Chapter Seven - Price Residence (Part 1)
Wihout knocking, I barged inside Alec's room with the newspaper.
The room was dark because of the large dark grey curtains blocking the sunlight. His room had a gloomy yet sexy environment with the dark coloured walls and a huge king size bed right in the middle.
My eyes went to the figure sleeping on the bed. Alec was shirtless, the sheets reaching up till his waist and I gulped just thinking about him being fully naked under those.
I instantly decided that this was a bad idea and almost turned to leave when he stirred in his sleep.
I froze at my spot.
Deciding to tip toe back, I turned around but his alarm clock went off. My eyes grew wide as I involuntarily ran in its direction to shut it but it was too late as the moment my finger tapped the button, his blue eyes flew open and met mine.
My jaw dropped at the beautiful sight. His luscious brown hair were messy with a strand falling on his forehead, his perfect lips pressed into a thin line.
He sat up in confusion. "What are you doing?"
I blinked at him and cleared my throat. "I-uh...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have just barged in like that,"
"Never mind now. What do you want?"
I held the newspaper up to show him the cover page. "Look,"
He squinted his eyes and I waited for his gaze to settle in the dark room. "What about it?" He asked casually.
I deadpanned.
"Can you not see it? Should I turn the light on?"
"Ofcourse I can see it Scarlet Price," He gritted his teeth. "What about it?"
"It's a picture of you and me," I pointed out.
He crossed his arms over his chest and raised a brow.
"I mean....you know," I shrugged.
"No I don't," He snapped.
"Aren't you even a bit surprised?" I asked.
"No. Actually, I would have been surprised if this was not printed," He smirked.
My jaw dropped as realization dawned on me. "You hired someone? Or you knew papzz were around?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he picked up his phone from the nightstand and unlocked it. His casual behaviour answered my question.
"Is that why you kissed me?" The words slipped out of my mouth before I could stop them and a blush crept across my cheeks when he looked up from his phone.
"Why else would I kiss you Scarlet Price?"
Biting my lip, I looked away. "I just wish you told me about it before. Now everyone has seen this,"
"That was the plan," He muttered sarcastically and got out of the bed. My breath hitched when the sheets were thrown off his body, but relaxed when I saw him in his track pants.
He stretched a bit and my throat turned dry at the sight of his killer shoulder blades and strong forearms. Man! He was sexy!
I cleared my throat when he started walking towards the bathroom.
"Dad was really mad at me," I muttered.
"Sad. Do you want a candy?" He muttered nonchalantly.
I gritted my teeth. "No. He invited us for dinner tonight,"
"I can't. I'm busy,"
I narrowed my eyes even though he could not see me.
"Busy fucking another whore?" I snapped.
He stopped in his tracks and turned to me with a smirk.
I raised a brow at his acceptance. "You have to come with me. Actually, you know what. I'm not leaving this room unless you agree to come with me," With this, I made myself comfortable on his bed.
His eyes flickered down to my body and I regretted my action. I was on his bed.
"Suit yourself," He muttered before I heard the bathroom door shut.
I released a breath and cursed myself for the stupid idea. Deciding to leave the room before he came back, I almost got up from the bed but something caught my gaze.
His phone. It was unlocked!
My eyes grew wide as I reached for it. I couldn't believe he left it like that. This was the perfect opportunity to reach his family. A new hope was rising inside me.
All I had to do was send a text to either of his parents telling them we would be coming over. Then once I would be there, I could easily tell them my story and save myself from the airhead guy.
I scrolled through his contacts but there was neither a number of his mother nor his father. Does he have a family?
I don't remember reading much about him. Maybe I could ask Lily? I immediately dismissed the idea. What kind of finacèe would ask a question like that? I almost got myself busted in my thoughts. Maybe time to fire up google.
I heard a click and startled, I dropped the phone on the bed and sat up straight, pretending to look down at my nails.
Alec walked out of the bathroom and I really wished I hadn't stayed back. Seeing him only in his towel which was tied dangerously low around his waist caused a shiver to run down my spine. His hair were still dripping wet from the shower, a single drop falling down on his rock hard chest.
