Bound to You

Chapter 21: Man of Word

It seemed time stood still as she felt the attention on her. She regained her composure, "This would be highly improbable, countess."

An awkward silence followed as the countess scrutinised her while the people around them stopped their conversation to watch them. Sierra held her breath. The earl then smiled, "Then, it's a pleasure to meet you, my lady." 

She nodded, relieved and as James and her continued their rounds, a few distinctive tings echoed through the speakers and the jazz music quietened gradually as Christopher Torres lightly tapped a silver spoon against his champagne glass right in the microphone. He walked on the slightly elevated platform, holding the mike in his hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have a few minutes of your time?" When the silence was granted, he warmly said, "I thank you all for your warm presence and welcome you all to the engagement party of my youngest son, James. A few words to the bride-to-be. Sierra, welcome to the family. I'm delighted that James has shown such good sense in choosing a wonderful woman like you. I know you will keep him happy. With you by his side and the love you so obviously share, nothing will be impossible. May the strength and sweetness you share now, endure and grow. To James and Sierra, I offer you this toast." 

He lifted his sparkling champagne glass and the guests did the same before applauding as the couple came in view. Christopher excitingly added, "Musicians, hit your best beats!"

A playful jovial tune began to swing in the air as the band lively played their instruments.

James flashed a warm smile at his father, thanking him for the words. Walking beside him, she swallowed hard as she saw the beautiful arch covered with fresh magnolia flowers and pink roses. She hesitated, seeing an impressive three tiers engagement cake and the champagne on the well-decorated rectangular table. 

James inquired as he sensed a sudden reluctance in her, "A problem?" 

"Yes. I'm not—I don't want to do this. This isn't right."  

He hushed her harshly, "Don't even start. This is business."

How could he be so insensitive? It was clear that his parents put in a lot of efforts to arrange all of this and he was just carelessly playing with their feelings! He gave her a warning look – the kind of look that said not to mess anything— and they walked up the few stairs and when she stood before this small world, she felt overwhelmed. 

What the heck was she doing with her life?! She never thought she'd go through this all over again...feeling no joy, just frustration. She did not want to be with the man who was standing by her side. No matter how handsome or charismatic or smart he was. 

She unconsciously sighed heavily and upon hearing her, James gently squeezed her waist gently before releasing her. 

She ignored the cameras which turned their way and instantly adhered to the protocol of holding the knife with him to cut into the cake. His hand was warm and it held hers firmly. He was right beside her and for a second, the crowd seemed to fade as she looked up to focus on his face. 

There were no tint of happiness or excitement as the man's questioning eyes settled on her face. Seemed he wasn't that eager either. She quickly broke the contact. This was not good, she thought as she trembled. 

She reminded herself why she was doing this, finding the will to continue this masquerade. She just had to pretend, she assured herself. Pretend to be happy. Who knew it'd be harder than she thought? This was nothing but a show.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"And...strike! Beat that!" Jace smirked as he proudly watched the bowling ball knocking off all the pins powerfully. 

His cousin, Riley Torres playfully slapped his back, "You're better than I thought." 

He laughed, "Always underestimating me, uh?" 

She grimaced, rolling her eyes, as she removed the special shoes used for bowling and handed them back over the counter to take back hers.

She took his hand and pulled him out of the game centre. She grinned, "So what's next?" 

He ran his hand in his rich black hair, "I don't know. I'm kind of tired running around the city like this." They have gone to so many places. She had been wanting to catch up with him. Of all their cousins, she was his favourite and the feeling was mutual. Hell, she was so close to him, knew everything about him and he absolutely loved her. 

She pursed her lips, placing her hands on her hips and said as she stared at Torres Corporation which majestically stood among the other skyscrapers a few kilometres away, "Dad wants to sell the corp to foreign investors, y'know?" 

Jace chuckled, recalling how his uncle, Dom was arguing with his father this early morning, "I wonder when he'll realise that my father will never let that happen." 

She wrapped an arm around his shoulders and they walked along the pavement, not having any direction in particular. "It's too much responsibility." 

Jace kicked a nearby rock, "Basically the reason why my father wants to keep managing the whole of it. He knows what he's doing." 

"Geez, must be a lot of work. Just imagine being the head of such a big company involved in two major industries. So many employees to see to. So many customers to satisfy. No wonder grandfather too wants to kick uncle James out of his chair. It's too much of stress and he just can't give—" 

"Enough time for his family I know." 

She poked him in his waist, "The engagement is a surprise though. You know the woman?" 

"She's my teacher." 

Riley broke into a laugh, "Really? That's kinda awesome? You like her?" 

"She's smart, beautiful and nice. I guess she's fine. I don't know much about her. I'm still shocked. I mean, damn. They met like a week ago." 

"Oh my God, really?! But...why the rush?" 

They stopped walking and stared at each other for a long moment and Riley bit her lips, "Do you think your dad got her preg—" 

"No! Come on! Seriously?! You're terrible!" 

She threw her hands up in defeat, "Just a bad guess!" He shook his head and she said, "Maybe we should really go to that event. It must be an important day to him. And I'm dying to meet grandfather. Drop me please?" 

He stretched his arms, "I hate these social events. I can't even see myself in a suit." "Funny. Come on. Where's your bike?" 

He grumbled, drawing her in the opposite direction, "Have you even seen the time? It must be already over." 

"Let's go congratulate em at least! At least, we'll get cake!" "Ugh, fine."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sierra approached one of the large windows of the grand manor and looked down towards the garden. This was such a breath-taking sight. She could see the green pasture, adorned with exotic flowers extending till the main gate far away. The yellow orange rays of the sunset added a warmth to this wonderful scenery, spreading faint lights through the various tall trees in the garden. 

