Page 14 of Til Death
“Is that your girlfriend?” she questioned. Her eyes shifted past me to where Reginae had disappeared. “If so, I hope you have her here to tell her it’s over and you’re about to be a married man. Ido notshare and I’mnotabout to start now.” She stomped her foot and crossed her arms.
I had to blink a couple times. Her mannerisms truly were childlike. It made sense why her dad mentioned getting married might help mature her, but I didn’t believe I needed to be included in the solution.
“Why are you here?” I asked again. I didn’t owe her any explanation. In my dad’s office, I’d made it clear that our marriage was strictly on paper. She had texted me a couple times since the ambush that day but each time I left her on read or responded shortly. I didn’t need her confusing this for something it wasn’t.
She rolled her eyes. “I swear, men are so difficult. Have your fun now but after this weekend you’re all mine.”
Huffing, she went into the colorful purse on her shoulder. This time when she looked at me, she was smiling ear to ear. It was kind of nerve racking how quickly her mood changed. “Anyway, I came over here because I want to officially show the world my fiancé.” My eyes dropped to her hand. Cutting my eyes into slits, I clenched my jaw as she continued. “I need you to get on one knee and put this on my finger after you go change into something more presentable of course. I’ll do the background work and make it look like we were in the middle of something romantic, but for the post, you putting the ring on my finger will work.” She opened the black box, showing a large diamond ring.
Being around the Barnetts for as long as I had gave me a little knowledge when it came to diamonds and jewelry. While I couldn’t pinpoint the exact carat of the diamond, by the looks of it, I knew it was expensive.
“This is just temporary, the ring I truly want is currently in production. Still, it fits my taste and looks good on my finger. I’ve always loved white gold.” Her eyes went to the ring and her smile grew. The ring was nice, I could admit that. It was clear to me that Xylina had good taste in jewelry, from the ring she was currently wearing.
Taking a step toward her, she looked shocked by my sudden closeness. I kept walking, forcing her back until she was against my front door. Lifting my hand and slamming it against the door caused her to jump and her eyes to widen. Xylina stopped at my shoulders, so she had to tilt her head back to stare up at me with a bewildered expression.
For a second I took in the delicate curve of her face and her full, nude lips. Xylina was a beautiful girl and it sucked that her personality didn’t match.
“I’m going to say this once and make this clear so there’s no confusion going forward,” I started, keeping my voice level. “For the next five years you might be my wife, but whatever fantasy you created in your head about how this marriage is going to go, you need to let it go. It’s clear you’re used to getting your way, but I’m not some puppet that’s gonna bow down and do whatever you say. I don’t like the spoiled, bratty shit. You’re a grown woman. The sooner you grow up and realize that, the easier things will be between us. Whatever I have going on has nothing to do with you and vice versa. I don’t know what kind of dudes you’re used to, but if you’re looking for a lapdog to follow your every command, then you can get that idea out of your head now. Make your followers believe whatever you want but don’t expect me to feed into your bullshit to appease you or them.”
By the look on Xylina’s face I could tell she wasn’t expecting what I told her and probably never had anyone speak to her like that. I tried not to come off disrespectful to women because mymama would have my head if she heard otherwise, but I could tell Xylina wasn’t going to make that easy.
It took her a few seconds to gather herself. Her eyes radiated different emotions before she clicked her tongue and smirked.
Stepping into me, she pressed her chest into mine. My stance stayed the same.
“Normally I wouldn’t allowanyoneto speak to me like that, but it turns me on that you’re trying to put me in my place. I’m not the woman who gives up and I get my way one way or another. The harder you fight me, the more I’m going to pull.” A taunting grin transitioned onto her face.
My face went blank. I lowered my hand and took a step back. “I’m not going to play games with you. Just because your daddy used his power to force me into this marriage doesn’t mean you have the upper hand. If that’s what you’re looking for, set your eyes on someone else. I’m too old and have too much on my plate to go back and forth with you.”
Reaching behind her, I grabbed the door handle and pulled it. “Now before you interrupted, I was in the middle of something and need to get back to it.”
“You’re dismissingme?” she asked in disbelief.
Ignoring her, I opened the door, forcing her to move away from it. She opened her mouth to speak but snapped it closed. Her cheeks puffed out and she flicked her hair.
“Fine, I have other matters to attend to anyway.” Her eyes shifted behind me. “I hope you wrap up that little situation you have going on by Saturday and have started packing as well. I decided on the house I want and we’re expected to move in bright and early Sunday morning.” A satisfied expression formed on her face. It was clear she thought she was in control because I allowed her to have the last word.
I didn’t plan on staying in a house another man purchased, so when she brought up the choices we had, I told her I wantedno parts and to pick what she wanted. Her father must not be too thorough or he would have known I was in the process of remodeling a house I had purchased at the beginning of the year. Once it was finished, that was where I planned to reside.
When she realized I had nothing else to say, she turned her nose up, spun on her heels, and stormed out the front door.
Soon as I closed the door, I rested my forehead on it and released a heavy sigh. The next five years were going to be challenging. I knew Xylina was going to do whatever she could to make this harder than needed. I’d never dealt with anyone like her and was already regretting my choice to help my dad.
“You’re getting married?” Reginae asked from behind me.
I closed my eyes tighter and clenched my jaw. “You’re nosy as fuck, you know that?”
Lifting my head, I turned to face her. Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion filled me.
She grinned for a second before she frowned. “I can’t help it if you have thin walls.” She shrugged. “Now answer. You’re getting married? And toher?” Her face balled up.
Shaking my head, I started toward her to go back to my dining room. “I’m not talking about that.”
“I thought younger girls didn’t appeal to you and that’s what you go for?” Walking to my dining room table, I moved the wireless mouse to wake the laptop up.
“Trust me, they don’t,” I mumbled, getting back to work.
Reginae was persistent and I knew she wanted to ask more questions but I wasn’t discussing the marriage or trouble my dad had found himself in. For now I was going to enjoy my last few days as a free man before I was forced into my sentence.
