Page 41 of Jordan

His face brightened, relief pouring into his features. "Great. We can talk more then."

With a gentle kiss on her forehead, he rose with the intention of preparing for the day.

"Will you sleep in?"

"I just might."

He nodded his approval as he headed towards the closet. "I need to get the rest of my stuff from the manor."

"Your parents--"

"Yes?" He turned on his way to the bathroom. "What about them?"

She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. "They hate me. At least your mother does, and I can't say I'm too keen on her myself."

His expression turned grim. "Leave my family to me. I'll take care of it."

"Okay." She watched him stride into the bathroom, leaving the door open and realized that they had very well fallen into a pattern. One that had started while they were on the cruise. He was very attentive to her, catering to her needs. He had even agreed to live here, at what was now her place and spent his own money to fix it up.

She glanced around the room, admiring the furnishings. The armoire was a glossy pale golden wood that looked great with the new wallpaper. The rugs were ones she would have picked out herself. There was still her apartment to deal with. But she would keep it for now. He might think they were going to have a happy ever after ending, but she knew better.

With a sigh, she slid back down and closed her eyes. The sound of him showering had a soothing effect on her and very soon, she fell asleep.

He came out a few minutes later with a towel wrapped around him to find her snoring slightly.

Walking forward, he could not resist, sitting on the edge of the bed and studying her face. The sheets had slipped down slightly, exposing her pert breasts. Avoiding looking at them, he focused on her face and smiled. Her hair was a tangled mess, something she had not noticed when she woke up.

She was so unlike the women in his society. He had been with several of them and the most important thing to them was 'putting on their faces' as soon as they opened their eyes.

His wife had no such hangups. She did not care that she wasn't wearing makeup or that her hair was messy. Moving the lock of hair from her forehead, he let his touch linger. So far, she had not said no to his suggestion. He might have to work harder at proving that they belonged together, but he had time and hopefully the patience to work on it.

One thing he knew was that he was not letting her go. He wanted her in his life for the rest of it.

He gently pulled the sheets back up to cover her, ensuring her comfort without disturbing her sleep. As he dressed, his thoughts drifted to the many hurdles they had faced together. Their bond had grown stronger, despite the challenges posed by his family and their differing backgrounds.

He paused for a moment, contemplating the day's tasks. His parents' disapproval weighed heavily on him, but he was determined to protect her from their judgment. After all, she was worth fighting for.

Quietly, he left the room, taking care not to wake her. The fresh morning air greeted him as he stepped out, ready to tackle the day with renewed resolve. His first stop would be the manor, to retrieve his belongings and confront his family. It was time to make it clear that his life with her was non-negotiable.

With each step, his plan solidified. He would speak to his mother, assert his stance, and ensure they understood the seriousness of his commitment.

*****

He was prepared for anything and that was the reason he sat outside the electronic gates, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. He had reports to write and things to clear up with his team and of course, he answered to the old man. Something he did not mind in the least, because whatever else Harry Wainwright was, he was a brilliant businessman, and Jordan had learned a lot from him.

He had of course forged his own path in the business, but that path was littered with life lessons from his father. He could respect that about him. He hated the bigotry and the ruthlessdrive to step over someone to get what he desired, but his father had taught him a lot – indirectly.

They had never been there for any of their children, and he had to wonder if that was something that was inherited. He decided to shove that aside. He had told Julesa that he wanted a family with her, and he meant it.

Taking a deep breath, he touched the button to release the gate and drove onto the circular cobbled stone driveway.

The building speared upwards, painting a stunning picture against the blueness of the sky. Funny, he mused as he parked a few feet from the wraparound porch. He had never felt at home here. And realized to his surprise that he felt more at home at the simple house he had left almost an hour ago. The building was old, and weather beaten, but the woman he left inside the bedroom they shared last night, and this morning made all the difference.

He took a moment to glance at the sky, the serenity of the morning providing a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside him. There was no turning back; he needed to confront his father and secure his future. His determination hardened as he recalled the tender moments he had just shared with Julesa. She was his sanctuary, and he vowed to protect her at all costs.

As he entered the grand manor, the opulence that once seemed impressive now felt suffocating. The marble floors echoed his footsteps, a reminder of the coldness that permeated his family.

His father would probably be at the golf course with some of his associates. His mother would be sleeping in or out at some meeting or the other. His sisters no doubt would be doing their own thing.

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