Page 31 of Pride

The man I hired to drive me while I’m in Washington knows nothing about me or my past. I feel uneasy having someone I don’t really know driving me around town, but I had no choice.

Kevin gets into the driver’s seat and I get into the back, drumming my fingers on my knee.

I haven’t returned to Aiden’s resting place since the day I arrived two weeks ago. That’s all it’s taken for everything at home to go to shit.

Kevin pulls up at the entrance of the park.

“I won’t be long. Wait out here for me.”

“Certainly, sir,” he replies.

I get out and walk through the gates into the park. The moment I step inside, I see that oak tree. Aiden may not have a headstone, but that oak tree can be seen for miles and it’s the marker of his grave to me.

Leisurely, I walk through the trees toward it, almost procrastinating, as I hadn’t intended to visit again until I’d crushed the people who ended his life. However, I can’t leave this city without visiting.

Once I get to the oak, I look down at the spot where his remains lie.

“Hey, Aiden,” I murmur, drawing in a deep breath to gather my thoughts. “I’ve got to go away for a few days to sort things out in London. I’ll be back as soon as possible and then no one that did this to you will be safe. I’m not going to rest until justice is served.”

I clench my fists by my sides, an ache igniting in my chest as the tears refuse to come. “I promised you, brother. And I won’t break that promise.”

As I stand there, it’s almost as if I expect him to respond. Taking a deep breath, I feel the weight of his death on me heavier than ever. “I will always love you, brother.”

Suddenly, a gust of wind hits the trees and rustles its leaves. If I were a sentimental man, I’d think it was a sign from him, but I know better than that. Aiden is gone. He’s been gone for fifteen years, and nothing can change that. I have felt that hole in my soul that his death tore in it ever since that fated night.

Turning away slowly, I walk back to Kevin’s car, which is waiting outside the gates of Dumbarton Oaks Park; ready to be taken to my jet and on to London.

* * *

11

BELLA

My brow furrows as I walk into the dining room to find no one other than my family and Cathal Bingley.

“Where is everyone?”

Dad stands. “I didn’t bother to invite the other suitors. As we’ve made a decision as to who you will marry.”

I glance at Cathal, wondering if my engagement is going to take an odd turn. “What?”

“Oh no, you aren’t marrying Cathal!” He laughs. “Isiah had to go back to London for a few days, but we’ve agreed you’ll marry him.”

“Like hell I will!”

“Isabella Benedetto, you’ll do as your father tells you.” My mom’s voice is stern, and I know there’s no getting out of this, but I want to marry anyone but him.

“I hate the man,” I say, slumping down in my usual chair at the dining table.

“Hate is a strong word,” Cathal interjects.

I give him a quick glance. “Maybe so, but it’s how I feel.”

“Hatred will get you nowhere,” my father says. “Isiah is wealthy, powerful and, in my eyes, has only been a gentleman to you. He’ll make you a perfect husband.”

I scoff and cross my arms. “He’s arrogant and controlling, not to mention a complete and utter pig. He doesn’t listen to anything I have to say and objectifies me.”

Mom shows no understanding. “Isabella, we’ve talked about this before. You’re unlikely to like the man you marry, regardless.”

---