My eyes chased the drop down to his abs and only when it slipped inside his towel, did I look up into his eyes, which were fixed at me. A blush crept across my cheeks and I looked down at my hands.
"You're still here," He spoke.
"Yeah. I....uh...I told you....that I'm not leaving unless you agree,"
I licked my lips and when he didn't move from his spot, I looked up at him. He was looking down at my body as I comfortably laid back on his bed. I got up a bit and straightened my posture. His eyes travelled up to mine.
"You already know my answer," He walked over to his walk-in closet. I got up from the bed and followed behind him.
"Please Alec. Just this one time,"
He shut the door after him.
"No," He spoke from inside.
Sighing, I leaned against the door and thought over it. What if he doesn't go to dad's place with me? What am I gonna say to dad? I don't think he is going to buy the busy businessman excuse this time.
Or worse, I could be busted. I know it didn't make any sense and the two things had no connection whatsoever but what else can I do besides thinking negative in this house with a stupid guy?
Just then, I heard a click and before I could pull my weight off, the door swung open and I fell back.
"Woah," I shut my eyes.
A pair of arms wrapped around my waist and saved me from hitting the ground. My arms went up to his shoulders for support and I couldn't help but shiver at how perfect his grip was around me. I breathed in his scent, which was a mixture of some rich bodywash and aftershave.
I opened my eyes to find him staring down at me, my face was parlty buried in his neck and my lips were so close to his jawline. Gulping down, I stood up straight. Thankfully, he was now dressed in a casual tshirt and another pair of track pants.
"You're not going for work today?"
"No," He spoke and got out of the packed closet. I couldn't help but wonder how dark his choice of clothes was.
I followed behind him. "So you're free the entire day and can't come for dinner?"
"Who said I'm free? I'm just working from home today,"
I raised a brow. "You're allowed to do that?"
He stopped in his tracks and turned to me. "It's my company. I can do anything I want. I'm not accountable to anyone,"
I raised up my hands in surrender. "Okay Mr.-I'm-the-boss,"
Rolling his eyes, he walked out of his room and I followed behind him. "Please Alec. Just this one time,"
"You're not giving up, are you?"
A hope lit up inside me. "Are you agreeing?"
"Fine," He spoke as he walked down the corridor towards the staircase.
I stopped in my tracks. "Really?"
"Yes," He walked downstairs and I kept following him.
"Thank you,"
"But," He stopped and turned around. I almost bumped into him but composing myself, I took a step back. "There's a condition,"
I sighed. Ofcourse.
"What condition Mr. Sinclair?" I crossed my arms over my chest.
"You'll have to do anything I tell you to,"
"What?"
"Yes. For a day,"
"What?" I blinked at him.
"You heard me," With this, he walked down the stairs.
"Are you still in high school?" I asked unbelievably as I followed him to the kitchen.
He shrugged, his back to me. "I don't see the problem in it,"
"Problem? It's a quicksand. You are a manipulative jerk Alec Sinclair. I know better than to agree to that,"
"That's up to you Scarlet Price," He snapped as he hastily poured some coffee in a mug from the coffeemaker.
"Alright. Fine. But I have a condition too,"
He chuckled darkly and my insides turned in delight for some odd reason.
"Don't see the point but okay, let's listen to it,"
I rolled my eyes before speaking. "You will not make me sleep with you,"
Silence.......
Awkward silence.....
He turned around with a raised brow. "What?"
"You heard me. The condition can make me do anything besides me sleeping with you,"
He stared at me for a moment before he let out a deep chuckle. "Why do you think I wanna sleep with you?"
I bit my lip, embarrassed.
"Well, you can't really blame me for thinking that,"
He sipped his coffee and gave me a confused look.
"You are forcing me into marriage and the last thing I want is to be manipulated into having...." I trailed off and a deep scowl took over his handsome face.
He looked down at his coffee, his eyes seeming distant as he appeared to be in deep thoughts. Is that his moment of realization?