She acknowledged to herself that most of the guests were already gone. She could see the figure of Christopher Torres entertaining a few gentlemen. She looked at how Carmen gracefully stepped into their conversation and smiled at the men apologetically and they began to leave after embracing them fondly. 

"Who are you spying?" 

She jolted right away when she heard his husky voice behind her. She turned slowly to face him, leaning against the solid window and pensively admired him at this close distance. "Hey, don't ever do that again!" 

He laughed softly as she pouted. He approached her, his gaze dropped from her beautiful face to the golden ring on her finger. It was encrusted with two small violet tanzanite gemstones and a blue diamond stone, having fitted her to the perfection when he slid it along her finger hours ago. 

She had not seen him much after they sliced the cake. He had busied himself with a few guests while she, well, she has made acquaintances with James's brother and sister-in-law. It was an order from him to get on the good side of his family.

Sierra shifted uneasily, "I'm not liking any of this." He stood by her side, looked at the direction she pointed and she said, "You're...betraying your parents. They've put their heart into organising all of this for you." 

He didn't like the way she analysed the situation. His parents were now waving goodbye to the last guests. "That's none of your concern, Sierra." 

She absently said, "You should cherish what you have, love the people close to you... Love them while they're still looking out for you." 

"Are you giving me life lessons, Ms Know-all?" 

She narrowed her eyes, "Be thankful I'm not charging you for them." 

James chuckled. He had a feeling she just spoke from experience. For a moment, they watched in silence as the employees of the manor began to clean up the area rapidly under the orders and guidance of the butler. Her hand accidentally brushed against his and she took a firm breath, taking a step back, "I fulfilled my part of the deal, Mr Torres. Now do yours." 

Why did she break that lovely moment he was enjoying with her? As basic as standing by her side and watching something together with her had been, he had felt it to be different. Her presence specially annoyed him in a way he could not imagine. 

He dived his hand in his pocket, pulled out a brand-new bank card, holding it between two fingers. She beamed, reaching out for it when he hastily withdrew, tucking it back safely in his pocket. 

She frowned, "That's unfair." 

"I'm a man of word, Sierra. Now, unless you give me a valid reason why you want such a sum—" She stood so close to him, surprising him. She defiantly dug her hand in his pocket and again took out the card. 

He held her wrists and braced her hands against the window. She madly snarled as he held her tight, "It's now mine, Torres! Let me go!" He chuckled, his mouth hovering above her lips, "You can have it." 

He loosened his grip and she snatched her hands away, taking the card, "Glad you're being reasonable." She flipped it over, observing it. He leaned close to her, bit her ear and whispered, "But you also need a PIN." 

His warmth was driving her crazy. She held his tie and tugged him even closer as she grumbled, "Give it to me." "I could give you a lot more, Sierra." His mouth feathered against her neck and she shivered, "Mmmh." He teasingly pressed his mouth on her skin and asked, "Is that a yes?"

They heard several steps approaching and she suddenly pushed him away from her. Carmen and Christopher, accompanied by Felicia walked up the stairs, coming face to them. "Here they are!" Sierra averted her eyes, a little flushed. James sighed heavily, somewhat annoyed. 

Felicia glanced at the distance between them and smiled knowingly. Carmen flung her arms around James and excitedly said, "So we've talked and talked and we've all agreed that we should meet Sierra's parents as soon as possible." 

She smiled hesitantly, "Ah? And why so?" 

Carmen exaggerated, "Why so?!" 

Felicia chuckled, "You're not seriously asking that, are you?" 

Christopher warmly held her shoulder, "I know it's a little fast...but in truth, I'm starting to understand why James chose you and not anyone else. Carmen and I would want nothing more than to start the wedding preps. When can we meet your family, Sierra?" 

"Um...I, the thing is...this is not—" James interrupted her, "Father. We'll discuss those matters after we conclude our little deal." Carmen frowned at James but he only crossed his arms, maintaining the eye contact. Felicia worriedly glanced at her father-in-law. Christopher laughed it off, "Right after we meet Sierra's family, my son. I give you a week." 

He scowled, "This wasn't part—" But his father already dismissed him and went on his way along with Carmen and Felicia.

James cursed under his breath, "Sierra, when can we meet your parents?" 

She chuckled sarcastically, "Very funny, Mr Torres." He solemnly held her eyes. She frustratingly said, "The PIN. Now." He inhaled deeply to speak but she frowned, "Leave me out of your family matters, Torres. Give me the numbers."

No wonder she didn't even want to hear about it. James thought for a moment and then shook his head. When she realised he wasn't going to fulfill his damn promise, she was exasperated, "I expect you to honour your part of the contract." 

He took out his phone from his pocket to check out his schedule, "I will but first—" She made it clear, "We're not going to have this conversation. Give me the digits." 

"Relax Sierra. Why are you tense? It'll be just a little meeting with your family." He locked eyes with hers and she gritted, brushing his hand off, "Enough! You're such a bastard. Despicable!" 

She knew there was no point in asking him about it again and she was not one to beg. To hell with him. Shoving him away, she angrily tossed the useless card at him and stormed out. She would not waste time with that moron. She had to figure out something else.

James did not bother himself to run after her. That was not in his habits. He never imagined his parents would bring the topic of marriage so fast. They were...unpredictable. Convincing Sierra would require a bit of skills. He was certain she was not a woman who let people toy with her and that was exactly what he was unintentionally doing. 

He sighed as he looked at the bank card. He could always blackmail her if talks would not suffice. But was he that kind of man? If marriage was what it took to save the corporation, then it was a small price to pay. For her...It might be a bigger deal.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Author's Note:

Updates will be constant as from now. Apologies for the long absence. Thank you for reading Bound to You. Hope you are enjoying the story. Do check out my other stories as well!

~WritingSoldiers