Bella (A Sagatori Family Saga a Mafia Romance Book 3) by Kimberly Blalock Page B

appointments?”
    “Your fundraiser, you were scheduled to have a meeting with Megan at one this afternoon.”
    What was today? Had I forgotten? “I’m not entirely sure to be honest. I haven’t been able to reach her.”
    Jax sat across from me adding a bit of milk to his tea then stirring it with his spoon. “She will need to reschedule this meeting today as we will be busy, Alessandra, and that will be all.” He dismissed her.
    “Of course, Mr. Moretti, Bella.” She snuck a wink in my direction. I smiled then released it as soon as she’d turned.
    “I’d prefer if you didn’t continue with this project.” The spoon clanked against the small plate that held his tea. The cup came to his lips and then he sipped. “I’m sure you can find something else to keep you busy. I’d like for you to redecorate.”
    My posture straightened and my hands gripped the edge of the table. Heat flushed my cheeks and anger seethed through my veins. “Jax, I will not give this up, and you will certainly not keep me around as your personal decorator.”
    He stilled, sitting his cup down harshly leaving the sound of porcelain to ring through my ears. He was angry that I’d refused what he’d suggested, but he’d get over it. “Isabella, I believe that you should consider your words.” His eyes narrowed; he was giving a warning.
    “Really, Jax? You think I’m an animal in a cage that you can train?” My head tilted to the side watching him, his movements, however slight, were also tense.
    “Bella,” he sighed, not speaking further.
    He seemed different, tired maybe. My fingers slid from the edge of the table to the fork that laid out in front of me, touching along the pointy end. I was being a bitch again. As much as I had hated Jax, as much as I wanted to hate him, I couldn’t.
    His face held indication that he was becoming bored with my disdainful words. I folded my posture. I knew this was how I protected myself from the pain and hurt that was sure to come eventually when my walls were down. I knew the moment I let down my protective walls with Jax Moretti my heart would belong to him. After last night I had no doubt. But Jax had already assured me that he had no desire to love. That had me thinking… What about me? What about my feelings? Was I expected to endure a relationship without love? I must stay away from the idea of love, right? Should I concede to the idea that a man could love me?
    “Eat,” he ordered and raised a small remote into the palm of his hand. Beautiful, light sounds filled the room, instantly calming me.
    “What is this?”
    “Madam Butterfly,” he said with closed eyes. He was feeling the music, taking it into his soul. He was a peaceful man when he listened to the opera. I was also different. I couldn’t possibly explain what the opera did to me. Magical, intense, unrealistic seeds of comfort and pleasure took deep root into my soul.
    “Tell me the story.” I shifted towards the table while my chin rested on my hands.
    He drew a deep breath as he opened his eyes. “This one is a bit dark.” He sipped his tea then sat the small round tea cup onto the dish it had arrived on. “I recommend you simply appreciate the sound.”
    “Why won’t you tell me?” Jax intrigued me in that moment. He had a secret kept behind his lips. Secrets I wanted to be privy of.
    A smile lifted his cheeks as his eyes narrowed with lines drawing at the edges of his dark eyes. “It’s no big deal.”
    “Tell me, Jax.” My lips were open, eyes wide, posture stiff. I was determined to have the answers. “If it’s no big deal, then tell me.” The music continued and instead of enjoying it, I wanted to know. Secrets so familiar remained in my life. Secrets I’d never have knowledge of, but this he wouldn’t keep from me, and if he did then I’d simply get the information on my own.
    “No,” he said flatly.
    “Maybe you don’t know then,” I bit. “That’s fine, Jax. I will learn it on my own.”