Page 102 of She Belongs to Me

“I don’t know that word, but that’s what I was told.”

Isabella hissed. “My brother can be a pain in the ass. Tell them we’re going to take our sweet time and they can fucking wait.”

I did so love her rebellious attitude.

“Yes, ma’am.”

We both laughed after she closed the door.

“I’m wearing tennis shoes under the dress.”

“You are not!” Isabella was horrified.

“I can’t walk in heels.”

“Then learn. Fast.” She eyed me as a mother would with her very naughty child.

Isabella stood, riffling through the last of the dresses I hadn’t tried on. “The red one. Definitely the red one. Hurry and change. We don’t want to keep my brother waiting, now do we?”

Nico

“You’re egging our sister on, brother,” I told Domino.

“Oh, it wouldn’t be a party if Izzy wasn’t irritated about something. Besides, I can tell your patience is fading.” Domino took a step away as if I was going to punch him. Given his constant teasing, I just might.

He’d made fun of my billowy white shirt and dark jeans, telling me I looked like some guy from a romance novel. I’d challenged him with how the fuck would he know?

“Very funny. I just have a lot on my mind,” I told him.

Domino sighed and we both stood quietly, sipping on our drinks. We were already in the dining room, my sister requiring the good china be brought out. The room had been transformed into all gold and silver.

As if this was a goddamn wedding reception.

Wishful thinking on Isabella’s part. She was fawning over Alexandra constantly.

“I know how much you like her and I’m really happy you finally found someone,” my brother said. For all the kidding he always did, he was being serious.

I tipped my drink, staring into the liquid. “I can’t force her to stay here.”

“Like hell you can’t. We have one of the best medical schools in Europe.”

“And she won’t want to attend. You don’t know her.”

“But I know you. You need this girl here with you.”

I lifted my gaze to my brother. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m too old.”

“Oh, for the love of fuck. That’s insane. She’s perfect for you. You just need to get your head out of your ass to see it.”

I’d never seen him so adamant in his life. I clapped him on the shoulder. “First things first. We deal with these issues.” I’d finally told him about the break-in at the production facility. He’d taken the news more calmly than I’d expected.

“I understand, but know you have my support and God knows Izzy will kill you if you allow that girl to leave.”

We were able to laugh together even if it felt as if a noose was hanging around my neck. I had a bad feeling that refused to leave, checking the cameras a solid ten times already today. The quiet in my mind was eerie.

“Is Mother coming tonight?” Domino’s question broke my concentration.

“She’s playing canasta with several friends of hers. Her regular Friday night event, as she calls it. Complete with male waiters to cater to their every need.” When my feisty mother had told me, I’d burst into laughter thinking she was kidding.

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