Chapter 13
ALEXEI
I’ve called a family meeting so we can all get our stories straight for when I bring Isabella home.
So far, everything is playing right into the palm of my hand, and I’ll be fucking pissed if anything ruins it.
My eyes go over Demitri and Ariana. Then I look at Nikhil and Sacha, the two men who mainly protect the women whenever Demitri and I have to take care of a job. Lastly, I glance at Tristan and Hana.
These are the six people besides me who’ll have direct contact with Isabella.
All eyes are on me as I say, “My plan is not negotiable. If anyone lets anything slip to Isabella, there will be hell to pay.” There’s no argument from the people I consider my family. “Isabella’s not stupid. Don’t underestimate her just because she has amnesia. She’s well trained and dangerous. If her memory returns, do not engage with her.” I focus on Nikhil and Sacha. “You won’t stand a chance against her. Just let her go.” They both nod in agreement.
Turning my attention to Ariana, I say, “I’ve told her the two of you are friends. I don’t expect you to go out of your way for her, but try to make her feel at home.”
“But will I be safe being alone with her?” Ariana asks.
“Isabella won’t hurt you unless you’re a danger to her. She’s similar to me in a lot of ways.”
Ariana rolls her eyes. “I don’t think I can handle two of you. You’re difficult enough.”
I let out a chuckle. “I’m sure you’ll get along with Isabella.”
“So, what’s the story?” Demitri asks.
“I told her we met at St. Monarch’s while she was training as a custodian. I stayed as close as possible to the truth. The only thing I changed is that we dated for three years, we’ve been engaged for one year, and we were going to get married in a month. I also told her she got hurt during an attack from Sonia.”
“Sounds easy enough to remember,” Tristan says.
Which reminds me of Hana. I turn my attention to her. “I’ll tell her you’re an acquaintance.”
“I’ll just wing it,” Hana chuckles.
“Isabella is high value, and this is my one chance to get her. Don’t fuck it up for me,” I warn them all.
Everyone nods, then Demitri says, “If this is what you want, we’ll make it happen. Hopefully, her memory doesn’t return before you’re married.”
Ariana frowns at me. “Taking advantage of a woman who has amnesia doesn’t sit well with me.”
I lock eyes with Ariana, and she’s only able to hold my gaze for a moment before she glances at Demitri.
“I’m taking advantage of the situation, not of Isabella,” I bite the words out. “Don’t mix the two. Isabella will still have her free will. I’m not going to fucking lock her in my bedroom.”
Ariana takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “Fine.”
Rising to my feet, I say, “I don’t care what any of you think. I will have Isabella. Don’t get in my way of making that happen.”
Tristan lets out a chuckle to alleviate the tension in the air. “We all owe you, so we have your back.”
“Now I need to go shopping for Isabella.” I look at Ariana again. “If you’re not too pissed off with me, would you mind coming along?”
“Of course, I don’t mind,” she replies as she gets up.
“Let’s get back to work,” I say.
While Nikhil and Sacha leave, Tristan comes to give me a hug before he and Hana head back to Koslov & Hayes to take care of our company.
“Let’s make a list of everything Isabella will need so we don’t forget anything,” Ariana says, and then she pulls her phone out.
Fuck, I’m going to have to find the perfume Isabella wears even if I have to sniff every bottle there is on this goddamned planet.