The Vampire's Mafia Princess

Chapter 5

To say that I was not amused was the understatement of the century. I had not heard from Cade since that night and to be honest, I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to. Our pending nuptials were bad enough to digest, but my brain and body had also declared war on each other. Oh, my brain was staunchly in the Cade Amata can suck it camp and my body? Well, it was telling me what exactly he had sucked and how good he was at it. f**k f**k and more f**k. Why did such a panty-dropping man have to be attached to a personality like his? I groaned and put my head in my hands, another week had flown by, and we were one week closer to saying I do. He had said not to worry, he would take care of the arrangements. I simply needed a dress and bridesmaids, but that was a tall order. We also still had the small matter of rings to take care of, which needed to happen sooner than later. As if on cue my phone beeped, a text message alert.

Ms. Kane,

Are you available tomorrow morning? I would like to take you for breakfast and then look for a ring.

Cade

I giggled; the guy wrote the text like he was writing a letter. Did he know what century it was? I responded quickly. Not wanting to draw the morning out either.

Cade, let’s just grab some coffee and get it done. I am dress shopping that afternoon as well. Thanks

My text was normal but looked weird after his. Oh well. His reply came right away.

Ms. Kane,

Let’s meet at 10am, 1369 coffeehouse. They have cold brew growlers; you may need it.

Cade

Well damn, the man wasn’t wrong. I texted back a quick affirmative and stuck my phone in my drawer while making a face. A cold brew growler would indeed get me through the day, so would a line of cocaine but that was off the table. Nikki sidled over, a coffee in hand as she perched on her desk across from me. Her full lips drawn together in an uncharacteristic frown, her long braids down one side of her head, the other half was mostly shaved underneath, a long silver earring dangling from that ear.

“Let me guess, that was your delightful fiancée?” She said mockingly, I moaned, which caused her to erupt in laughter. “Girl, at least he is decent to look at, better than having a shitty personality and looks” she sipped her coffee, feigning innocence.

“Oh sure, that’s easy for you to say. You aren’t the one who is going to have to live with it!” I whined. “Wait, or do I?” Nikki c****d her head questioningly. I continued, excited, “the contract said we had to get married, but it didn’t say a damn thing about living together! Maybe we can keep separate places, so we can have some space without each other.”

Nikki pursued her lips, tapping her nails on the side of her cup, “Sloane, I doubt it. If the media catches wind of you living separate, they will have a field day. And Cade has already taken precautions against that correct? Why would he risk it?” I heaved a sigh; she was right he wouldn’t. I was doomed to live with this delicious stick in the mud; but she was right. The upside was that my eyes wouldn’t be worse for the wear.

The following day

Cade was already waiting when I arrived at 1369 coffeehouse, the place packed with caffeine addicts and the smell of fresh baked goods wafting in the air. He was situated in the corner, trying to look inconspicuous; and failing. He was very good looking and had an ethereal air about him that garnered attention wherever he went. His dark maroon shirt only served to highlight his dark features, it was tucked into a pair of dark wash jeans and secured with a slender leather belt; his shoes were sleek black sneakers. He had an air about him that drew attention, whether he was trying to or not. While he wasn’t a celebrity per say he still got mobbed by people if he was out, he was just well-known enough to get cast some curious glances, especially by the women. I slid into the seat opposite him and noted he had already ordered coffee for us both, and true to his word had gotten me a cold brew growler, cream and sugar situated beside it.

“I was unsure as to how much you put in” he said smoothly, taking a sip of his own drink. Our table was by the window, which meant the sunlight streaming in was only serving to highlight his thick, chocolate-colored locks. My brain immediately imagined my hands tangled in those locks, his delicious deeply intense eyes staring up at me from between my legs and I almost moaned out loud. Quickly crossing my legs to silence the throbbing between them I smiled back at him.

“This is perfect, thank you.” I meant it. I would need all the caffeine to get through today and it was thoughtful of him to order accordingly. My heart was still shaken up, this was not how I had expected to get married; not how I would want it to happen. Yet, despite this, I knew the partnership would be mutually beneficial and Cade wasn’t the worst a girl could do. Gorgeous, a billionaire, and a businessman; the only thing missing was passion. Wait, no, not even that. We had passion in bed, that was for sure. It was just his shitty personality outside of bed, and honestly, maybe I could make that concession for everything else. I made a mental note to make a pros and cons list later. I may need one to remind myself of why exactly I was doing this. I knew I could say no, and my mom had wanted me to even; but when I thought of how many people this would benefit, well. What else could I do? More curious to me was why Cade had insisted on this marriage, why it would void the contract if I said no.