A new hope was rising inside me as I watched him being so lost for the first time. Is he finally realizing that it's wrong to force someone into marriage?
His eyes finally lifted up to meet mine. "No,"
"What?"
"I'll never do something like that," He spoke and a part of me was silly enough to expect him to call the marriage off right then but I guess, I should be taking all I was getting.
A feeling of relief washed over me and I sighed before nodding. "Okay then. I accept your condition. So we're going to my dad's, right?"
He nodded and left the kitchen, leaving me standing there to celebrate my little victory.
I went up to my room to get ready for college. After that, I didn't really see Alec and once I was in the college, I couldn't say I was having a very good time with Lily's constant bickering and complaining. Oh! And did I mention her threat to choose her as my maid of honour?
I couldn't deny the fact that it freaked the hell out of me. I was actually getting married.
And now, when I was driving back to the apartment, I couldn't help but wonder if there was any way out at all. Will I really be getting married at the alter this weekend?
How far will I go before giving up? Will I run away? No! Alec would kill me. Plus, all this effort up until now would be for nothing and he would buy dad's company. NO!
I couldn't let that happen. I had to talk to Alec. But it's not like he was going to listen. There was no chance. I had to talk to his parents or guardian or whoever he had.
Upon reaching the apartment, I sprinted up to my room, not missing the light coming from under his study door. He was still working.
It was 7 p.m. when I was done taking a shower and changing into black tank top, denims and a red maroon checkered shirt, leaving the buttons undone. Walking to the mirror, I combed my hair and left them falling over my shoulders.
Rolling the sleeves up to my elbows, I sat down at the edge of the bed to put on my black boots.
I grabbed my sling bag and phone and went downstairs to meet Alec. The light of his study was still on. I walked up to the door and lifted my hand to knock softly.
There was no answer and I knocked a few more times impatiently before I swung the door open to barge inside.
The room was empty and I debated in my head if I should go in or not when his words from last time came back to me. No one was allowed to go in his study.
Well, it wasn't like I was scared of him or anything but why would I want to go in the boring study? Shutting the door, I turned around to leave but jumped in my spot when I saw him leaning against the staircase, his arms crossed over his chest and a calm look plastered on his face as his eyes bored into mine.
"I just came here to call you. I didn't go inside," I found myself explaining.
He walked over to me and stopped when he was an inch apart. Swallowing, I looked up at him as his hand went to the door and he locked it, shoving the key in his pocket.
I looked at his actions, bewildered. He turned around and said, "We're leaving,"
I followed him to the elevtor and as the doors closed, I breathed in his intoxicating cologne.
He was dressed in a pair of black trousers and white collared shirt, the sleeves rolled up till elbows and the top button undone. His hair weren't styled back like they always were but instead, they seemed to be ruffled in a sexy mess as his hand went up and he ran his fingers through them. A strand fell on his forehead and I gulped, looking ahead at the doors.
To my relief, we arrived at the parking and the doors opened. I stepped out before him and turned around.
"Are we going by my car?"
"No," He stated and I nodded.
Spotting his convertible, I walked over to it but he stopped to the car on left, a beautiful white Audi R8. My jaw dropped. I've always wanted an R8.
I almost wanted to ask him how many cars he actually owned but realized that it was none of my business. So I just simply got in the car with him, rejoicing at the feel of comfortable leather seats.
He started the engine and reversed the car out of the spot at a speed which threw me a bit forward. Glaring at him, I put my seatbelt on but he didn't seem to be noticing. The car stopped once it was facing the exit and he literally stepped on it, this time my back hitting the seat.
"Is this how you always drive?" I asked when he made a sharp turn once we were outside the apartment complex.
"Yeah. Why?"
My eyes went to the speedometer and he was already at the speed limit within a few seconds of starting driving on the roads.
"Whichever doofus gave you a licence," I rolled my eyes, remembering how he had taken my parking spot the other day at his office.
"Excuse me?" He raised a brow at me and my eyes grew wide.
"Keep your eyes on the road!" I shouted.
