll have a few days to complete them?” I figured the woman would hesitate. What I was asking was more than just out of the ordinary. However, I used my heavy authoritative voice, the one most people knew better than to ignore.
“Why… Yes. Yes, of course.”
Good girl.
“Excellent. I appreciate your help, Ms. Carter, and please have an incredible rest of your night.”
“I will. Please share with Alexandra my condolences for the loss of her father.” I pulled into the garage, glad to be home. I wasn’t necessarily a homebody, but right now, it felt good.
“I will.” Perhaps it was blasphemous to tell such a white lie, but usually deaths in the family brought more sympathy than if I’d shared with her that her prized student was running from some dangerous men and a horrific crime.
I hung up and took a deep breath before exiting the vehicle. It had taken longer for our meeting than I’d wanted. Plus, there’d been unusual traffic that had held me up as well. At least there was still some sun in the sky. I wasn’t entirely certain what to do with her for dinner. I hadn’t arranged a schedule with my chef. Perhaps going out was the best thing to do.
I laughed as I climbed out. Alexandra was in adorable shorts and a way too tight tee shirt that looked as if it had been washed one too many times. I wasn’t making fun of her. Just the opposite. She hadn’t asked for anything, hadn’t spent a dime from the bank account I’d established when she was eighteen.
She’d often worked two jobs at a time, saving every penny except for food, gas, and utility expenses. She’d grown to be quite a little miser.
It was time for her to learn she could have nicer things and I planned on ensuring she had them.
As I walked into the kitchen, I listened for any sounds. I half expected she’d found my music system. I took a few seconds to pour a drink before heading through the house to find her.
After searching the bottom floor, I wondered if she was napping, which would make sense. I ran into Marlene as she was getting ready to leave for the night.
“You startled me, sir,” she gasped.
“I’m sorry. Do you know if my guest is upstairs resting?”
“I… don’t believe so, sir. She asked me for help in finding shops for her to purchase online and I knew she spent some time doing that. Afterwards, I noticed her outside, but that was well over an hour ago. Did I do something wrong?”
“Of course not. Have a great evening.” I waited until she’d opened the door before running up the stairs. Alexandra’s door was wide open, no evidence that she’d been inside. Where the hell had she gone? Maybe she was outside, although I hadn’t noticed her.
I ran back down the stairs, more than a moment of trepidation kicking into my system. After making certain I had my weapon, I headed outside, searching the area. I couldn’t tell if she’d spent any time here. Which meant one thing.
Our ridiculous banter, or what Alexandra would call my repulsive behavior, had pushed her into wanting to defy me even more. I had no doubt in my mind she’d walked to the stables, catching Romeo before he left for the day.
I was blistering angry, spots of red in front of my eyes. No, it didn’t make any sense because I’d convinced myself she certainly would never belong to me, but I also didn’t want anyone I knew to have her either.
I’d never had a jealous bone. I continued thinking that as I headed back to my Ferrari, not eager to walk the few miles to find her. Besides, it was obvious we needed to clear the air. She was far too defiant and I was more than stubborn. It wasn’t a marriage made in heaven.
As I pulled out of the garage, my thoughts drifted to my father’s request for marriage and heirs and all I could do was laugh. The feisty woman was likely the best candidate to date, a person my father would love, and she was off limits.
How ironic life was.
I floored the accelerator, knowing the roads leading through the property like the back of my hand. If Romeo had taken her riding when he knew she was inexperienced, I might fire the guy. I couldn’t head to the area fast enough.
The moment the fenced-in area of the corral came into view, I cut my headlights so as not to scare the horses, but I’d seen enough. She was bending down toward Romeo and if I didn’t know better, it was an intimate stance. My, oh my. When the cat was away, the mice did play.
I couldn’t believe he’d defy me that way. I was furious and ready to beat the shit out of the man. I didn’t slow down until I was close, stopping just in time. Both of them jerked their heads in my direction and he helped her off just as Sadie reared up.