“So,” I asked as nonchalantly as I could, “where are we going to get this evidence?”

“ADCO” he answered simply, unruffled, while I almost choked on my coffee. ADCO was the top store for upscale jewelry, family owned, with trained designers of the highest quality. Each stone that made its way through their door was hand selected. This wouldn’t be cheap, and I was flabbergasted that Cade wanted to go there, sure the man had money, but a fake marriage ring? We could go somewhere a touch cheaper. Pulling myself together I addressed him carefully.

“Mr. Amata, that sort of extravagance isn’t necessary for the situation.” I was proud of myself for saying it so coolly, but he raised an eyebrow and countered.

“Ms. Kane, call me Cade. And no expense is too much when it comes to my fiancée.” Well played sir, well played. Deciding this battle was one that wasn’t worth fighting, I frowned at him.

“If you insist, but know that I do not expect such regularly. I am fairly simple Cade, as I’m sure you will learn.” He snorted derisively.

“Women are never “simple”, Sloane. Yourself included despite what you think.” He stood up, and held a hand out to me, I took it and he helped me up.

“Shall we go my dear?” He asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Lets” I said firmly, making sure to grab my growler of the blessed caffeine before following him out the door.

ADCO was not somewhere I had been before, and I was quite surprised at the understated location and building. I guess when you were famous by right you didn’t have to throw it around. The inside was impeccable, the cases gleaming and full of jewels. The floor was tile and small chandeliers hung from the ceiling, not what I would have expected from the outside. The staff wore cocktail party-type attire, the men in nice pants with button-down shirts, the women in knee-length dresses or skirts and a blouse combination; each looked very classy. Suddenly I felt very, very undressed, despite the fact Cade was equally as casual. He had a very different presence from mine. I was too busy being insecure to notice the slight step from the entrance to the display cases, and with incredible amounts of grace and dignity, fell flat on my face.

A gasp came from everyone in the huge room, and Cade immediately helped me up, asking if I was hurt. I wasn’t just my dignity, but he still insisted on checking my arms and face for marks. A staff member trying to be helpful brought me an ice pack and a bottle of water. Just great. I knew I was burning with embarrassment as I hung my head and held the ice pack to my swollen face. Cade’s hand rested on the small of my back, and I knew it was all for show, but the electricity from his touch shot up my spine. I looked up at him and he was busily talking to a salesperson, asking to be shown settings. Of course, he had just proceeded with business once he knew I was ok, it was foolish to think he may actually care. This was business, sure I got some things out of the deal, but business, nonetheless.

“Sloane” he said, snapping me back to reality. “Do you like any of these settings?” I glared at him, feeling very embarrassed and rushed.

“I need a few minutes to use the restroom” I mustered up a sweet smile, “coffee and all.” He nodded understanding.

“I can show you where that is ma’am”, the saleslady said, gesturing that I should follow her. I did and studied her as we walked. She was tall, every inch of her curves cloaked in a knee-length, form-fitting navy blue dress. Her blonde hair was twirled into a messy updo, and she walked with ease in her high heels, silver dangling earrings bouncing with the motion. Someone like this was who Cade needed to be seen with, not someone like me. I looked down at my flip flops, unpedicured toenails and fingernails and sighed inwardly.

“Here you are” she chirped helpfully, showing me a sleek silver door. I smiled and thanked her, pushing the cool metal I entered. I looked like a hot mess. Admittedly, I hadn’t tried to dress to impress. I had not thought we would be going somewhere so upscale. Looking at myself in the full-length mirror, I cringed. My curly, light brown hair was snarled and frizzy with humidity, my grey eyes looked more tired than I was, and my clothes suddenly seemed quite rumpled. Wetting my hands slightly, I smoothed down my hair and pulled it back into a low ponytail and pinched my cheeks, bringing some color into them. My clothes I was helpless to do anything with, I had dressed for my shopping expedition with Nikki and gone with comfort, not thinking anything more would be required today. I fished in my purse for my lip gloss and slicked it on, smacking my lips slightly. Well, it was far from perfect, but a definite improvement. Only one thing to do, and that was what I came here for, or rather my excuse. When I was done in the bathroom I rejoined Cade, who had moved to a different display case. He was tall, so tall, and cut quite the figure. His brows furrowed in concentration, and he was deep in conversation with a jeweler. The other man was smiling, so I didn’t think I was interrupted and walked up beside him. Cade turned to me and smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“I wanted to be sure, but you prefer silver to gold, correct?”

“Ah, yes that is right” I responded, wondering how he knew that.