His frown lines vanished from his forehead and he let out a chuckle, almost seeming amused. A subtly visible dimple complimented his pearly smile and the light stubble gave away his five o'clock shadow.
"Are you scared?" He looked ahead at the road.
"Hell yes. You are insane Alec Sinclair,"
This earned another deep chuckle from him.
A thought crossed my mind. I licked my lips deciding if I should utter my next words.
"Whenever I drive the car with dad, he flips out if I am anywhere near the speed limit. I wonder what your parents say about you driving like a maniac," I muttered the last part slowly.
It was risky but I had to take this chance.
The amusement completely swept off his face and was replaced by a slight frown. His lips pressed into a thin line and my breathing became heavy at the sudden tension building up inside the car.
I cleared my throat. "What do they say about it?"
"Nothing," He muttered.
"That's not possible. If anything were to happen to you-"
"No one would care," He cut me off. "Well, besides the business partners who have their money and shares in the company,"
I bit my lip as I carefully searched for words. "What do you mean?"
Then, as if someone cast a spell on him, to my surprise, his face relaxed. I released a breath as I waited for him to speak.
"I don't have any parents," He finally spoke.
"I'm sorry," I apologized immediately.
He didn't respond to that and kept his gaze ahead.
Looking down at my hands, I thought of something more to ask him. "So what about other family members? Siblings? Uncles? Aunts? Cousins?" He remained quiet so I added further. "Friends? What do they say when you take them for a dri-"
I stopped mid sentence when his hands clutched the steering wheel tightly and his jaw clenched.
Taking in a deep breath, I opened my mouth to continue but he spoke.
"There's no one," He snapped dismissively. I had curiosity building up inside me and I wasn't just satisfied with the information I had received.
But I decided to keep quiet as I did not want him to lash out at me or something, or worse take a u-turn and not go to dad's house.
He drove in silence and I looked at the multi storeyed buildings and small shops passing by, thinking deeply. I couldn't help but take pity on him. The thought of him driving rashly and no one being concerned about him bothered me for some unknown reason.
But I knew if he had any idea about my thoughts, he would not like them. He didn't seem like the person who would want people to pity him. He was Alec Sinclair. The same person who was smart enough to take down our company's reputation within a few months of stepping into the market. The same person who was ruthless enough to fire his employees within the snap of his fingers. Yeah! I've been reading a bit about him in the magazines.
All my previous thoughts vanished when he pulled the car into the driveway of my house. I sat up straight in the seat and smiled.
I unbuckled my seatbelt and waited for the car to stop as I quickly stepped out and without waiting for Alec, ran up to the front door.
My hand almost went up to the doorbell but Jimmy swung the door open and his eyes lit up.
"Scarlet!" He shouted and I picked him up in my arms, hugging him.
Man! He was heavy. He gave me a long bear hug and finally, I set him down and left a peck on his forehead.
He looked behind me and stepped aside for us to enter the house. I was the first one to enter, with Alec following behind me.
"Hello Mr. Sinclair. I'm James Price. Nice to meet you," He extended his hand for a handshake and Alec looked amused dealing with the little guy as he shook his hand. I suppressed a laugh.
"Hello James. You can call me Alec and nice to meet you too," They withdrew their hands and just then, dad stepped out from the living room.
"Mr. Price," Alec stepped forward and shook hands with dad.
"Mr. Sinclair," Dad nodded with a smile.
"Please call me Alec,"
They engaged in a little conversation and finally, dad turned to me. I hesitantly walked over to him but he pulled me into a hug. I released a breath and hugged him back.
"I'm sorry for keeping this from you," I muttered.
"We'll talk about this later," He said and pulled back.
And that, we did.
Once we were seated at the dining table, with dad at the head chair, me sitting on his left and Jimmy on his right opposite to me and Alec sitting on my left, Dad randomly brought up the topic while discussing business with Alec.
"So I saw something unusual in today's newspaper," Dad spoke, cutting a glance at me.
"Yeah. We're getting married," Alec said.
