Page 91 of Adoration: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 2)

If he only knew how close to truth he was!

Chapter Forty-One

Liberty

We were all sitting in the vast and spacious dining room, Alexander seated at the head of the table. I was seated next to him, his grandfather on my other side while Brandon and Maxim sat opposite of us. It seemed most of the chatter was by Brandon, Maxim, and Grandfather.

Alexander and I were both quiet for most of the lunch. I wondered if he started to see our plan backfiring now that his grandfather gifted the publishing house to both of us. Although he said on the day of our wedding that publishing house was half mine.

First, Brandon’s custody was awarded to both of us and now his grandfather gifted the publishing house to both of us. All in the same day. What were the odds of that?

“Liberty,” his grandfather interrupted my thoughts. “When do you want to start working in your publishing house?”

I debated what was the right answer. I was curious about it and wanted to work in publishing, but I didn’t want to take it from Alexander.

“Why don’t you go tomorrow?” Maxim suggested. “It’s a weekend, but you could check it out and get a feel for it.”

I glanced at Alexander, unsure what to do. He nodded, and although I hated myself that I bothered to look to him for permission, I finally answered.

“Ok, can you please go with me Maxim?” I wanted to make sure I wasn’t going with Alexander. I needed a break from him, I had to figure out Brandon’s and my future.

“Yes,” he answered enthusiastically.

I avoided Alexander’s eyes. I didn’t want to deal with him right now. After lunch he had to take a business call, and I remained with Maxim and his grandfather, discussing the publishing house. Brandon got bored and left us to go play.

“Thanks for going with me tomorrow,” I smiled at Maxim. It was so much easier dealing with him than his brother.

“Of course, you are my sister now,” he teased. “I have to make sure nobody takes you away from our family.”

His grandfather smiled too. “You’ll be good for our family, Liberty,” he commented. “Alexander will have to take care of some stuff, though.”

I wondered what he meant but didn’t ask. Brandon’s and my life were getting permanently intertwined and tangled with the Caldwell family. We both loved them all but that fact scared me. I was already in too deep with Alexander. He was protective of Brandon but I felt too vulnerable to him. He offered to make this a permanent arrangement, a real binding marriage.

Could I do that with him? What would happen when he was done with me? He’d leave me too and I’d still be in the same predicament, possibly worse off. Every breath I took and every thought I had already belonged to Alexander. He has seeped into my soul. It was scaring the living shit out of me.

Everyone always ends up leaving me.

But Alexander was the type to hold on to his commitments. If he was willing to commit to this marriage, he wouldn’t let go. It went against his nature. We could have something real here.Maybe making this marriage permanent could be a real possibility?

When Maxim and Grandfather both left, I purposely spent the rest of the afternoon and evening playing with Brandon. I didn’t want to be alone with Alexander. I was mad at him, or maybe at myself too. And I was scared to admit to myself what I wanted.

When we went downstairs for dinner, Alexander was on his way out.

“There you are,” he said calmly, as if we didn’t have a screaming match earlier today. “I have to fly out tonight. There is urgent business I have to take care of. I should be back by Sunday night.”

Brandon ran over to him and gave him a big hug and Alexander’s face softened right away.

My mom’s words came to mind, reminding me to always say goodbye and part on good terms. It could be the last time you would see that person. I wondered if Lena taught that to Brandon like Mom taught us. My feelings choked me.

I walked over to him and stopped two feet away.

“I’m going to miss you,” Brandon told him, sincerity in his crystal blue eyes as he watched Alexander with adoration.

“I’ll miss you both as well,” Alexander kneeled down and took him into a hug, his eyes shifted to me and our gazes met.

I couldn’t be as free and trusting as Brandon. Alexander was a web intertwining around us and it would be hard to get out of it, unless I keep my head straight. When he got what he wanted, Brandon and I would be left hurt. I had to keep my guard up so I could pull us out before it was too late.

So stubborn,I swore I heard Lena’s voice in my head.

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