“Then, let me get out another few trays” the jeweler said, looking at me a gentle smile on his face. The only tell I had that he was older was his salt and pepper hair. He brought out several more trays from another case, sparkling settings laid out in plush black velvet. I studied them. Some were downright obnoxious, heavy, and gaudy settings that made my lip curl. Others were too designed, intricate and, while not ugly or gaudy, just simply too much going on. Then I saw it, small diamonds were running up the side asymmetrically, snaking upwards like a vine to come to rest on a 4-prong setting. It was different, unique in a way that wouldn’t attract attention but suited my style. Cade tracked my gaze and nodded at the man. He quickly whisked the other trays away, so that the only one remaining was that particular tray.

“See something?” Cade queried, his hand resting on the display glass by the tray.

“I think I do”, I bent to take a closer look, then gently plucked the ring from its cushion. Studying it, I found it was indeed intricate and beautiful. The diamonds were quite small on the side, but just big enough to sparkle if they caught the light. The asymmetry was wonderful, it didn’t make the ring look off balance, rather gave it an organic feel.

“Try it on” Cade said, his voice cool; jeez not even engagement ring shopping with his contract bride would ruffle him. I slid it easily onto my finger, noting it was slightly too big but a decent fit. He grunted in approval. He fished around in his pocket and brought out a small soft pouch and pulled a box out of it. Handing it to the jeweler, he said

“I’d like this for the diamond if possible.” The man nodded as he opened the box and then let out an audible gasp. My eyebrows went up, what he was gasping at, curious I craned my neck to see and about fainted. Cade had handed the man a red diamond. Red diamonds are known to be the most rare and expensive in the world, even more so than pink or blue ones. They aren’t any different in their properties than colorless diamonds, however, but damn, are they hard to get ahold of and insanely expensive. Cade’s finger slid under my jaw and pushed up.

“Sloane, you are catching flies” he murmured, a smile in his voice as he closed my gaping jaw. I cleared my throat.

“Cade, you can’t be serious” I whisper yelled through clenched teeth.

“Do you have an issue with being spoiled mea femina (my woman)?” He asked simply. Knowing I couldn’t air our business here, I shut my mouth and shot him an unhappy look. I’m sure the staff were baffled as to why I would even fuss about receiving such a ring, but they didn’t know this was fake; and I didn’t need extravagance for something that wasn’t even real. The jeweler whisked the box and setting away, then quickly took my measurements so he could re-size it. I would be finished in a matter of days, and they would contact Cade to pick it up. The thought made my throat dry. This was becoming real, too real in fact. I needed to leave, and it needed to happen now. The air was beginning to feel thick and stifling. Slipping my hand into Cade’s, I gave his hand a squeeze, trying to get his attention. His eyes flicked to me briefly and I thought I saw the barest hint of a nod. I let go of his hand and headed outside, careful not to fall on the step as I exited.

Sitting on the stoop, I drew in a deep breath, in for four out for four I could do this. It was ok. I would be well taken care of. In fact Cade was going to spoil me. Like a sugar daddy, a very sexy sugar daddy. Right, that was how I had to think of it. A business transaction or trade with a very delicious sugar daddy who was going to spoil me rotten. Hey, that didn’t sound half bad at all! Except I wasn’t in love with him, and therein lay the problem. I put my head in my hands and drew in a deep sigh. Why me? Why had the contract insisted we be married, or it would be void? I knew something was happening here, I simply didn’t know what or why and if I was honest, it was really making me anxious. Cade would treat me well as a business partner. There was no doubting that, but we did not need to get married to be in business together. To my surprise, I felt a single tear roll down my cheek. I swiped at it angrily. I would not cry, this was business! I heard footsteps behind me and knew it was Cade. He settled down on the stoop beside me.

“Are you ok Ms. Kane?” His voice was void of any emotion or concern and I felt anger flare in my chest.

“I’m fine Mr. Amata” I said briskly, getting to my feet and dusting my pants off. I had things to do and wallowing in self-pity about being forced into a loveless marriage wasn’t one of them. His eyes narrowed and he clearly didn’t believe me, but he nodded and got up anyway; not pushing me further. We rode in silence, the only noise my voice telling him where to drop me off. I had texted Nikki and would meet her at the dress shop shortly, which worked out well. Cade pulled up to the curb and got out, opening my door for me.

“I hope you find what you are looking for, Ms. Kane” he said quietly as I exited the car. I smiled, a bit sadly, and placing my hand on his arm, looked up at him and said,

“That isn’t an option anymore, Mr. Amata.”