Jimmy stopped shoving food in his mouth and looked up.
He blinked at me, to which I blinked at him in return.
"You're getting married Scar?"
I nodded.
He turned to dad, almost teary eyed and I looked at him in confusion. What was wrong with him?
"You said she went for a long sleepover at her boyfriend's house. Did you by any chance mean she went forever?" His voice shook at the last word as realization dawned on me.
No wonder he was so calm about me moving out!
"Jimmy. I'm sorry," Dad spoke but Jimmy turned to me.
Giving me a disappointed look, he excused himself like a gentleman and got up to run upstairs.
I turned to dad. "I can't believe you lied to him,"
"You know he loves you Scarlet. How could I tell him the truth?"
I rolled my eyes and made a move to get up but Alec placed his hand on my thigh. I froze at my spot and turned to him.
"Do you mind if I go and talk to him?" He asked dad.
Dad nodded but I was skeptical about it. What was going on in his mind?
"Are you sure?" I asked.
He nodded and got up to go upstairs. Once he was out of sight, I turned to dad. "What were you thinking?"
He shrugged, rubbing a spot behind his neck. "I didn't think you guys were going to last long. So I just thought you might come back in a day or two. What was the point in upsetting Jimmy?"
I pressed my lips into a thin line.
"But now. You're getting married," Dad narrowed his eyes.
"Yeah,"
"Have you been planning this for long?"
"Yes,"
"How long?"
"Uhh. A few weeks,"
"When is the ceremony going to take place?"
I gulped before answering. "This weekend,"
Dad took in a sharp breath. "That's too soon Scar. Shouldn't you wait until graduation? I mean it's only a month or two away. You can get married after that,"
"Yeah....but I want to get married to him dad.....soon," I spoke, not really knowing what to say.
Dad gave me a skeptical look.
"I mean I was so excited when he asked me and now, we both can't wait until another month or something. Plus it's no big deal. This is not going to distract me from finals,"
"We'll see about that," He rolled his eyes.
I got up from my seat. "I'll go check up on them,"
I walked towards the stairs.
"Are you pregnant?" Dad spoke out of nowhere and my eyes grew wide as I turned to face him.
"What? No!" I shrieked.
"Okay okay," He raised up his hands.
"Why? What even..." I trailed off.
"You guys are literally rushing into marriage. There has to be some explanation Scarlet,"
I exhaled and shook my head. "No reason. You just know when it's the right time," I spoke, not really knowing where those wise words came from but dad seemed to be buying it and I turned to run upsatirs, still shocked by dad's question.
I stopped outside Jimmy's room breathing heavily and the door was slightly ajar. Upon peeking inside, the room seemed empty and I wondered if I missed them in the living room downstairs.
I opened the door fully only to find them sitting on the bean bags, eyes fixed on the TV screen, fingers hitting the buttons on the game controller in their hands.
My eyes opened wide as I stared at Alec, deeply focused in the racing game they were playing on Jimmy's latest gaming console.
Jimmy suddenly threw his hands up in the air and hooted. "I won,"
"No," Alec sighed deeply with a scowl. "Another round kiddo," He looked back at the game and Jimmy sat down again.
They started playing another race when Alec grinned at the screen. My lips broke into a smile. "Take that kiddo," He muttered to Jimmy as he played.
"No way Alec," Jimmy was deeply focused on the game as he expertly overtook Alec's car and won again, throwing his hands up in the air again, celebrating his victory.
Alec narrowed his eyes at the screen. "How did you do that? You know what kid, another game and I'll beat your a-"
"I guess this should be enough," I butted in and both heads snapped in my direction.
They got up and Jimmy kept cheering for himself as he ran up to me. "You can marry him Scarlet," He grinned at me.
"Well, thank you James," I rolled my eyes and he ran out of the room, going downstairs.
The carefree look on Alec's face had now disappeared and he was back to his usual haughty self as he looked at me.
I raised a brow at him. "What did you say to him?"
He smirked and decided to walk past me without answering my question. I rolled my eyes and turned around to follow him outside.
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